A retail security officer’s main overall aim is to ensure the safety and security of a retail environment. This involves the security officer carrying out a number of tasks which, when performed together, help to achieve this aim. Here are some of the most important duties a retail security officer might expect to find in their job description:

• Surveillance. One of the most important tasks is to watch and observe, keeping a close eye on any potentially volatile situations. This may involve monitoring via CCTV, and simply observing in person on a retail premises. This will allow for swift action and intervention when required.
• Crowd control. Retail environments tend to be busy, and if this is not properly managed, they could become unsafe. Security officers may be required to observe busy areas where people could cause trouble, as well as enforce queuing systems and ensure that overcrowding doesn’t occur.
• Theft prevention. This is a common crime in a retail environment, and a good security officer will be able to significantly reduce the number of thefts occurring without the need to involve the police. This takes the pressure off other security forces, with the guard acting as a deterrent to potential criminals.
• Out-of-hours guarding. Retail premises can also be affected by vandalism and theft outside of the hours of operation. Security guards might be required to ensure that the premises stay safe and secure overnight, preventing antisocial behaviour from occurring, keeping building contents safe and ensuring that the exterior is not defaced in any way.