HThe security industry is growing and provides a fantastic opportunity for career progression
The security industry in India has experienced tremendous growth, as has the global security sector. In India, the industry employs over one crore security professionals and is growing at a rate of 20 percent per year, outpacing many other sectors. The economic reforms in India have created an increasing demand for security services among industries, corporations, and households, making the security industry a significant contributor to the Indian economy in terms of market share, employment, and tax revenue.
The maintenance of law and order is mainly the responsibility of the police force. However, police services cannot be provided everywhere. It is also seen that the low police-to-citizen ratio is considered one of the driving forces behind the growth of the private security industry. Due to these factors, the government of India is also considering hybrid modes of security. The implementation of the same has already started. Airports and metro stations already have hybrid security with CISF and private guards. The list is only going to grow bigger. Outsourcing some of the non-core tasks of the police is also on the cards.
Hence the huge scope for a career in the security sector. Expansion means more demand and more verticals in the security field, resulting in faster promotions and growth. As the security sector continues to evolve as a career of choice for many young people, with their involvement crucial to its success, what steps are organisations and the industry taking to attract and retain the best young people? The young people should seriously consider a long-term commitment to this sector.
Like many industries, there is some stigma attached, but the security industry is growing and provides a fantastic opportunity for career progression. It also gives opportunities for promotions through the ranks. Many managing directors of security companies started their careers as security officers or supervisors. The exciting thing about the security field today is quick adaptation to new business opportunities internationally with new global threats. One has to respond to a widening range of risks and threats. Hence, there is more demand in different verticals of security.
Career Options for Security Professionals
Some of the career options for security professionals are enumerated below.
Security Manager: A security manager would be responsible for overseeing all security operations, making security guidelines, implementing them, and doing threat analysis or risk assessment. He will also be responsible for preparing the budget for security.
Security Consultant: A security consultant would identify potential security risks and make plans and strategies to mitigate the risks. He will also recommend the best method to overcome the threats, including implementing security technologies and advising on security protocols.
Security Analyst: A security analyst would be assessing the threat level and analysing the security system to ensure that it meets the requirement. Will prepare the standing operating procedure and checks and balances.
Physical Security Expert: The physical protection of any organisation or set-up is the basic security need. A physical security specialist would be responsible for assessing the threat and planning deployment, access control systems, and surveillance systems.
Compliance Officer: Security organisations are manpower-intensive, and they are governed by various rules in security matters, financial matters, and human resources. Compliance is mandatory; without it, they may lose their licence to work and incur heavy penalties. This would involve conducting audits, developing compliance programmes, and providing guidance on legal and regulatory requirements.
Security Command or Control Centre: Individuals with an IT or computer background can be part of the control room, network security, alarm management, crisis response, and HR issues.
Fire Officers: Ensures fire safety, rehearsals, and serviceability of equipment.
Emergency Manager: Emergency response plans for any organisation are very important, and this would be the responsibility of the emergency manager. This would involve identifying potential emergency scenarios, conducting rehearsals and preparedness training, as well as responding to emergencies.
Cyber Security Officers: With the increase in automation, cyber security is a full-fledged field for security professionals. Cybersecurity professionals are responsible for protecting IT infrastructure, networks, and data. They are responsible for preventing data breaches, monitoring the system, and reacting to attacks. There are many options within this sub-sector of security, too.
These are just a few examples of the career options in the security sector. Going to specifics, each role may have specific requirements and areas of expertise depending on the industry or sector they are serving, like refineries, mines, ships, hotels, hospitals, etc. It is therefore important to have the qualifications and skills needed for the particular line.
Requirement Of Skill Sets
The security industry basically deals with humans, be it your team, your client, a visitor, or an intruder. Hence, some of the skill sets required are enumerated below:
Observation and Awareness: Observation and situational awareness are the basic requirements for being proactive in security matters. It involves being attentive to details, recognisingsuspicious behaviour, identifying potential threats, checking suspicious incidents, and mitigating security risks before they escalate.
Critical Thinking: Fast thinking and problem-solving talent are the qualities a security professional must possess. He should be able to assess risks, make sound decisions, and respond appropriately. He should be able to analyse security gaps and vulnerabilities in the physical structure, access control systems, and surveillance measures.
Communication Skill: A security professional has to deal with people from different backgrounds, teams, visitors, and stakeholder groups. They need to convey clear and concise instructions. The team should be able to clearly understand the expectations and guidelines. To diffuse the situations, they need to have empathy, listening skills, and calming verbal communication.
Conflict Resolution: Related to communication skills is the quality of conflict resolution. There could be an incident that leads to a volatile situation. The security professional should be able to deescalate stressful situations and help maintain a positive and cooperative environment.
Emergency Response: Security personnel are the first responders in any crisis. They should be able to assess and respond appropriately. The need to be able to perform multiple tasks like first aid, firefighting, and response in case of a natural calamity or security breach.
Technology Proficiency: The present security environment needs proficiency in technology, being able to absorb the latest technology for the security of the organisation. The latest alarm and surveillance systems are fully automated and linked to control rooms. AI integration and face recognition are now part of modern security setups.
Legal Knowledge: The security professional has to have knowledge of relevant laws and regulations. Laws related to privacy, search, seizure, trespassing, and use of force are a must-know. Knowledge of the law will assist in better coordination with law-enforcing agencies, make informed decisions, and avoid litigation.
Face Of The Security
Company & Client: Security professionals are the first to be contacted by a visitor. They are actually brand ambassadors of their company as well as the clients they are serving. They should be able to create a positive environment and follow the philosophy of “Respect All, Suspect All.”.
Physical Fitness The security office has to lead by example. The task of security may involve chasing, apprehending, and performing a physical search. Fitness will help in reducing the risk of injury to oneself and their team. It will also enhance the confidence of themselves and the team in their leader.
Attracting The Best Candidates:
The industry needs to do a lot to attract young talent into the sector. The security sector should be seen as a credible place to start a career. This sector provides a fantastic opportunity for career progression. It enables them to be promoted through the ranks within the industry. The sector can only benefit from opening itself up better to ambitious young people. There is a need to encourage campus placement of graduates who are doing courses from security-related universities like Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhi Nagar, and Sardar Patel University of Police, Security and Criminal Justice, Jodhpur, and many other universities. Young professionals will definitely bring a positive change to the profession.
-By Maj. Gen. Sanjay Soi (Retd.) Director Binary Global Ltd. Advisor International Institute of Influencers, President Advisory Board EXSTEMPLAR, Advisor Forum for Global Studies
