According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), security guards and gaming surveillance officers in America held about 1.1 million jobs in 2012. The types of jobs and work environment vary.
- Security guards work in a wide variety of places, including public buildings, retail stores, and office buildings, throughout the country and even overseas.
- Gaming surveillance officers and investigators mostly work in the gaming industry and at casino hotels. They are employed only in those states, and on those Indian reservations, where gambling is legal.
Employment by Industry
The general breakdown of industries that employ the most security guards and gaming surveillance officers is as follows:
- Investigation, guard, and armored car services 56%
- Educational services; state, local, and private 6%
- Health care and social assistance 6%
- Accommodation and food services 6%
- Government 5%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Work Environment and Schedules
Many security guards spend a lot of time on their feet, whether standing at their assigned post or patrolling buildings and grounds. Others may sit for extended time behind a counter or in a guardhouse at the entrance to a gated facility or community.
Other than guards who are on duty when the public is not present or who primarily monitor activities from a control center, many guards have a great deal of contact with other employees and the public. Most gaming surveillance officers sit behind a desk observing gamers on video surveillance equipment, although some will also walk the floor.
The work is often routine but can be hazardous. For example, when an altercation occurs, or a person becomes confrontational or produces a weapon, the guard needs to be ready to act appropriately. For this reason, most states have training requirements especially for armed guards.
Security guards experience a higher rate of injuries and illnesses than the national average. That’s due to the potential dangers involved in many types of work, even though the work may be routine for long periods of time. Guards must remain alert for threats to themselves and the people and property they are protecting.
Security guards and gaming surveillance officers usually work shifts of 8 hours, or longer, with rotating schedules.