What do you picture when you think of a security guard? Maybe you see a young strong male, sternly enforcing rules and order? You might be shocked to learn that of the 800,000+ security guards employed in the US, 28% of them are women. And the number of female security guards is growing.
Not long ago, women security guards were almost non-existent. But the traditionally male dominated business of security is changing from the stereotypical association of physical strength with effective security work. The majority of security jobs are low-risk, non-physical, and non-confrontational- e.g. patrolling boundaries, access control, checking ID’s, or video surveillance like monitoring CCTV systems. Any skilled guard with training, communication skills, fitness, and the right security guard tools can handle countless security roles — regardless of gender. And additional training in crowd management strategies can be incorporated to further ensure safety and order
Fueling this change is the growing recognition that multiple industries need specifically tailored security personnel of both men and women. Only diverse security teams allow security companies to cater to the greatest variety of their clients’ business needs.
What are examples supporting diversity in the security field?
- A night club or bar likely wants a more “traditional-looking” burly security guard to work their doors. But corporate clients or office/hotel administrators whose company brands call for a more subtle security presence often choose a female security for their professional concierge security roles.
- There is a growing demand for female bodyguards. Such clients still want trained security, but with an unobtrusive lady security guard that looks like a personal assistant or nanny, and doesn’t draw attention to the customer.
- Some access-control situations such as security pat downs/body searches of other women, along with female-only spaces like store bathrooms or dressing rooms call for a woman security officer. Obviously male security counterparts are used in male pat down situations/male-only spaces as well.
- Women are seen as less-threatening and skilled at defusing scenarios verbally rather than with physical intervention. Some clients wanting to maintain a welcoming brand (e.g. healthcare facilities, hospitality businesses, cultural centers) might choose female security. The reverse would hold for male security guards being used more aggressively in higher risk venues such as banks, jewelers, or concerts.
Security guard companies are slowly recognizing that these varied roles require a diverse security staff of both men and women.
How Do You Grow Your Security Guard Career?
If you are a woman growing your career in this security industry that is still heavily male-dominated, networking can be your key to advancing your career.
There are some networking groups in the security industry specifically designed to aid women in security careers.
- The Security Industry Association (SIA) has a Women in Security Forum to support the participation of women in the industry.
- ASIS (American Society for Industrial Security) has its Women in Security Council, with several chapters regularly hosting events for women in security.
- Women in Cybersecurity is a not-for-profit organization that makes a continuing effort to recruit, retain and advance women in that particular sector.
- Women of Security (WoSEC) is for women who are working in or are interested in security and tech.
- SecurityWomen is a global advocacy organization working for the inclusion of more women in security sector institutions including the military and police.
In conclusion, many believe that it is an advantage to be a woman working in security today. There is undoubtedly still a wage gap- on average women security guards earn 99 cents to a male security guard’s $1. However, for a more in-depth look at salaries for US security guards, it’s evident that there are growing career opportunities in multiple industries, especially utilities, professional, and manufacturing sectors. Cybersecurity is also a growing opportunity for women, where physical abilities are enhanced by cutting-edge technology. Today a savvy career woman interested in the security industry has many career opportunities available to her.
