Private Protective Services
Certificate
Curriculum code 1307
Course Requirements                   Public Service Web Site

Moraine Valley Community College offers a Private Protective Services Program for students interested in:

• basic training to pursue careers in security services
• training to meet certification standards as an armed and/or unarmed security officer
• specialized training designed to meet personal goals linked to improved job knowledge and skills, new supervisory responsibilities and career growth

Moraine Valley offers three concentrations: Entry-Level Officer, Supervisory, and Life Safety. In each option, students will receive a solid background on­ ­private security’s role in society. The program covers a broad spectrum of topics related to private protective services, such as crisis management, first aid, investigation techniques, firearms, laws, special problems and concerns, and criminal evidence.

Moraine Valley’s program includes an internship that offers valuable on-the-job experience to apply what has been learned in class.

Students may be eligible to earn college credits for what is already known from prior learning or work experience. Call (708) 974-5710 for information.

This certificate program requires fewer credit hours to complete than an associate’s degree and is intended to lead to immediate employment. Students considering transferring to a four-year college or university to obtain a bachelor’s degree using the courses from this program, should make an appointment with an academic advisor to review options.

Nature of Work—Individuals with private security training work in occupations concerned with guarding property from illegal entry, fire or theft, as well as enforcing safety regulations.

Moraine Valley’s program recognizes the need to provide quality security education for many specialty areas, including:

• guard services—contract, proprietary
• transportation—railroads, airports, transit authorities
• commerce—hotels, office buildings, financial institutions
• health care institutions—hospitals
• retail—shopping centers, malls, stores
• industrial—public and private utilities
• special events—civic centers, fairs, exhibits
• government—government buildings, public housing
• schools—elementary, secondary, college

Related Job Titles—Armored-car guard, airline security representative, bodyguard, security guard, merchant patroller, store detective, shopping investigator, house officer, patroller

Employment Outlook—Opportunities for security guards and gaming surveillance officers should be favorable. Numerous job openings will stem from employment growth attributable to the desire for increased security, and from the need to replace those who leave this large occupation each year. In addition to full-time job opportunities, the limited training requirements and flexible hours attract many persons seeking part-time or second jobs. However, competition is expected for higher paying positions that require longer periods of training. These positions are usually found at facilities that require a high level of security, such as nuclear power plants or weapons installations.

Employment of security guards and gaming surveillance officers is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014 as concern about crime, vandalism and terrorism continue to increase the need for security. Demand for guards also will grow as private security firms increasingly perform duties—such as monitoring crowds at airports and providing security in courts—which were formerly handled by government police officers and marshals. Because enlisting the services of a security guard firm is easier and less costly than assuming direct responsibility for hiring, training, and managing a security guard force, job growth is expected to be concentrated among contract security guard agencies. Casinos will continue to hire more surveillance officers as more states legalize gambling and the number of casinos increases in states where gambling is already legal. Additionally, casino security forces will employ more technically trained personnel as technology becomes increasingly important in thwarting casino cheating and theft.

Earnings—The U.S. Department of Labor—Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median annual earnings of security guards were $20,320 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $16,640 and $25,510. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $14,390, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33,270. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of security guards in May 2004 were as follows:
Elementary and secondary schools $25,030
General medical and surgical hospitals $24,750
Local government $23,690
Traveler accommodation $21,710
Investigation and security services $19,030

Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators had median annual earnings of $25,840 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $20,430 and $33,790. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,710, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $42,420.

For job and internship listings and job search assistance, contact the Job Placement Center in the Center for Contemporary Technology, T904, (708) 974-5737, www.morainevalley.edu/jpc.