Security Supervisor
Criminal Justice & Protective Services
A program of study that focuses on the general application of science and technology to security.
What Security Supervisors Do
A program of study that focuses on the general application of science and technology to security.
Common Tasks
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
- 1Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as criminal law, defensive policing, and investigation techniques.
- 2Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- 3Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- 4Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- 5Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Types of Security Supervisors
Work Environment
Locations
- • Corporate offices and business parks
- • Hospitals and healthcare campuses
- • Universities and school campuses
- • Retail centers and shopping malls
- • Industrial plants and warehouses
Schedule
Many roles follow a set schedule, but supervisors often cover evenings, nights, weekends, and on-call needs depending on site operations.
Physical Demands
Work is a mix of desk duties (reports, scheduling, monitoring) and time on your feet while patrolling or responding to incidents. Moderate walking, standing, and occasional physical intervention or evidence handling may be required.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 248,900 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Organizations continue to invest in security staffing and supervision to reduce theft, manage access control, and respond to incidents. Growth in large facilities, campuses, and events can increase the need for experienced supervisors and managers.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Clear path to leadership roles in security
- • Work is varied and problem-solving focused
- • Skills transfer across many industries
- • Opportunity to improve safety for people and property
- • Often includes stable, routine scheduling
Cons
- • Moderate time pressure during incidents and emergencies
- • May require nights, weekends, and holiday coverage
- • Dealing with conflict, rule violations, and stressful situations
- • High responsibility for staff performance and site safety
- • Paperwork and report writing can be heavy
Common Questions About the Security Supervisor Trade
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