Why do people have so little respect for Security?

I work as a Security Officer and I've found that we receive very little respect for all that we do. We understand people do not like to be told what to do. However understand our point of view, we are just doing our job. Our client creates the rules not us. We are not only there to make sure you are not doing wrong but we are responsible for making sure everyone stays SAFE. A perfect example....If a fire breaks out in a store, before WE can get out, our job is to make sure everyone else is out by checking the back room and all areas of the store. So if the cieling caves in during our check...we just risked our lives for you...and we know of this possibility when we accept the job but think about this stuff next time you call the guard names or make his/her job harder but not following rules. Another thing to think about is if you are caught doing wrong, the police officer (when he arrives) will automatically back us up...(see part 2 for the rest of the details)

We are in no way "Rent a Cops".

COPS have authority to arrest, chase after, shoot, and tackle people to the ground. SECURITY has authority to observe, report and call the police. Anything more than that and we could be in legal trouble with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Sure there are the security officers who act like police...forget they are out of the military....but if you have a guard like that confront you...you have a right to ask him why he never made it on the police force. You also have a right to report him to the company or department of homeland security.

Sadly people are becoming more and more selfish and self centered. It is too much of an inconvenience to do something that may take them out of their way. Too much Paris and Britney and not enough compassion for the working guy. Consider the source and never back down to them. Keep your integrity intact and keep up the good work.

Because certain "Rent-A-Cops" are drunk off of the fake power they derive from their uniforms and pick on random people as a warning to others.

CAN WE SAY RENT A COP!!!!!

You WILL respect my authorahtie!

I do agree with you, because people...hm...how to say softly, are being illogical creatures.

Not everyone...

Whenever I go to a concert, I make sure I follow security guidelines and try to not get in trouble. I like being able to walk out of there in one piece and go home free.

So I do respect what you do.

I've been a security guard for over 3 years now, and have learned from some of the best on how to handle these situations.

We've had some security officers in our crew that were rude and focused on their authority in their conduct. Those security guards did not last very long at our facility because they did not treat people with respect.

We have a very good working relationship with the people we provide security for, because we have learned to be friendly, cooperative and yet follow and enforce the rules.

For example, when someone comes into the facility, I stand and challenge. That means that I stand up and watch them, but I smile and say Hi as I do this. They understand that I am watching for anything unusual, but they also are put at ease this way. And the workers know that I will stop them, and know that I will take appropriate steps, if necessary.

So, I think it's important as security guards to be careful about our attitude. If we are focusing on being tough, we are going to get little respect for our authority. But if we are friendly yet professional, we can get the same results, and make a better day for everyone.