What does a Mobile Security Officer do?

If you’re thinking of getting your SIA licence and working in security then there are a range of different roles that will be open to you. The best one for you will ultimately come down to personal preference, your skillset and how you feel about factors such as location, whether you’re happy working nights, if you want to be based at the same site or prefer more variety, and how you feel about working with the general public.

You can find out more in our blog: What physical security job is right for you?

And if you’re thinking of making a move to security from the armed forces take a look at: Moving from the armed forces to a career in security

In this blog, we are going to focus on what it’s like to be a Mobile Security Officer, as part of our team here at Venture.

What are mobile security patrols?

A mobile security patrol involves having a security officer visit the premises an agreed number of times throughout the night.

Each of the patrols is carried out at a random time, so there is no obvious pattern. This means would-be criminals have no idea how long they might have to attempt something, before the officer returns.

The frequency of the visits will be agreed as part of the security contract but may typically be anything from one to six patrols a night and may also be required on weekend and bank holiday daytimes.

What does a mobile security patrol entail?

Once our officer is on a client’s site they will check for any issues and deal with them appropriately.

For example, they will carry out checks on the buildings to ensure they are fully secure and that no windows or doors have been left unlocked. In some cases, they may also assist with pre-agreed maintenance tasks, such as checking lighting or watering plants.

In addition, mobile patrol officers may be given responsibility for securing and unlocking client sites in the evening and morning. They may also respond to alarm activations.

What happens if an officer spots a problem?

In most cases, issues such as open windows and doors, or lights left on, can be rectified instantly. The officer will record the details – along with taking photos - and an electronic report will then be sent to the customer.

If any serious or urgent issues are detected, the security officer will assess the situation and communicate this to their manager, the key contact at the company and to the emergency services if necessary.

What training and equipment are mobile patrol officers given?

All security officers are required by law to hold a valid SIA licence. They also need to have a full, clean driving licence, as they will typically be travelling independently between client sites. At Venture, our mobile patrol officers are provided with a well-maintained company vehicle and full uniform, including body worn cameras as standard.

Our officers receive ongoing training in areas including mobile security operations, conflict management, crime scene preservation, mental health first aid and physical first aid.

We are also big believers in professional development, so always open to officers extending their skillset with additional training too.

The Venture Security Mobile Patrol Team

Our mobile patrol officers are in action every day supporting our clients.

While they will work independently a majority of the time, all our officers are part of a very close-knit team and have the backing of our experienced head office staff at all times too, 24/7.

The safety of all our officers – whether they are working alone or in a team setting - is of paramount importance to us, so we have comprehensive processes in place to ensure this. These processes recognise the unique duties of each patrol officer.

Officer in the spotlight - Liz

Liz joined the team here at Venture in January 2020 and is a valued member of our mobile patrol team. For Liz, working nights is something she really enjoys, and which fits with her busy family life.

Before joining Venture, Liz was working in nursing in a mental health hospital and also had a second job working in security. But she was unhappy with the security company she was working for, so when she came across Venture and saw we were recruiting for a mobile patrol officer, she thought she’d give it a go and switch from static guarding to mobile.

Liz said: “I know it’s not for everyone, but I’ve always really enjoyed working nights and it fits in with my family life. I also find it very satisfying looking after people’s properties. Customers are putting their trust in you, and I take great pride in doing my job to the best of my ability.”

Officer in the spotlight - Otis

Otis joined our team in 2013 and with more than 17 years frontline security experience, is one of our most experienced mobile patrol officers.

For Otis, the best thing about his job is getting to work independently, while still being part of a close-knit team. Before joining Venture, he was a soldier in the British Armed forces and initially worked in security as a second job.

Otis said: “I like that I’m working independently. I get my brief and can just get on with it, but I know back up is always there if I need it. Even if I just have a question about something I can call my manager at any time, and we’ll make a decision together. Coming from a military background, I feel right at home in this job. Having time by myself is great too. I like to drive in my van listening to music – I just love rock and roll!”

Other useful resources

Interested in getting a job in security? You can find out more here:

• Applying for your SIA licence
• What physical security job is right for you?
• Moving from the armed forces to a career in security
• What makes a great security officer?

Ready to apply?

You can view our current vacancies here: https://uk.indeed.com/cmp/Venture-Security/jobs