When we think about security guards and security officers, it’s easy for stereotypical images of mall cops or a bouncer at a bar to come to mind. However, these often laughable personas we see in movies and on TV are so far from the truth. Although these individuals may perform varying levels of duties, the reality is that they’re essential professionals who hold a great deal of responsibility when it comes to the safety of our neighborhoods, businesses and the country as a whole.
A Dangerous Profession
The name “security officer” or “protective agent” hardly covers what these incredibly important people do. Oftentimes, we see former military and law enforcement taking up roles in the private sector whether that be for monetary transport, private events, high-ranking leaders or personal protection. It’s a near selfless service that requires experience, judgement and tact. If you’re one of these individuals, we applaud you and please, give yourself a pat on the back for stepping up to the plate to ensure the safety of others.
At Safe Life Defense, we know your life’s work comes with a high-stress load and a potentially heavy price you may or may not end up unwillingly paying someday. Our goal is to help you reduce that risk drastically with life-saving gear. There’s always the potential for danger and a need for constant training that will keep you on your A-game. Saying you need to “stay on your toes” would be an understatement because you live in condition yellow.
It’s a Mad World
We don’t have to tell you we’re living in a new era of chaos in today’s society. You know this because you’re in the thick of it protecting people, property and vital information every day. Governments rely on you, correctional facilities rely on you and so do critical infrastructure sectors. Some guard sites like research facilities that store chemical and biological agents, as well as our import and export harbors, and computerized centers with military installations. Others serve closer to home in schools, churches and places of work.
In recent years we’ve seen mass shootings in nightclubs, active shooters in schools and tragedy in our streets. There are threats of all kinds; old and young, rich and poor, and it’s not just guns that security officers face. Lethal weapons can also be those of opportunity like crowbars, metal pipes or an addict with a needle in hand. Working long hours alone and in dangerous situations, the job is a hard one with an even more harsh reality. The security industry has changed, and now security officers are seeing through the lens of law enforcement. It’s a job that can be just as dangerous. People see a uniform, not the person behind it.
The Real Cost of Protection
According to Forbes, almost as many security personnel lost their lives on the job each year as police officers. Bloomberg states that being in the security industry is the 27th most deadly job (with nearly 8 out of every 10,000 guards dying annually). We have to stop and ask ourselves why the death toll is so high. Our protectors deserve more. You deserve more. No one should be unprepared for a job that could carry the ultimate cost, and it’s in the best interest of agencies to put better protective measures in place for all employees, too.
What many often fail to see is that these career choices and the people in them make a real difference. They save lives. Yet, many still only have Tasers, handcuffs and pepper spray against armed assailants and evil-doers. That’s why we must also ask the hard questions, “How can we better help you?” “How can we get security personnel the protection they need and deserve.” One simple solution is to start with body armor for all. And if you’re reading this now, you’ve come to the right place. We at Safe Life Defense are so adamant about getting critical safety gear, like body armor, vests, carriers and rifle plates into the hands of all those on the front lines, including security companies.
High-quality body armor should be an essential item for all those who regularly enter potentially dangerous situations. If you’re looking to be covered in a variety of defensive scenarios, adding a specialized Safe Life Defense vest to your personal protection arsenal is a great next step. Our Concealable Enhanced Multi-Threat™ Vest Level IIIA+ is not just bullet resistant but also slash, stab and punch resistant. However, if your protective needs are more basic, we’ve got you covered there too with body armor bundles and safety accessories.
Why Body Armor Is a Must, Not a Maybe
If you’re a security agency owner or employee, here are just a few of the ways body armor can benefit your company:
- Draws new employees in with a promise of optimal safety from the start
- Makes your agency more successful because you’re ready to handle a wider variety of situations
- Creates opportunity to reach new heights with high-ranking clients and lucrative contracts
- Fosters confidence, camaraderie and hope amongst employees, as well as high retention rates
- Saves lives and ensures your people are safe, prepared and as protected as possible
- Lowers your overall risk as a business owner or individual party
We interviewed Sergeant Holmes of Black Knight Patrol. They are a full-service private security company specializing in security guards, vehicle patrol, event staff, executive protection and explosives detection K-9. Check out what he has to say about Safe Life Defense’s products:
We’re Here to Help
Whether you’re buying ballistic vests and body armor for a team or yourself, we’d like to encourage you to reach out to us today with any questions you may have at 702-829-4029 or visit us online. We use the highest-quality materials, rigorous testing standards and believe that once you experience our products for yourself, you’ll love the peace of mind they provide. You’re doing important work and we’re here to make sure you can keep doing that. Invest in your safety today so you can ensure your future is secure tomorrow and for years to come.
I work in Security. I do executive protection and site security. Over the years I have seen the danger increase. In the last three years I have been attacked five times. As the world and people in general get angrier at the government or whomever. They take it out on the world around them. This the need for security. Police cannot be everywhere.
Thank you for your giveaways, I am hoping to win. I can’t be the only security officer who’s trying to win a vest.
Most security officer are underpaid and have little to no training. And most security companies don’t care about their personnel. Looked down upon by law enforcement and society. When a security officer dies no one hears about it in the news and theirs no fancy funerals. It’s a tough job and doesn’t attract the best candidates. I agree there is a place for security personnel because the police can’t be everywhere and Im glad safe life is willing to help out where it can.
Good article, the pay and protection isn’t enough depending on the site we work. Personally i’ve been threatened with a gun three times on the job.
One of our officers was patrolling an area outdoors at night and was attacked by three men trying to commit burglary, he drew his gun and they ran away, he didn’t shoot either.
From that same location a month later a different officer radio’d for help, when I got there after unlocking the gate he told me two men tried to break in, I had my gun and 3500 lumen flashlight and briefly searched the woods making sure they had left and weren’t hiding.
I did buy the Level 3 A + Concealable Armor and i’ve told multiple people about it, one of them even drove to my site just to ask me about it.
It’s a dangerous job that I see only getting worse, if someone really wants to be in Security which I don’t recommend, either start your own PROFESSIONAL company or become a PPO/Body Guard and make six figures or more.
On behalf of all security officers, thank you for this blog! I work security for the city bus company and work very closely with the city police at the bus station. Although the police officers give us much respect, we do not get the same from the public or even the client. And I work the overnight shifts by myself with no immediate back-up. So I really appreciate your blog which brings attention to the important responsibilities that security officers have and get little to no credit or respect for the job being done.
THANK YOU!!
I have been in the security profession for over 14 years. My capacity as an armed officer, personal protection officer and now a K9 officer really has shown me the immediate need and threat that private businesses and people need to safe guard against a multitude of threats. Im thank full for safelife defenses gear. It has made a drastic difference in how I work. Being comfortable and doing my duty while doing so makes it all the difference.
I like your blog!! I have recently started a blog myself! If you would like to check it out, it’s MacesOasis.net
Any Security Professional who doesn’t wear a bullet resistant vest, in uniform or in plain clothes, puts his life at risk, and that of his co-worker(s). Wear your vest, all day, every day. It’s a an in-vest-ment in your life and your safety.
I’m interested in using your body armor. I’m already an owner of level 3A. I’d like to see if there is any kind of relationship to start for my company? We stand in the Gap!