The main function of security officers is to deter and prevent criminal activity, protect the premises and property from loss and damage, and provide information to the police. Security officers perform a valuable function and are important in the management and security of property and people. However, security officers can also be employed to perform other services, including as a bodyguard, guard dog handler, trainer, watchman, police liaison officer, and information security officer.

A security officer has legal obligations as well as duties. A security officer may be hired to perform certain duties, but those duties are limited by the terms of the employment agreement. For example, a security officer may be employed to act as a watchman, but the terms of the employment agreement may limit the duties of the security officer to providing information to the police and the protection of property and people.

A security officer has a duty to be alert and observe for suspicious activity. A security officer may be required to report suspicious activity to the police. An example of a duty to report suspicious activity is the duty of a security company London working at a bank to report any suspicious activity. However, if a security officer suspects that someone is trying to commit a crime, the security officer has a duty to intervene. An example of a duty to intervene is the duty of a security officer working at an armed forces recruitment office to report any suspicious activity to the police.

A security officer has a duty to take reasonable care to ensure the safety of the people and property in the security officer’s care. A security officer is required to exercise reasonable care to prevent injury to people and damage to property in the security officer’s care. For example, if the security officer is employed to provide security at a car show, the security officer may be required to ensure that people entering the show area are not injured in a fall, that vehicles are not damaged, and that any parked vehicles are not damaged by the other cars in the show area. A security officer may be required to ensure that vehicles are locked before the show begins.