Security officers including police officers and private security guards, are tasked with protecting citizens and property. Typically, these officers are given certain kinds of equipment that enable them to more easily and more safely perform their job. Standard security officer equipment may include weapons, communications devices, detection equipment and flashlights.
In many countries, government employed security officers such as police officers are allowed to carry handguns, rifles or even semiautomatic weapons. Armed officers are usually assigned important tasks such as guarding border crossings or escorting political figures. During periods of civil unrest, normally unarmed officers are given guns which they may be authorized to use in order to protect themselves, public property or the civilian population. In some nations, security officer equipment typically includes truncheons rather than guns. Other types of weapons a security officers carry include pepper spray and taser guns.
Many security officers have to conduct patrols and these officers normally communicate with one another using radios, cell phones or other types of communication devices. The vehicles these officers drive are normally equipped with communications devices while officers who patrol on foot are given two-way radios which they can use to report incidents or to request assistance. In many instances, security officer equipment includes short-range radios rather than long-range communication devices. This reduces the likelihood of other parties being able to intercept the calls the officers make.
Security guards at airports, ports, train stations and government buildings often use handheld or freestanding metal detectors to search for concealed weapons that other people may be carrying. At some high-risk facilities such as military installations, security officer equipment may include Geiger counters which can detect radiation or atomic substances. In some countries, security personnel use detection devices to scan the air and water supplies were traces of chemical for biological agents.
At many installations, security officers patrol at all hours of the day and night. Consequently, security officer agreement typically includes flashlights and even infrared goggles or cameras. The vehicles that security officers drive are often equipped with high-powered spotlights which can illuminate large areas. Officers working at facilities such as prisons are given freestanding spotlights which enable them to scan the prison compound after dark.
Both government employed officers and private contractors typically carry handcuffs which they can use to restrain criminals and trespassers. Some officers also receive armored jackets that are bullet resistant as well as visors and helmets. Additionally, security officers are sometimes provided with first aid kits so that they can treat minor wounds that are received by themselves, their colleagues or members of the public.