What's it like working in high school security in Illinois?

I'm curious about high school security jobs in Illinois. What do these positions typically involve, and if you have experience, what's your day-to-day like? I'm thinking about this job as a post-high school option and would love some insights.

As someone who is well familiar with the high school ecosystem, I can provide some general insights into the duties and responsibilities of a high school security officer. While I don't have personal experiences, it's important to note that the specifics can vary depending on the individual institution's policies and procedures.

In general, high school security officers are responsible for providing a safe learning environment for students. They patrol the school grounds, monitor entrances, and exits, and often serve as a first line of defense for any suspicious activities or behaviors.

A typical day may begin with overseeing the arrival of students in the morning. You would usually monitor the school entrances, ensuring only authorized individuals such as staff, students, and registered visitors gain access to the school. It's common for security officers to manage the initial response to incidents and situations that arise during the school day, such as conflicts between students, intruder alarms, or situations that might require emergency services.

Across the course of the day, security officers are often patrolling corridors, checking in on 'hotspots' or areas prone to incidents, and responding to calls for assistance from school staff. Some schools might employ advanced security technology, so being comfortable using systems like CCTV surveillance or access control can be beneficial.

Finally, your day would typically end with ensuring students leave school grounds safely, often involving surveillance of school exits and surrounding areas.

Just remember, a vital part of the role of high school security officers is interpersonal communication. Often, you'll find yourself interacting with a diverse range of individuals, from students and staff to parents and community members. Having strong diplomacy and mediation skills can be important for resolving conflicts effectively and maintaining a pleasant school environment.

Hope this helps! An insightful next step could be reaching out to local schools in Illinois to learn more about the expectations for their security officers. Also, remember there can be various requirements for such roles like background checks, physical fitness, and occasionally certifications, so make sure to consider these factors in your decision.