Security alarm investigator

Security alarm investigators respond to burglar alarm signals and investigate disturbances identified by the alarm system on the clients’ premises. They monitor security alarms and other surveillance devices and contact police in cases of trespassing.

The following job titles also refer to security alarm investigator:

residential alarm system specialist
alarm specialist
alarm signal investigator
alarm system specialist
alarm investigator
fire safety inspector
surveillance-system monitor

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a security alarm investigator.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Security alarm investigator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of security alarm investigator.

• Locking mechanisms: Types and characteristics of locking devices and key types such as tumble, rotating disc or rotating pin.
• Security in industrial buildings: Security procedures, characteristics, tasks and risks encountered in industrial areas such as factories, ports, warehouses and mines.
• Building’s electronic access equipment: The types, characteristics and methods of use of electronic equipment used to access facilities such as card access control panels, card readers or infra-red readers.
• Security in commercial buildings: Security procedures, characteristics, tasks and risks in commercial areas and institutions such as banks, malls, tourist spots, hotels and restaurants.
• Surveillance methods: Surveillance methods used in the gathering of information and intelligence for investigation purposes.

These skills are necessary for the role of security alarm investigator.

• Operate radio equipment: Set up and operate radio devices and accessories, such as broadcast consoles, amplifiers, and microphones. Understand the basics of radio operator language and, when necessary, provide instruction in handling radio equipment correctly.
• Manage alarm system: Set up and maintain system for detection of intrusions and unauthorised entries into a facility.
• Keep task records: Organise and classify records of prepared reports and correspondence related to the performed work and progress records of tasks.
• Read technical datasheet: Read and understand the technical specifications describing the characteristics and functionality mode of a product, component or machine, usually provided by the manufacturer.
• Monitor surveillance equipment: Monitor the operation of equipment used in surveillance and gathering of intelligence to ensure it functions properly and to gather the surveillance information detected by it.
• Apply safety management: Apply and supervise measures and regulations concerning security and safety in order to maintain a safe environment in the workplace.
• Respond to burglar alarm systems: Monitor the received signals from a burglar alarm system and react promptly to investigate the issues.
• Liaise with security authorities: Respond quickly to security incidents and violations by calling the police and keep in touch with other relevant parties involved in the potential prosecution of the offender.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of security alarm investigator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Security threats: Types of threats to public and private security such as unauthorised entry, aggressive behaviour, molestation, robbery, theft, assault, kidnapping, murder and public demonstration.
• Fire safety regulations: The legal rules to be applied for fire safety and fire prevention in a facility.
• Criminal law: Th legal rules, constitutions and regulations applicable for the punishement of offenders.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of security alarm investigator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Apply conflict management: Take ownership of the handling of all complaints and disputes showing empathy and understanding to achieve resolution. To be fully aware of all Social Responsibility protocols and procedures, and to be able to deal with a problem gambling situation in a professional manner with maturity and empathy.
• Drive vehicles: Be able to drive vehicles; have the approapriate type of driving license according to the type of motor vehicle used.
• Advise on strengthening security: Provide information and guidance to clients on how to prevent security threats and incidents.
• Ensure public safety and security: Implement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.
• Ensure compliance with types of weapons: Use different kinds of firearms and other types of weapons and their matching ammunition, in compliance with legal requirements.
• Assist police investigations: Assist in police investigations by providing them with specialised information as a professional involved in the case, or by providing witness accounts, in order to ensure the police have all relevant information for the case.
• Detain offenders: Keep back offenders and trespassers in a certain area.
• Train employees: Lead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the performance of individuals and groups in organisational settings.
• Deal with aggressive behaviour: Respond promptly to adverse behaviour in a professional manner by taking appropriate and legal action to prevent further aggressiveness, such as verbal warning, lawful removal from the premises or apprehension of the person involved. Report details of adverse behaviour in line with the organisation’s procedures.
• Repair alarm system: Following the investigation activity, reset and repair the alarm system in place in order to restore its functional properties for future use.

5414 – Security guards

---

References

1. Security alarm investigator – ESCO