Security Officers

What is the role of Security Officers?

Security officers serve as the guardians or protectors of property on any pier or waterfront terminal. They are responsible for preventing theft, arson, sabotage, and other safety violations. This surveillance is performed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. They perform security checks, provide gate and exit control, and report fire and safety hazards. They are required to notify law enforcement authorities of any criminal conduct of which they become aware or observe.

The Port Police and Guards Union, Local 1456 (“PPGU”) is made up of approximately 300 active members who are responsible for guarding key access points and patrolling all perimeters of the marine container terminals, auto terminals and passenger ship/public berths.

What is the role of Supervisory Security Officers?

Supervisory security officers are responsible for supervising and assigning jobs to security officers.

What is the role of Management Security Officers?

Management security officers may supervise both security officers and supervisory security officers. They may also select or assign security officers and supervisory security officers to perform jobs at piers or waterfront terminals. Because of their managerial role, management security officers cannot be members of the PPGU.

What is the standard for licensure?

Given the importance of their roles, all security, supervisory and management security officers must possess good character and integrity in order to be licensed.