NCJ Number
109345
Journal
Security Management Volume: 32 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1988) Pages: 63-66
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A survey of 387 security officers demonstrated that while respondents did not perceive their jobs to be any more stressful than those of individuals in many other occupations, some stressors identified warrant managers' attention such as lack of respect and low wages.
Abstract
After comparing job responsibilities of public police and security officers, the article reports the results of a survey assessing stressors in the latter occupation. The 387 participants, who worked for a contract guard agency in a metropolitan area, were asked to rate 30 stressors. Respondents perceived no single item as more than moderately stressful. Among the stressors receiving higher than a middle score of five were public disrespect for a guard's authority, having the same rights as a private citizen but being expected to exert more authority, poor salary, job insecurity, and little opportunity for promotion. Like law enforcement officers, security officers did not consider physical threat to be a major source of stress. Survey measures indicated that security officers as a group were on the macho side, valuing toughness and strength above all else. The article provides suggestions for improving the work climate and emphasizes the importance of educating the public about the security field. In-service training incorporating stress management techniques is recommended. Tables.