What Does a Security Supervisor Do?

A security supervisor is in charge of managing different aspects of a security department for a business or government agency. Some of the duties directly involved with this job involve supervising other security staff, monitoring security equipment, assembling and training security teams, and documenting abnormal occurrences on a job site. Individuals working in a security supervisor position are often required to meet with other supervisory employees to communicate important security matters.

Those working in security jobs are expected to be trustworthy, have a keen eye for detail, be organized and able to manage others effectively. A supervisor cannot have a criminal background and, if a job requires such, supervisors may be required to carry a firearm and must be able to obtain legal permission to do so. Individuals working in security management jobs typically are placed in those positions after proving their skills in a lower-level security career. In some instances, security supervisors are also required to undergo special training associated with their security duties.

Precise security supervisor duties typically vary according to the industry and the employer that an individual works for. Almost all security supervisors, however, are responsible for hiring, training, managing, disciplining and, when necessary, firing other security staff members who work under them. Most jobs of this type, therefore, require a fair amount of detailed record keeping.

It is not unusual for a security supervisor to be required to operate computer programs for the purpose of monitoring employees and information, gathering data and storing information. A security supervisor may also work with technical staff members to assure that computer data is safe and secure. In addition to computer programs, security supervisors are sometimes required to operate complex camera and monitoring equipment.

Some security supervisors work in an office setting while others patrol the grounds of a business where they are employed. Often, a supervisor is required to greet visitors and make sure they are properly accounted for at all times. When threats to security arise, a supervisor must also be ready to instruct staff members to take appropriate measures to alleviate that threat.

Often, a security supervisor works with local police departments. Such is particularly true when a security breech has occurred and it is necessary for an outside investigation to take place. In this capacity, a security supervisor may be required to share sensitive security information in order to solve a crime.