Job Details

Security Patrol Officer

Village Management Services, Inc.'s mission is to serve the residents of Laguna Woods Village with the highest level of customer service and professionalism, making Laguna Woods Village the premier active-adult community in Southern California. We value integrity, quality, dedication and open communication in a rewarding and challenging environment.

The Laguna Woods Village Security Department offers a unique opportunity for individuals who are interested in building a career in public safety. Whether you are looking to become a law enforcement officer, professional dispatcher, or long-term security professional, this position provides valuable experience and professional development that can help you achieve those goals.

Serving as a Security Patrol Officer or Dispatcher allows employees to gain real-world experience in public safety operations. Patrol officers develop skills in observation, reporting, incident response, and community interaction, while dispatchers learn how to manage emergency communications, coordinate responses, and serve as the central hub during critical incidents. These foundational skills closely mirror those used in professional law enforcement and emergency communications centers.

Employees also gain exposure to working alongside outside public safety agencies, including the Orange County Sheriff's Department and the Orange County Fire Authority, providing valuable insight into how public safety organizations operate and respond during emergencies.

For individuals pursuing a career in law enforcement or emergency communications, this role serves as an excellent stepping stone, offering practical experience and skill development that can strengthen future career opportunities.

For those interested in long-term employment within our organization, the Security Department also offers professional development and opportunities for advancement. Employees who demonstrate initiative, professionalism, and commitment to service may have opportunities to grow into leadership roles or expanded responsibilities within the department.

Most importantly, members of our team play an essential role in serving and protecting the residents of Laguna Woods Village. Working in our department provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable experience in a professional public safety environment.

If you are motivated, service-oriented, and interested in building a career in public safety, we encourage you to apply and become part of our team.

Job Summary: Under general supervision, on an assigned shift, to provide patrol service within the walls of the community. To act as Field Training Officer and perform related work as required.

Security Patrol Officers must be willing to work a rotating schedule between day, swing and graveyard shifts, including weekends and holidays; overtime may be assigned.

Essential Functions: Conducts security patrols within the 2,432 acres of Laguna Woods Village, which is a private gated community; patrols streets, cul-de-sacs, parking, carport areas, clubhouses and other common areas. Patrols are done utilizing a company marked vehicle, on foot and on bicycles. Maintains general surveillance for unusual situations and checks that the doors and windows of community facilities are secured. Responds to all emergencies including fires, hazardous conditions and medical emergencies. Assists residents and issues warnings or writes Notice of Violations (NOV's) for parking issues and other Community rules and regulations violations.

Utilizes observation skills; demonstrates ability to work independently using resourcefulness, sound judgment, integrity and tact. Monitors property for irregularities such as security breaches, safety hazards and emergency situations and contacts emergency responders, such as Sheriff, Fire and/or ambulance personnel as required.

Remains alert for presence of unauthorized persons and/or rules and regulations violators; approaches suspicious person and/or notifies law enforcement as appropriate; may confront and detain violators, as required, until law enforcement arrives. Writes clear, concise and accurate incident reports to document information on a daily basis. Provides exceptional customer service to the residents and guests of this Community and presents a professional image and attitude at all times.

Regular attendance is required. All duties performed on-site for the Community. Works effectively with co-workers, customers and others by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; listens to and objectively considers ideas and suggestions from others; keeps commitments; keeps others informed of work progress, timetables and issues; addresses problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical business solutions; addresses others by name, title or other respectful identifier; and respects the diversity of our workforce in actions, words and deeds.

Applicant, after successfully completing training and having been approved by management, will be trained to perform the duties of a Field Training Officer (FTO), training other Security Patrol Officers. Applicant must have a working knowledge of the rules and regulations governed by the VMS, Inc. Security Division. Security Patrol Officers are cross trained as a Dispatcher and may be assigned to help relieve Dispatchers within the Security Division. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Equipment Operated: Computer, motor vehicle, bicycle, flashlight, mobile and hand-held radio, still and video camera, small hand tools, first aid kit and AED.

Work Environment: Patrolling in a vehicle, bicycle or walking; exposure to normal outdoor elements.

Desirable Qualifications: Extensive work experience involving public contact or equivalent combination of education and experience which produces the following:

• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the job.
• Knowledge of the geography of the Community.
• Knowledge of controlling rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to operate a computer and applicable software programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)
• Ability to effectively instruct others and maintain a working relationship with various levels of employees.
• Ability to think and act quickly, calmly and accurately in emergency situations.
• Ability to relate to the needs and concerns of senior citizens.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public. To deal with public relation problems courteously and tactfully.
• Ability to read, understand, interpret and explain rules and regulations.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to hear and speak accurately while operating a two-way radio and telephone, obtaining necessary information, hear questions and respond to individuals in person, over the phone, or in a noisy environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others both orally and in writing.
• Ability to see and hear accurately in both day and nighttime conditions.
• Ability to read a Community map and verbally give instructions.
• Ability to identify and respond to dangerous situations.

Special Requirements: Possession of and ability to maintain a valid California driver's license. Possession of and ability to maintain a BSIS (Bureau of Security Investigation Services) Guard Card or able to obtain within 60 days of employment.

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to have the following:

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for prolonged periods of times.
• Ability to climb stairs.
• Ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces.
• Ability to maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing or crouching.
• Ability to use hands to finger, grasp, feel and reach.
• Ability to regularly carry and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to kneel, pull, push, stoop, lift and twist.
• Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job while wearing department-issued body armor, which is mandatory during patrol, traffic enforcement, and special assignments.

Must be able to respond to calls over radio, and be able to communicate verbally to Dispatchers, emergency personnel, residents, Guests and other security personnel.

Mental Requirements: Demonstrate mental alertness and the capability to exercise good judgment, implement instructions, assimilate assigned security tasks, and possess the acuity of senses and ability of expression sufficient to permit accurate communication by written, spoken, audible, visible, or other signals required by assigned job duties.

Salary Rate: $23 / hour

VMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.