Identify security threats

Identify security threats during investigations, inspections, or patrols, and perform the necessary actions to minimise or neutralise the threat.

establish safeguarding threats
establish security threats
diagnose security threats
determine security threats
determine safeguarding threats
diagnose safeguarding threats

skill/competence

cross-sector

Identify security threats is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Special forces officer: Special forces officers operate in specialised missions such as counter terrorism missions. They perform combat and intelligence missions in order to impede with enemy equipment and installations, and to gather information on enemy strategy and movement.
Navy officer: Navy officers command missions during conflict and peace times, and supervise training and development of their teams. They supervise combat operations of their team, as well as aid missions, and patrolling missions to ensure peace-keeping. Often they collaborate on a regular basis with the HR department of the HQCS for the best planning of the future needs.
Security guard: Security guards observe, detect irregularities and protect people, buildings and assets. They maintain security at all times by patrolling designated property areas, controlling access at entrances, watching alarm and video recording systems, asking suspicious individuals for identification and reporting infractions and law breaching activities.
Prison officer: Prison officers supervise inmates in a correctional facility and ensure the security and peace-keeping in the facility. They perform checks and searches to ensure compliance to regulations, monitor visitations and the activities of inmates as well as participate in programs of rehabilitation, and ensure records maintenance.
ATM repair technician: ATM repair technicians install, diagnose, maintain and repair automatic teller machines. They travel to their clients’ location to provide their services. ATM repair technicians use hand tools and software to fix malfunctioning money distributors.
Police officer: Police officers use investigation methods to prevent crime, to pursue and apprehend criminals, and protect the public from violent and criminal activities. They perform surveillance and patrol activities to prevent crimes and apprehend offenders. They provide support to victimised parties and the public at large, and fulfil administrative duties.
Court bailiff: Court bailiffs maintain order and security in courtrooms. They transport offenders to and from the courtroom, ensure necessary supplies are present in the courtroom, and investigate the premises and examine individuals to ensure there are no threats. They also open and close court, and call witnesses.
Immigration officer: Immigration officers monitor the eligibility of people, food, electronic devices and merchandise entering a country via an entry point. They use surveillance methods and check identification and documents to ensure entry criteria and custom laws are complied with. They can also conduct interviews with prospective immigrants to verify eligibility and inspect cargo to identify and detect violations.
Police trainer: Police trainers train probationary, new academy recruits, or cadets, and seasoned veterans on the theory and practice necessary to become a police officer. They conduct theoretical lectures on academic subjects such as law, government regulations, community relations and human diversity. Police academy instructors also provide more hands-on, practical instruction regarding physical training, the care of firearms, first aid, self defensive tactics and vehicle operations. They also prepare and develop lesson plans and new training programmes as new law enforcement-related regulations and issues arise. The instructors monitor the students’ progress, evaluate them individually and prepare performance evaluation reports.
Correctional services manager: Correctional services managers manage the operations of a correctional facility. They supervise personnel, develop and oversee correctional procedures, and ensure the operation is compliant with legal regulations. They perform administrative duties and facilitate cooperation with external institutions and staff providing aid to the facility.
Juvenile correctional officer: Juvenile correctional officers monitor and provide security to juvenile offenders. They ensure the safety of the facility compliant with rules and regulations, compile reports on the daily activities as well as in the case of incidents, and report unusual activity. They also supervise rehabilitation procedures of the offenders.
Store detective: Store detectives monitor the activities in the store in order to prevent and detect shoplifting. Once the individual is caught red-handed, they take all the legal measures, including announcing the police.
Artillery officer: Artillery officers offer support in battle in the fields of target acquisition, coordination of information, surveillance and weaponry. They are in charge of tactics, and deployment of weaponry on the field. They also lead soldiers.
Door supervisor: Door supervisors ensure that the people entering public places such as bars, restaurants and concert venues are suitable and that they do not represent potential problems. They enforce legal regulations by checking individuals’ legal age to enter a bar, manage crowds and emergencies, monitor dress codes and handle aggressive and abusive behaviours.
Gate guard: Gate guards control the access and exit to buildings, warehouses or other type of property to prevent unauthorized presence and unwanted incidents. They prevent and identify theft of corporate property, investigate suspicious activities and write reports. Gate guards may assist employees or visitors with requests or indications. They use handheld radio stations to communicate and operate alarm systems and computers.
Armed forces training and education officer: Armed forces training and education officers train probationary, new academy recruits, or cadets, on the theory and practice necessary to become a soldier or a military officer, and need experience as a military officer themselves as a requirement to instruct. They prepare and present theoretical courses and materials during training on subjects such as law, national and international regulations, defense and offense models, world affairs etc. They also conduct the physical training of the cadets, teaching them care and usage of weapon and machinery, first aid, self defense and offense techniques, military vehicle operations, and putting them through a series of heavy drills and physical training. Armed forces training and education officers manage training plans by developing and updating the curriculum and field training exercises when necessary. They also assist senior officers in preparation for a promotion and generally monitor the cadets’ progress and evaluate their performance through a series of theoretical and physical tests. They prepare performance and evaluation reports for each cadet individually.
Warfare specialist: Warfare specialists perform strategic duties, such as making tactical decisions, detecting and identifying potential threats, and locating targets and objectives. They communicate with the other teams to ensure the efficiency of the operation, and also oversee the safety of the team.

Armoured car driver: Armoured car drivers drive the armoured car to transfer valuable items, such as money, to different locations. They never leave the car. They work in cooperation with the armoured car guards who deliver the valuables to their final recipients. Armoured car drivers ensure vehicle security at all times by following company policies.
Crowd controller: Crowd controllers keep constant watch of the crowd during a specific event such as public speeches, sporting events or concerts, in order to prevent and react quickly to incidents. They control the entry to the venue, monitor the behaviour of the crowd, handle aggressive behaviour and conduct emergency evacuations.
Hand luggage inspector: Hand luggage inspectors check individuals’ luggage to detect potential threatening objects. They comply with public safety regulations and company’s procedure.

Airport security officer: Airport security officers interact with passengers to ensure smooth transition between areas of the airport, compliant with safety regulations. They perform searches of passengers, their ID and baggage in order to ensure safety and to prevent illegal activity.
Coastguard watch officer: Coastguard watch officers patrol and survey coast and sea regions to prevent accidents, as well as perform search and rescue missions in the event of an emergency. They react to emergency calls, advise on safety procedures, and prevent accidents and illegal activity at sea. Coastguard watch officers investigate shipping activities and aid during pollution incidents and in flood relief.
Infantry soldier: Infantry soldiers fight in combat missions or provide aid in peacekeeping missions and other humanitarian services. They handle weapons and provide defence services where they are required, and attempt to complete missions while causing minimal harm.
Security consultant: Security consultants provide security services to clients and individuals that help them preventing, planning and mitigating threats such as terrorism, espionage, theft, and violence to their organisation, including the buildings, operations, and employees. The services they provide depend on their clients’ security needs and requirements and may include services such as threat analysis, security risk management, security programme development.
Armed forces officer: Armed forces officers supervise operations and manoeuvres, assign duties, and command subordinate staff. They ensure efficient communication within and between units and perform training duties. They also operate equipment and supervise equipment maintenance.
Sergeant: Sergeants command squads as a second in command. They allocate tasks and duties, supervise equipment, and ensure proper training of staff. They also advise commanding officers and perform support duties.
Air force officer: Air force officers specialise in flying or ground duties, and supervise a team of air force personnel. They coordinate their team’s training and welfare, and perform duties specific to their area of specialisation.
Bodyguard: Bodyguards offer protection to their clients against injury, attacks and harassment. They accompany individuals such as politicians and actors to various events and gatherings. Bodyguards observe the surrounding environment, anticipate threats and respond to security emergencies. They may carry and use guns.

Identify security threats is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Police detective: Police detectives gather and compile evidence which assists them in the solution of crimes. They use investigative techniques to gather evidence, and interview all parties connected to their line of enquiry, and cooperate with other police department divisions to gather the evidence.
Army corporal: Army corporals supervise sections of soldiers and perform instruction duties. They also command equipment such as heavy machinery and weaponry.
Intelligence officer: Intelligence officers develop and execute plans to gather information and intelligence. They investigate the lines of enquiry which would provide them with the necessary intelligence, and contact and interview people who may provide intelligence. They write reports on their results, and perform administrative duties to ensure records maintenance.
Street warden: Street wardens patrol designated areas to ensure a sense of security with the public, and provide general support. They monitor suspicious behaviour and cooperate with the police and other local institutions to maintain the community’s safety and well-being, and enforce law and issue penalties when necessary.
Lifeguard instructor: Lifeguard instructors teach future (professional) lifeguards the necessary programmes and methods needed to become a licensed lifeguard. They provide training on safety supervision of all swimmers, assessment of potentially hazardous situations, rescue-specific swimming and diving techniques, first aid treatment for swimming-related injuries, and they inform students on preventative lifeguard responsibilities. They ensure students are aware of the importance of checking safe water quality, heeding risk management and being aware of the necessary protocols and regulations regarding lifeguarding and rescuing. They monitor the students’ progress, evaluate them through theoretical and practical tests and award the lifeguard licenses when obtained.
Rescue centre manager: Rescue centre managers supervise operations of a rescue centre, performing administrative duties and supervision of staff. They ensure that the centre operates according to policies and staff perform rescue missions in a safe, efficient and compliant manner.
Prison instructor: Prison instructors educate legal offenders, including prisoners, on social rehabilitation and correctional behaviour. They assist prisoners in gaining skills which could facilitate their reintegration into society and increase their chances at finding employment after release. Prison instructors analyse the students’ individual learning needs, plan and prepare teaching materials and sessions and update their learning records. They also ensure the working area and materials are safe from danger and accounted for, and supervise the students at all times.
Probation officer: Probation officers supervise offenders after their release, or who were sentenced to penalties outside of incarceration. They write reports providing advice on the offender’s sentence and analysis concerning possibilities of reoffense. They aid the offenders during the rehabilitation and reintegration process and ensure the offenders carry out their community service sentence when necessary.
Usher: Ushers assist visitors by showing their way in a big building such as a theatre, stadium or concert hall. They check visitors’ tickets for authorized access, give directions to their seats and answer questions. Ushers may take on security monitoring tasks and alert security personnel when required.
Political affairs officer: Political affairs officers analyse developments in foreign politics and other policy matters, monitor conflicts and consult on mediation measures, as well as other developmental strategies. They write reports to ensure communication with governmental bodies, and develop policies and implementation methods.
Aircraft pilot: Aircraft pilots control and navigate aircraft. They operate the mechanical and electrical systems of the aircraft and transport people, mail and freight.
Lieutenant: Lieutenants command troops of platoons of soldiers and lead them in training and discipline exercises. They also perform administrative duties, and function as advisers.
Colonel: Colonels serve in the staff of a military commander, and function as primary advisers in operational and strategic decision-making to senior officers.
Civil enforcement officer: Civil enforcement officers patrol the streets to enforce parking restrictions, ensure a free flow of traffic is maintained, ensure the safety of pedestrians, and ensure traffic and parking laws are complied with. They aid with the combating of crime and crime reduction by providing assistance during incidents and providing patrol services.
Social services manager: Social services managers have the responsibility for strategic and operational leadership and management of staff teams and resources within and or across social services. They are responsible for the implementation of legislation and policies relating to, for example, decisions about vulnerable people. They promote social work and social care values and ethics, equality and diversity, and relevant codes guiding practice. They are responsible for liaising with other professionals in criminal justice, education and health. They can be responsible for contributing to local and national policy development.
Army general: Army generals command large divisions of the army. They perform management duties, administrative duties, and planning and strategic duties. They develop policies for the improvement of the military and general defence, and ensure the nation’s safety.
Air force pilot: Air force pilots operate aircrafts in combat missions, patrol missions, or search and rescue missions. They ensure aircraft maintenance, and communicate with air force bases and other vessels to ensure safety and efficiency in operations.
Police inspector: Police inspectors coordinate and supervise a division in a police department. They ensure the division’s compliance with rules and regulations, and monitor the performance of personnel as well as assigning tasks to them. They perform administrative duties to ensure the maintenance of records and reports, and may also develop regulatory guidelines.
Squadron leader: Squadron leaders command a squadron specialising in different operations, such as aircraft squadrons, ground operations squadrons, or armoured fighting vehicles squadrons.

References

1. Identify security threats – ESCO