How to Hire the Right Security Officer: A Practical Vetting Checklist

🛡️ Vetting a Security Officer: A Complete 5-Step Guide

Why Vetting a Security Officer Matters

Hiring security isn’t just about filling a position. It’s about protecting lives, property, and reputations. A poorly vetted officer can expose you to risks from inadequate responses to emergencies to potential legal liabilities if something goes wrong.

In the UK, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) regulates frontline officers, yet not every candidate lives up to the standards expected of a professional. This is where due diligence comes in. By applying a thorough vetting process, you can separate trained, reliable professionals from those who may not be up to the job.

✅ Step 1: Licence Check

The foundation of any vetting process is confirming the officer is properly licensed.

• In the UK, an SIA licence is legally required for roles such as door supervision, close protection, public space surveillance (CCTV), and event security.

• Always request to see the physical licence and cross-check it against the SIA register online.

• A missing or expired licence is an immediate red flag — hiring without one could expose you to fines or legal challenges.

• For officers operating outside of the UK, check which national or regional regulatory body oversees private security. For example, in the EU this may fall under local police authorities or national ministries, while in countries like the US some states require a guard card or firearms permit. Always confirm:

  1. The officer holds the correct licence or certification for their country.

  2. Any additional permits (e.g., weapons handling, close protection abroad) are valid.

  3. The issuing body is recognised and legitimate, not a private or unverified association.

👉 Tip: Don’t just take their word for it. Verification takes minutes and could save you from serious risks.

✅ Step 2: Insurance Proof

A professional security officer will hold public liability insurance (PLI). This protects both the officer and the client in case of accidents, injuries, or property damage.

Why this matters:

• Without insurance, you may be held responsible for claims if something goes wrong.

• Insurance is also a sign of professionalism, it shows the officer takes their responsibilities seriously.

Always ask for documentation and check that the insurance is active and up to date.

✅ Step 3: Relevant Experience

Not all events or environments are the same. The officer who’s excellent at nightclub door security may not be the right fit for a corporate conference or VIP close protection.

When vetting, ask questions like:

• “Have you worked at events similar to this before?”

• “What kind of challenges have you handled in past roles?”

• “How do you adapt your approach depending on the crowd or venue?”

👉 Look for concrete examples. Generic answers may suggest inexperience.

✅ Step 4: References

References are often overlooked but they can reveal more than a CV ever could.

• Ask for at least two professional references from previous clients or security firms.

• Don’t just collect names; follow up with a call or email.

• Key things to ask: punctuality, professionalism, ability to de-escalate situations, and overall reliability.

If a candidate avoids providing references or seems reluctant, that’s another red flag.

✅ Step 5: Professionalism

Security isn’t just about physical presence. The best officers demonstrate professionalism, awareness, and communication skills.

Look for:

• Clear communication and confidence without aggression.

• Situational awareness — do they pay attention to their surroundings?

• A composed attitude, even when under pressure.

This final step is often the deciding factor — the right officer will not only provide security but will also reassure your guests, staff, or clients with their presence.

🚩 Red Flags to Watch For

During the vetting process, walk away if you notice:

• Reluctance to provide an SIA licence or insurance documents.

• No references or refusal to connect you with previous employers.

• Overconfidence without specific examples of past experience.

• Poor communication skills or dismissive attitudes.

Remember: cutting corners when hiring security can cost more in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Vetting a security officer doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does require consistency. By following these five steps : licence check, insurance proof, relevant experience, references, and professionalism you can ensure you’re hiring someone capable of protecting what matters most.

At Risk Averse Connections, our platform connects clients with security firms and officers worldwide. While we make introductions easy, we always encourage clients to conduct their own due diligence before hiring.

I've implemented a free summarised guide to keep for reference, which you can download here.

Good luck on your search.