Security Officer

Under supervision, the Security Officer patrols city facilities, parks, playgrounds and parking lots to ensure safety of persons and property and performs related duties as required.

The position reports to the Security Lead Officer, Community Improvement Services Director, or a designated designee and has no supervisory duties.

Shift work (day, night, early morning) may be required on weekends and holidays. Credentials to carry a side arm and qualify with the City’s firearm training program are required.

• Patrol an assigned area on foot and/or in vehicle.
• Serve at a fixed post in or at the entrance to a city facility.
• Check security and safety of buildings, their contents, supplies and equipment.
• Guard against fire, theft, vandalism and other related dangers.
• Report and take action on problems caused by unruly persons, criminal activities, violations of city codes, rules and regulations, California State Laws, accidents or injuries, the need for building and equipment repairs, and other hazardous conditions.
• Cite persons for parking violations.
• Act as Sergeant of Arms at City Council meetings and handle mail between city departments.
• Question, detain and possibly arrest law violators.
• Restrain violent persons.
• Prevent trespassing and loitering.
• Escort violators off city property and may carry a loaded side arm.
• Furnish the public with rules and regulations governing city facilities.
• Assist law enforcement officers as directed.
• Prepare reports and maintain records of activities.
• Provide the public with information and directions as needed.
• Testify in court and perform other related duties as required.
• Perform interior and exterior security sweeps of city facilities and address issues encountered.
• Use all City‑issued safety equipment; training will be provided by the City.

All security personnel will participate in quarterly firearms qualification sessions.

• Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent G.E.D.
• Experience: Two (2) years as a Security Officer.
• License Requirement: Valid California driver’s license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Certification Requirement: Valid Certificate of Completion for P.O.S.T. certified courses in Powers of Arrest and Firearms Training (P.C. 832(a)) at time of application or a current certificate of completion of approved classes by BSIS with comparable curriculum.
• Required Knowledge of: Security methods and procedures, basic police operations and arrest laws, acceptable security work, legal rights of citizens, effective public contact methods and techniques, and local geography.
• Ability to: Perform the full range of Security Officer duties; properly use and care for firearms; accurately observe incidents and persons; analyze situations quickly; understand and follow oral and written directions; write clear and comprehensive reports; deal courteously and effectively with the public and all individuals or groups contacted in the course of work.
• Physical Demands/Work Environment: Meet health status and physical requirements, including visual acuity no worse than 20/40 in each eye without correction or 20/30 with correction.
• All candidates must pass the LA County Sheriff Department background check process in addition to the City of Compton’s standard background and medical screening processes.
• Veteran’s Preference:
  Veterans who served during times of war and provide valid proof of service and honorable discharge may receive additional preferential credit.

Fringe Benefits: Retirement (Public Employees’ Retirement System), medical, dental, life and vision insurances, deferred compensation, sick and vacation leaves, after‑hours education reimbursement, ride‑share program, uniform allowance, and other provisions.

Updated February 2026