Security officers are the front line of safety for many Perth businesses, facilities, and public spaces. They protect people, assets, and property — but their role also comes with strict legal and professional expectations.
For employers, understanding security officer duties and responsibilities is essential to ensure compliance with Western Australian law and to maintain a safe, well-managed operation.
This guide outlines what security officers can legally do in Perth, how employers should manage them under WA legislation, and how Smartsec Security Solutions helps organisations strengthen their overall security performance.
What Does a Security Officer Do?
A security officer is a licensed professional responsible for safeguarding people, property, and information from harm, theft, or damage. Their work is guided by site procedures, Australian Standards, and legal boundaries.
Typical duties include:
- Patrolling sites to deter unauthorised activity or damage
- Monitoring CCTV, alarms, and access control systems
- Managing entry and exit points for staff, visitors, and vehicles
- Responding to incidents, alarms, and emergencies
- Writing accurate reports and incident logs
- Assisting emergency services when required
Every officer’s duties should be clearly defined in post orders or standard operating procedures — helping ensure consistency, accountability, and legal compliance.
Legal Requirements in Perth, Western Australia
Security operations in Perth are governed by the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996 (WA) and the associated Regulations 1997. These laws protect both the public and legitimate operators in the security industry.
Licensing and Employment Obligations
- Individuals must hold a valid Security Officer Licence issued by WA Police Licensing Services.
- Licensed officers must work for a licensed security agent — they cannot operate independently or as freelancers.
- Employers must not hire or deploy anyone in a security role unless their licence is current and appropriate for the work performed.
Smart employers in Perth always verify both the agent licence and each officer’s individual licence before deployment.
Uniforms, Identification, and Appearance
Under WA law:
- Security officers are generally required to wear an approved uniform while performing duties.
- Their uniform and vehicle markings must not resemble police insignia or emergency services branding.
- Officers must carry their security licence identification card and display it on request by an authorised officer or police.
This ensures the public can easily distinguish licensed security personnel from unauthorised individuals.
Weapons, Batons, and Endorsements
Security officers in Perth cannot carry weapons such as firearms or batons unless their licence is formally endorsed and they have completed approved training.
- Firearms may only be carried under a Firearms Endorsement and in accordance with strict licence conditions.
- Batons and handcuffs also require specific endorsements and approved competency training.
- Officers must undergo regular medical and competency checks if authorised to carry such equipment.
Employers should confirm these endorsements are listed on each officer’s licence before authorising them for higher-risk duties.
First Aid and Training
WA Police Licensing requires licensed officers to maintain:
- A current First Aid Certificate, and
- Approved security training qualifications aligned with national competency standards.
Employers should maintain training records and ensure refresher courses are completed on time — especially where officers are responsible for public interactions or incident response.
Employer Responsibilities and Best Practice
Beyond basic compliance, strong supervision and governance create safer, more effective security operations. Employers and facility managers in Perth should ensure:
- Clear post orders and instructions are issued for each site.
- Incident reporting and escalation procedures are defined and regularly reviewed.
- Communication channels exist between guards, management, and emergency responders.
- Periodic audits confirm officers are following legal and procedural requirements.
- Risk assessments are conducted regularly to ensure controls remain fit for purpose.
Having the right paperwork — such as site risk registers, SOPs, and induction checklists — helps demonstrate due diligence if incidents occur.
How Risk & Security Management Supports This
Security officer performance is strongest when supported by an effective risk & security management framework.
This involves structured processes — based on ISO 31000:2018 (Risk Management) — for identifying threats, implementing controls, and reviewing effectiveness over time.
Integrating security officers into this framework ensures:
- Their duties align with actual site risks, not assumptions.
- Control measures (lighting, CCTV, access systems) complement human oversight.
- Supervisors and contract managers can measure and improve performance using clear benchmarks.
That’s where external security consultants can make a real difference.
How Smartsec Security Solutions Helps
At Smartsec Security Solutions, we help Perth organisations move beyond basic compliance toward a mature, risk-based approach to security.
As independent security consultants, we don’t sell or install systems — we provide unbiased advice on how to improve your organisation’s safety, accountability, and efficiency.
Our consulting services include:
- Security Risk Assessments aligned with ISO 31000 and relevant Australian Standards.
- Physical Security Audits covering CCTV, access control, and procedural compliance.
- Development of Security Policies, SOPs, and Post Orders to guide officer duties.
- Compliance Reviews against WA licensing, uniform, and procedural obligations.
- CPTED and Lighting Assessments to support safer environments and improved visibility.
- Independent Vendor Advice to help select or benchmark security contractors.
Whether you employ your own guards or outsource to a licensed provider, Smartsec ensures your security framework is legally sound and operationally effective.
Why Partner with Smartsec Security Solutions?
- Local Expertise: Based in Perth, we understand WA’s laws, industry standards, and enforcement environment.
- Independence: Our advice is objective — no sales or installation bias.
- Compliance Assurance: We ensure your policies align with the Act and relevant Australian Standards.
- Proven Experience: Over 18 years’ experience advising government, education, and commercial clients.
- Tailored Support: Every site assessment and recommendation reflects your actual risks and operational context.
Final Thoughts
Employing licensed and well-trained security officers is only part of the equation. The best outcomes come when those officers operate within a structured, legally compliant risk management system.
If you manage or contract security officers in Perth and want confidence that your operations meet both best practice and WA legal requirements, contact Smartsec Security Solutions for independent guidance and tailored security consulting.
