Security Officer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Community Realty Management

SECURITY OFFICER

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reports to: Community Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt. Position is eligible for overtime.

The Security Officer will receive general supervision, direction and guidance from the Community Manager.

CRM Residential requires a background and drug screening as a condition of employment.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Authoritative verbal communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to learn the layout of the property and buildings.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Security officer training certification preferred.
• Previous experience a plus, but not required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to patrol the property and access areas quickly.
• Physically able to capture and detain individuals if necessary.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and monitoring surveillance equipment.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds at a time.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Patrols and monitors an assigned area; reports suspicious activities to local authorities.
• Monitors surveillance cameras, inspects property and monitors crowds.
• Contacts law enforcement or fire department in case of an emergency.
• After business hours, checks doors, windows, and gates to ensure the property is secure.
• Investigates reports of suspicious activity on the property.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Role of Security Officer vs. Role of On Duty Police

The primary responsibility of the Security Officer is to fulfill assigned duties. A police officer is sworn to uphold the law. This is NOT the function of a Security Officer whose role and responsibilities are clearly different. Both parties can, however, work together to achieve public safety and social order.

Exposure to dangerous situations is neither necessary nor expected. The first response to a perceived or real threat will be to summon civil authorities (Police, Fire, and Ambulance). Handling civil disturbances is the sole responsibility of the police department.

The exercise of judgment and common sense in handling any occurrence, situation or incident is expected of a Security Officer. The ability to act and think as a professional in these instances will insure respect.

Relationship Between Apartment Management and Residents

Each resident pays rent to live in the apartment property and is bound by a contractual agreement (the Lease) which prescribes various rules and regulations with which they must comply while residing in the property. Management and Security Officers share a common objective that all work to achieve…continuing the resident relationship.

Company policy prohibits employee acceptance of gifts, favors, etc. offered by residents.

Traffic Control: To induce a smooth, uncluttered traffic flow within property boundaries is an objective of a security officer on duty. All parking regulations will be enforced. Fire lanes will be cleared of parked vehicles. The opening and closing of gates are to be monitored and will be performed at correct designated times.

Reports: Meaningful reports, describing normal activities, breaches of security, accidents and incidents, are vital to the security program. A daily Shift Report and an Incident Report on any unusual occurrence will be completed. Documentation is vital in the event that circumstances escalate requiring eviction or other legal action.

Familiarity with Physical Plant: To perform in an emergency, general knowledge of the water supply system (including the location of valves), electrical system (including circuit breaker locations), emergency doors, fire extinguisher locations, internal/external communication and any other special equipment are necessary. Each Security Officer will have access to a list of emergency phone numbers at all times. Property boundaries must be known.

Arrest: The police department is the arresting authority. A Security Officer may assist a police officer upon request. A person will not be detained physically, nor will it be verbally suggested that a person may be detained. A Security Officer will not touch or restrain any person. Get a description and a name if possible, of the individual and report this information to the police department. The Security Officer is an arm of Management and has no vested authority beyond that conveyed by Management. The on-duty police officer is in service of a governing municipality.

Duties to the Site

The primary responsibility of a Security Officer is the protection of property and prompt reporting of any damage, malfunction, or unlawful activity. Included in the category are entire common areas in and around the building and all other fixtures, assets and equipment.

The Security Officer is to adhere to the following policies and procedures:

Fire: A small and localized fire may be doused with water, fire extinguisher, or other equipment, as long as there is no risk to personal safety. Report large fires to the fire department along with location and other pertinent details. Immediately contact management. A Security Officer is responsible for human safety and may be called upon to lead evacuation and to assist the Fire Department in locating a fire. Firefighting is best left to professionally trained firefighters, but it is basic that a Security Officer and local fire department work together to develop clear-cur procedures. Know where fire extinguishers and fire hydrants are located.

Horseplay: Children and/or adults indulging in horseplay in common areas shall be asked in a courteous manner to cease their activity. If request is disregarded, follow the predetermined procedure as follows:

• Offenders shall be asked to leave the common area. Call police to eject the offender if necessary, or if excessive noise occurs after 10:00 pm.
• If children or teenagers are involved, an attempt should be made to locate the parents of the offender(s).

Lease Violations: Report any known lease violations to management. Include apartment numbers, names and type of violations.

Criminal Offenses Against Residents: If a resident is victimized, a Security Officer may assist according to the following guidelines:

• If a resident has been robbed or assaulted, prompt action is required. Call local police for assistance. Attempt to determine if victim will sign a complaint against the individual who committed the offenses.
• In the interest of public safety, avoid dangerous situations. Do not confront a suspected offender. Attempt to keep suspect under observation until on duty police arrive. The police shall be given available information regarding offender, i.e., description, location, the direction of travel and any other pertinent information.
• Complete an accurate Incident Report. Include incident details and level of participation by the Security Officer.

Suspicious Person: Be alert for any activities that are suspicious in nature and could become potential breaches of security. Record pertinent descriptive information. Immediately summon police if suspected or verified criminal activity is occurring, vandalism, theft of or from a vehicle. Security Officers shall investigate only if there is no personal danger.

Bicycles and Skateboards: Bicycles and skateboards may not be ridden on sidewalks inside anywhere or on breezeways.

Fights and/or Drunkenness: Attempt to restore order. Notify individuals involved of apartment policy concerning disorderly conduct. If individuals do not cooperate, ask them to

leave or go inside the residence. If the situation gets out of control, request police assistance. Do not get involved physically. Accurate information shall be recorded in the Security Officer’s Daily Activity Report.

A Security Officer shall treat all people with respect and courtesy. Occasionally, someone will be unwilling to return respect and courtesy. Enforce all rules with a fair and friendly manner. Rules can be successfully enforced without use of force. Always be firm, but courteous and consistent. There is no justification to be heavy-handed or unfriendly. A negative approach invites confrontation and is counterproductive. Approach any situation with a smile and an open mind.

Understanding the reasons behind rules help others to comply. Explaining the reason for the rule persuades a violator to understand and encourages compliance.

Report Writing

Two basic forms are used to record incidents, accidents and observations. These forms are:

• Daily Activity Reports
• Incident/Accident Report

The value of these reports is linked to the thought and care in their preparations. Reporting factors of an incident, accident or observation is an essential part of the reporter’s duty. Each report must be accurate and clearly described, yet must be concise.

Every incident report filed should contain a minimum of the following:

1. Type of incident (injury, near miss, property damage, or theft)
2. Address.
3. Date of incident.
4. Time of incident.
5. Name of affected individual.
6. A narrative description of the incident, including the sequence of events and results of the incident. (Security officer should avoid making opinionated statements.)

Incident/Accident reports shall include photographs of serious accidents and incidents involving physical damage to property.

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION MAY NOT BE ALL-INCLUSIVE AND EMPLOYEES ARE EXPECTED TO PERFORM ALL OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED AND DIRECTED BY MANAGEMENT.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND DUTIES MAY BE MODIFIED WHEN DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY MANAGEMENT.

Job Descriptions are intended to present an illustrative description of the range of duties, the scope of responsibility and the required level of knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to describe the primary functions of the job; they are not intended to reflect all duties performed by those assigned to this classification.