Night Shift Security Officer

Typical job description and responsibilities

The Night Shift Security Officer has a very important job, and is expected to be able to remain alert and focused during nighttime hours. Most businesses are vulnerable at night, and count on the security systems that they have in place to keep their premises safe. However, even with these systems, they can still fall victim to theft. The Night Shift Security Officer adds an extra layer of security that gives business owners confidence. You can expect to be on your feet regularly, because patrols of the site will be part of your responsibilities.

Make sure to get familiar with the building you’re protecting, so you’re aware of where the points of risk are. In some cases, you’ll be one of a team of security officers, but there’s also a chance that you could be posted to protect a smaller business by yourself. It all depends on the job you choose.

Following training for this role, you will be equipped with the skills to:

• Conduct regular area patrols
• Detect suspicious behavior
• Supervise and control access to your assigned location
• Effectively monitor alarm systems

Night Shift Security Officers are also responsible for:  

• Completing security documentation
• Monitoring CCTV activity (for which you need an SIA CCTV Operator License)
• Communicating clearly with staff at all levels of the organization

Working Conditions

You need to be able to stay alert during the hours that most people are asleep. The lack of night sleep, combined with long hours and patrols, means it’s a good idea to be in peak physical shape.

When working as part of a security team, shifts may be established so that you can have some time off to rest your eyes, but in an emergency you should be able to respond quickly.

Skills and personal qualities required: 

A Night Shift Security Officer needs to be:

• Detail-oriented 
• Physically fit
• A quick problem solver
• Able to quickly communicate with the rest of the team and coordinate
• Able to follow the correct security procedures
• Knowledgeable of licensing laws and health and safety regulations
• Able to write incident reports 

Education required

This is a position that may require you to constantly communicate with the rest of your team and so it's very important that you have the right English language skills. While GCSEs are not officially required, English language skills are also important since you will be required to write reports regularly.

Benefits of the job:

• Increased earnings as you become more trusted
• Developing real investigative skills
• Learning more about security monitoring systems
• Learning how to respond to emergencies
• Develop observational skills
• Learn about people skills
• Learn to keep your concentration even when you are tired