This is the first class in the Security Officer Series. Positions in this class provide protection to specialized facilities such as museums, military installations, warehouses and crime laboratories which have buildings, grounds, and/or contents of high monetary, intrinsic, and/or governmental value; or are assigned to agencies with significant public service activity which may require the control of disorderly persons and which have contents of high monetary value. Positions in this class usually function as security officers with general police powers as authorized by the Code of Virginia with limited jurisdiction as conferred by a Circuit Court or Sheriff, and may carry restraint devises or weapons. This class is distinguished from the Security Officer Senior class by its emphasis on the security of the facility, and safety of people, and the absence of a high frequency need for the use of intervention to restrain clients and protect personnel and visitors. It is distinguished from the Lead Security Guard class by its assignment to a specialty environment with high value contents which are typically targeted for theft and vandalism.

Complexity of Work: Performs security duties of routine difficulty. Enforces the facility’s rules and regulations; and controls access to its buildings and grounds. Monitors behavior of visitors and escorts offenders from the premises. Monitors a variety of facility systems such as lighting, fire safety, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, especially during non-business hours. Completes written reports of routine and unusual events. Patrols premises to ensure security and to provide an official presence. Positions may be assigned responsibility for receiving evidence in crime laboratories for criminal cases, initiating the chain of evidence, maintaining security and protecting integrity of evidence for criminal cases, and storing and transferring evidence.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: Positions work under the immediate supervision of a Security Officer Supervisor or agency administrator. Though not always in direct contact with the supervisor, these positions usually follow explicit standard operating procedures.

Scope: Work affects the condition and readiness of the facility to serve its public.

Impact of Actions: These positions have an impact on the preservation of valuable art works, military equipment and munitions, evidentiary material, and high dollar commodities, and the security and safety of agency personnel and visitors. Performance directly affects costs in time, service, money, and valuables.

Personal Contacts: Positions may have frequent contacts with the public during gatekeeper and patrol duties, or positions may be assigned to non-business hours during which outside contacts are infrequent. These contacts may be confrontational as positions function to control others’ behavior. The less frequent and routine the contact, the more confrontational or potentially dangerous it is likely to be.

Knowledge: Some knowledge of safety and security procedures and internal security procedures and practices of the agency.

Skills: Working skill in the use of security vehicles and equipment related to this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to follow oral and written instructions and procedures; to react appropriately in routine and emergency situations and to utilize equipment required in the conduct of duty.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: Valid Virginia driver’s license.

Education or Training: Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Level and Type of Experience: Some experience in a security position or in a position with related duties.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was established as a result of the statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program. It replaces the ABC Security Police Officer class and some positions in the Institutional Policeman class, effective July 1988.

Last updated: 7/1/88