Security Guards?

I have been in the law enforcement (police dept) and Loss Prevention (District Manager) for 22 years. Why are the LP Officers I hire and deal with appear to have so much more on the ball then their counterparts (security gaurds). The rate of pay for a LPO here is $15.00 an hour and a Gaurd is $10.00. Might have something to do with it.

It may be a pay issue but, I think its more likely the type people drawn to a particular job. An LPO job sounds like it would be more interesting and more demanding, too.

When I worked as a security guard, I found out that how I did my job did not matter. I could be very careful about my appearance and concientious in my duties, or not. My pay was never affected one way or the other and I never had a chance for advancement, either. Your guards may be facing the same thing. I liked being a guard because it was extra money and I basically got paid for reading and studying. That made it worthwhile. I did not choose to move into management because it was not merit based, it was how well you were connected to management that made the difference.

I would say that if you hire the best people you can, give them a chance for raises and advancement and commend them for a job well done, you just might be surprised byt the results.