Criminal Justice Career Option: Alarm Investigator
Action taken by the investigator depends on the type of alarm activated. If it is a fire or smoke alarm, chances are the fire department will be alerted immediately. However, if it a general alarm, the investigator may call the business. If the person who answers the phone does not know the security code, or if their name is not on the master list, or if the phone is not answered at all, the alarm investigator will call the police. Some alarms will send for the police right away and the investigator will follow up on those, as well.
Typical Tasks
Assess businesses and recommend suitable alarm systems
Monitor alarm systems from headquarters
Call shop or business when alarms go off
Determine if it is a false alarm or if police need to be informed
Record steps taken, report results of investigative calls and follow-up action
An alarm investigator assists clients with alarm system selection, according to their specific individual requirements. They monitor each system, and call in case of alarm alert. They are in contact with clients, employees of clients, as well as police, fire departments and paramedics.
Interests and Skills
Interested in a career in security? Alarm investigators need good communication skills and the ability to report information to management in a professional, prompt manner. They should be organized, thorough, detail-oriented, and able to make appropriate decisions under pressure. They should be dedicated and loyal, and take directions and suggestions from superiors. Alarm investigators should be self-confident, and willing and able to work alone if necessary.
Workplaces, Employers and Industries
Alarm investigators are generally employed by alarm installation companies. They work at the central station or company headquarters, with access to information on all clients and alarms installed in and around their area. The alarm investigator may work directly within a business, if it is a large, highly secure building, alongside other security staff. The shifts could be day or night, during the weekends or weekdays--alarms can go off at any time, for a variety of reasons, and the alarm investigator must be ready to answer the call whenever it comes.
Long Term Career Potential
Anyone who works as an alarm investigator has many options for future jobs within the security field. There are always management positions or sales positions within the company. WIth further experience, they could become security guards or work in correctional facilities, or go back to school and train to be police officers, firefighters, paramedics or lawyers.
Educational Paths
In order to become an alarm investigator, individuals will require at least a high school diploma. Anyone interested in working in a security field, however, is encouraged to attend a community college and pursue a diploma in law enforcement or safety. A university degree in criminology or law studies is a good idea, for those wishing to pursue higher positions in the field of security.