ARMED SECURITY OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTION

Healthcare campuses demand more than physical presence. An Armed Security Officer in a hospital or medical center carries statutory authority to detain, restrain, and escort, responsibilities that set this role apart from general commercial security. Facilities serving patients, clinical staff, and visiting families operate under the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) standards, and officers here must balance lawful force with the de-escalation skills that acute-care environments require. Patient safety is the measure.

As the Armed Security Officer, you protect the physical safety of patients, clinical staff, and visitors across all areas of a medical center or hospital campus while responding to emergencies under approved Security Department protocols. You operate with a high degree of independence across interior and exterior posts, and your performance is evaluated against IAHSS certification standards and departmental response benchmarks.

Career Impact: Earning the IAHSS Healthcare Security certification in this role establishes a professional credential recognized specifically within hospital and health system security, a pathway that separates career healthcare security officers from general guard backgrounds.

Business Impact: When a code response, patient disturbance, or disaster drill activates, clinical staff depend on your judgment and lawful authority to contain the situation before it affects patient outcomes or facility operations.

Growth Opportunity: Experience managing high-acuity environments, trauma bays, psychiatric units, and emergency departments positions you for advancement into Security Supervisor or Security Manager roles within health system security departments.

• Conduct continuous armed patrols of all interior and exterior areas of the medical center to deter threats and maintain safe conditions.
• Respond to emergency activations, including code responses, disturbances, fires, and disaster drills, according to approved Security Department protocols.
• Investigate security incidents, interview witnesses and victims, and complete formal documentation in compliance with departmental reporting standards.
• Restrain individuals who pose a threat to patients, staff, or visitors and escort personnel as directed by clinical or administrative leadership.
• Monitor and report safety hazards, fire risks, and security vulnerabilities to the appropriate department personnel.
• Secure patient valuables, unlock and lock offices and facilities, and control access to restricted areas across the campus.
• Provide information, assistance, and wayfinding support to patients, visitors, and staff to maintain a safe, service-oriented environment.

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, security management, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of security, law enforcement, or protective services experience, with demonstrated work in high-volume public-facing environments.
• IAHSS Basic Security Officer certification, or the ability to obtain within 120 days of hire.
• Current CPR/BLS certification credentialed through the American Heart Association or equivalent accrediting body.
• ASP Baton certification or demonstrated competency in defensive tactics appropriate to healthcare environments.
• Valid state-required security guard license and current firearms license for armed officer duty.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills sufficient to document incidents and interact professionally with patients, clinical staff, and the public.

• IAHSS Certified Healthcare Security Professional (CHSP) credential, demonstrating advanced competency in health system security operations.
• Prior security experience specifically within a hospital, medical center, or behavioral health facility.
• Certified Law Enforcement credential or prior law enforcement commission from an accredited agency.
• Experience facilitating emergency preparedness drills, disaster simulations, or active-shooter response training in a healthcare setting.

• Emergency response time against Security Department protocol benchmarks, measured per incident log.
• Incident documentation accuracy rate, assessed through supervisory audit of formal reports per quarter.
• Certification compliance rate, tracking the percentage of active officers holding current IAHSS and CPR credentials.
• Use-of-force incident rate per 1,000 patrol hours, reflecting the proportion of encounters resolved without escalation to physical restraint.
• Patrol coverage completion rate, measured as the percentage of scheduled patrol rounds fully logged per shift.
• Typical tools: access control systems (commonly Lenel or Software House); incident reporting platforms (commonly Resolver or Omnigo); CCTV monitoring consoles.

• Base Salary Range: $38,000 – $52,000 per year, depending on licensure and hospital system size
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 2–5% common in larger health system security departments
• Equity: Not typical for this role and industry
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; many hospital employers offer reduced-cost or free coverage for employees
• PTO: 10–15 days annually, increasing with tenure; shift-differential pay common for nights and weekends
• Common Perks: Uniform and equipment provided; tuition reimbursement for security or criminal justice coursework; access to employee assistance programs

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment in this role is contingent on successful completion of a background investigation and, where required by the hiring facility, a pre-employment drug screening consistent with healthcare industry standards. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities upon request. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

The Armed Security Officer owns entry and exit control, roving patrols, and key management to maintain a secure facility environment. Supporting daily operations alongside a security team, this officer shapes site safety by enforcing building regulations, monitoring alarm and fire systems, and enabling swift incident response through accurate administrative documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Control entrance and exit posts.
• Conduct roving patrols.
• Control, issue, and store keys.
• Monitor alarm and fire systems.
• Enforce building rules and regulations.
• Prohibit unauthorized access.
• Respond to incidents, accidents, injuries, and illnesses.
• Provide daily clerical and administrative support, including logs, journals, and pass-downs.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in security or law enforcement required.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to accept and respond to new emergent and unique project task requirements.
• Ability to present ideas clearly and succinctly in both writing and verbally.

Embedded within a security department, the Armed Security Officer patrols property, monitors surveillance equipment, and inspects buildings and access points to maintain a safe and secure environment. Working closely with organizational stakeholders, this officer builds site integrity by completing incident reports, restraining trespassers, and ensuring full compliance with legal requirements.

Core Functions

• Maintain a safe and secure environment by patrolling and monitoring premises and personnel.
• Secure premises by patrolling property, monitoring surveillance equipment, and inspecting buildings, equipment, and access points.
• Prevent losses and damage by reporting irregularities, informing violators of policy and procedures, and restraining trespassers.
• Provide exceptional customer service while maintaining a safe and secure work environment.
• Complete reports by recording observations, information, occurrences, and surveillance activities, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining signatures.
• Maintain organizational stability by complying with legal requirements.
• Maintain the environment by monitoring and setting building and equipment controls.

Qualifications & Experience

• Two years of experience working as an unarmed security guard are required.
• Familiarity with security equipment required.
• Ability to handle physical workload and stand and walk an entire shift is required.
• Strong attention to detail required.
• Excellent communication skills required.
• Must present a professional image.

Reporting to site leadership, the Armed Security Officer delivers first response to emergencies, conducts mobile patrols, and enforces federal and assimilated state law across FLETC-owned or leased installations. Partnering with law enforcement and security personnel, this officer shapes access control and protective service outcomes by managing traffic enforcement, initiating detentions, and guarding property and equipment.

Primary Duties

• Perform first response to emergencies.
• Enforce federal law and assimilate state law.
• Conduct mobile patrols, inspections, and searches.
• Conduct traffic enforcement and traffic investigations.
• Initiate detention and transport of persons.
• Perform protective service work, including guarding owned or leased buildings and property.
• Protect equipment and material and control access to installations by employees, visitors, and residents.
• Arrive at work in proper uniform and carrying all issued equipment.
• Participate in Guard Mount, receive assigned post, and copy any extra instructions.
• Carry out general and special orders for the assigned post.
• Communicate via radio, telephone, and orally according to orders.
• Conduct personnel, vehicular, building, and facility checks, as well as package and parcel inspections.

Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of three years' full-time experience with a civilian law enforcement agency, military police, or government or civilian security guard organization, or previous full commission by an accredited law enforcement agency, or a diploma or certificate from a Federal, State, local, or military service-approved basic law enforcement or physical security academy.
• Minimum of one year of specialized experience directly related to physical security or law enforcement.
• Must meet or exceed the Minimum Medical and Physical Standards for Armed Security Officers as outlined in the Interagency Security Committee Best Practices, Appendix B.
• Must complete and pass the Active Shooter Threat Training Program.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's licence.
• Must satisfactorily pass initial and random drug testing and initial psychological testing.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays as needed.

Sitting at the intersection of public safety and healthcare, the Armed Security Officer patrols internal and external premises, provides physical restraint against threats, and delivers specialized personal protection for visiting dignitaries to safeguard staff, patients, and visitors. Operating across clinical environments in Florida, this officer supports institutional security by conducting investigations, completing formal reports, and maintaining strong working relationships with patients, staff, and coworkers.

Duties

• Patrol internal and external premises.
• Monitor visitor conduct and ascertain the legitimacy of suspected unauthorized persons.
• Control and enforce parking and traffic flow.
• Provide physical restraint against those who endanger staff, patients, and visitors, and provide escort to personnel as appropriate.
• Unlock offices and facilities and secure patient valuables.
• Report safety, security, and fire hazards.
• Respond to requests for assistance from clinic personnel, patients, and visitors.
• Interview victims and witnesses and complete thorough investigative formal reports.
• Provide specialized personal protection for visiting dignitaries and VIPs.
• Maintain department supplies and equipment.
• Develop and maintain good relations with patients, visitors, staff, and coworkers.

Requirements

• State of Florida Class D licence required.
• State of Florida Class G firearms licence required.
• Proof of certification for firearm training required.
• At least two years' experience required.
• Must have good oral, written, interpersonal, and analytical communication skills sufficient to document and investigate activities.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality is required.
• Follows Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment as required for procedures.

A key member of the nuclear site security team, the Quad Armed Security Officer conducts armed stationary, foot, and vehicle patrols of interior and exterior areas while monitoring CCTV, plant surveillance equipment, and alarm systems to deter criminal activity and safety violations. Collaborating across operations and training functions, this officer builds site protection capacity by qualifying with a handgun, shotgun, and rifle and completing nuclear-specific training covering radiation worker principles and respirator protocols.

Functions

• Conduct armed stationary, foot, and vehicle patrols of interior and exterior areas.
• Control access and egress of personnel, materials, and vehicles.
• Monitor CCTV, plant surveillance equipment, and alarm systems.
• Perform search activities and equipment testing.
• Respond to threats, contingency events, and deter criminal activity, misconduct, and safety violations.
• Perform other duties as specified in the nuclear training and qualification plan and post orders.

Experience & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must qualify with a handgun, shotgun, and rifle per the client site training and qualification plan.
• Must complete nuclear site-specific training and testing covering nuclear power generation science and principles, radiation worker principles, and respirator training, fit, and dress out.
• Must be able to operate radio or telephone equipment, console monitors, and surveillance equipment.
• Ability to interact cordially and communicate with the public is required.

Sustained patient and visitor safety at a medical center depends on the Armed Security Officer, who delivers continuous patrols of all areas and responds to emergency situations according to approved Security Department protocol. Based within a healthcare environment, this officer leads crisis mitigation across code responses, disturbances, and disaster drills while maintaining patrol vehicles and all issued equipment in proper working order.

Accountabilities

• Provide continuous security patrols of all areas of the medical center.
• Respond to emergencies according to approved Security Department protocol.
• Mitigate crises, including code responses, disturbances, fires, and disaster drills.
• Ensure all equipment issued and used during duties is properly maintained, and all documentation on patrol vehicles is completed.
• Maintain the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.

Technical Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Less than two years of experience required.
• Must meet applicable governmental requirements for the role.
• ASP Baton certification required.
• CPR certification required.
• IAHSS certification required.
• Strong attention to detail.

As the Armed Security Officer, this role delivers proactive monitoring of security threats, investigates and documents incidents, and facilitates emergency drills to ensure a safe environment for staff and visitors across a healthcare setting. The security department relies on this work to maintain compliance with alarm and emergency preparedness policies and to provide timely information and assistance that supports overall facility safety.

Activities

• Provide security services to ensure a safe environment for staff and visitors.
• Perform proactive monitoring of and timely responses to potential and actual security threats.
• Investigate, document, and manage security incidents and hazards.
• Maintain knowledge of and follow policies and procedures regarding alarms and emergency and disaster preparedness plans.
• Facilitate planned drills and simulations.
• Provide information and assistance to staff and visitors to promote safety.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Security Guard certification required within 120 days of hire or job transfer date.
• BLS Provider credentialed from the American Heart Association preferred.
• Certified Law Enforcement preferred.
• Security Professional specialising in Healthcare, credentialed from the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety preferred.
• Successfully passing a background investigation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.