security officer

flex officer

director of security

patrol officer

security manager

United Protective Services

By far the worst company I have ever worked for. I took 2 days off for a family vacation in May, gave them 3 months notice, got written approval, yet they called both days asking why I wasn't at post then tried to write me up for not being there despite written proof from THEIR fto that I had the time off. They never make up their minds on what holidays you work until the morning of or later. 3 times in 5 months I was told not to come in because the post was closed, then berated for not coming in. Twice in that same timeframe I was told the post was operating that day only to drive 25+ miles at 5am to be told turn around and go home the post is closed. They play favorites worse than I've ever seen, some employees slept through their shifts but when another employee showed up 5 minutes late for a valid reason and got written up. You will get NO paid time off, NO vacation days even if they're "approved" NO sick time. One time I was violently ill with food poisoning on post and was told to stay the remaining 7 hours of my shift sitting in vomit covered clothes. While I understand every company is out for themselves and a profit at the end of the day, United Protective Services takes the cake, I wouldn't work for them for double what they were paying me, nothing would make it worth it. You also "rent" your uniform for $30/week, thus paying many times over what the garbage uniform is worth, it started unraveling and ripping with buttons falling off in 2 months, mind you I was at a post where I pretty much was supposed to just sit there and be a warm body for people to see so the uniform was not put through stress to come undone like it did. They were dumb enough to be robbed through their direct deposit one time so they only do paper checks, hopefully you live close to a post or you'll be traveling well over half an hour to get it, if it's even there when you show up, mine was lost 4 times in 6 months. What finally did it in for me was a coworker and a supervisor gossiping about my (approved) absence and texting (on the post phone!) about how screwed I was for not showing up etc after I came to get my check that day after returning from my family vacation.

My experience with this security company was incredibly disappointing and concerning. From the start, there were multiple red flags that I unfortunately overlooked because I needed a job at the time.

Management consistently treats employees as if they are disposable, with no real respect or support. They often act overly friendly as a disguise, but behind the scenes, favoritism, retaliation, and toxic behavior are common. 
There is no proper training. New officers are thrown into posts with little guidance and often paired with individuals who have close connections to account managers. These same individuals are sometimes used to report back and create false claims in order to set other employees up for failure. If you speak up or try to stand your ground, account managers will retaliate—sometimes by switching your post to a much farther location than originally discussed, making it harder for you to get to work.

They have an extremely high turnover rate, and it’s easy to see why. The pay is low, there's no paid time off, and no support if you need to call out for a legitimate reason—they will use it against you. The company also makes you pay out of pocket for uniforms, but even after returning them, they do not refund that money.
They also have so-called FTOs (Field Training Officers), but their only role seems to be collecting time sheets—they provide no real training, supervision, or support.

In short, this company lacks ethics, professionalism, and respect at every level. From upper management down to daily operations, it’s clear that protecting themselves and their favorites takes priority over doing what’s right. I would strongly advise anyone to think twice before working here.



I walked in needing a job and walked out with one paying me 10. phr and a set schedule. If and when I needed extra work it was available and the sites they manage were upscale and for the most part very safe and respectable. All commendable.

They do charge for the uniform and direct deposit, both of which you must pay both unless you are a rover (who moonlights at various sites, instead of a set one).

The problem comes if you have employment options. They don't like that. For instance, I informed them of not working apartment buildings (they're extremely unsafe for unarmed officer). And this is where we parted company. The dispatcher lied and lured me to an address and it was an apartment building and then he (new dispatcher) tried it again. I chose to never work for and with them again thereafter.

The tone of the working relationship changed because they no-longer saw me as HUNGRY. Blessedly I had already moved on. But when I needed a job I will always sing there praises for giving me one, allowing me to hold my head up. (and I have a college degree touch job market)

So if you need a job, you can get one, have work life balance on schedule and extra work if needed, all pluses.

But as I understand it, that office is revolving door sparing NO ONE and not one you want to be in for too long due to office politics.

Therefore, work here in preparation for a more permanent job, and when you find it, politely and respectfully leave.

At the risk of sounding wishy-washy, your time at United Protective Services is not easy to give a definitive answer on its quality. They have some amazing posts they can put you at where you could work there for years being treated wonderfully and loving your work, or you could get assigned a post that makes you question your own mortality. But even at great posts, it all depends on UPS management. You could easily end up falling in love with the company you're contracted to while this one you're actually employed at is doing everything in its power to drive you away. It's a shame really. This company was the best job I've ever had until it wasn't. Compared to the competition in the area, this is the definitive security company to work for if for no other reason than they are the ones with the best jobs in the area. The other companies are fighting for the scraps and it shows with how often you'll have competitor guards and former UPS employees talk to you about wanting to join your company. Not all of UPS posts are the diamonds though. You just may hear the horror stories of some of the bad posts. You should be able to tell from the name alone which posts you want to avoid, if it is any consolation. If you like to gamble, you just may pull a wonderful position for a good few years, but it is no guarantee. The question is, are you feeling lucky?

Most Account Managers don't take the time to remember your name, hint's why the Pay is low. Their goals are met by having warm bodies to fill the positions, there's no chance of  growth nor advancement in the Company because your educational background and years of experience get you the same Title as person with no Security License, T.W.I.C or Level lll Training. Their Interview process is filled with broken promises and misleading statements. You accept a low paying Post under false pretenses that you'll receive a raise or be noticed for promotion. Security is a very demanding Job, it's not just being a seat warmer. Your required to stand countless hours, work 16 hours shifts with hardly any notice,leaving with lake of sleep and cancelling your plans.Work Holidays with stipulations attached to your pay. Example if you work the day before and after the Holiday you;ll get time and a half for working on .the Holiday, otherwise no Holiday Pay. Not to mention the uniforms, they assign 3 or 5 Sets with doesn't include Cleaners. This is not to deter anyone of employment.. consider it as a heads up, unbeknownst to me there might have been some changes made in the Company or New Account Managers whom actually place you at Post that aren't stagnant.

VIOLATION! They are in need of change in Management and Supervisors. There's no fairness.  There's no equal pay. So it's said that it due to how the contract which was written and clients  needs. Caucasians are given better schedules and pay. There's alot of favoritism, an back scratching going on.   They lye , threaten and manipulate employees. As long as you're being closed mouthed and a snake than it's acceptable.  When other companies/employer call to get a reference for a candidate they disclose personal feelings, versus facts( how can you speak to a person's proformance or job duties when you weren't  presently working with them or even with the company when that person was employed?)  Management Admin skills stuck, but they get paid to tell you what to do. You as an employee have no voice or opinion. 8 out of 10 the Superior is right there's no questions! Most of the underhandedness is done in isolated places without witnesses. Low paying,  they lie about bonuses. Whistle blowing can cause you your job With them. They have the attitude "I'm big and you're small and there's nothing you can do about it! 

Not a good company to work for unless you are an butt kisser or of European descent.

Middle management needs improvement in communication and support for front-line supervisors. I informed my manager by email that I planned to stay late and provide after-hours training for one of my officers. I received no response, but I followed through with the training to ensure quality performance on site. When I arrived, the officer unexpectedly walked off the job. I immediately contacted my manager to report the incident, but instead of receiving support or constructive feedback, the response was highly unprofessional and confrontational. Overall, the experience highlighted a lack of respect and collaboration from management toward supervisors who are committed to doing their jobs with excellence.

My duties are to watch for irregularities, such as security breaches, facility and safety hazards, and emergency situations; contacts emergency responders, such as police, fire, and/or ambulance personnel as required. Remains alert for the presence of unauthorized persons and/or security code violators; approaches suspicious person and/or notifies police as appropriate; may confront and detain violators, as required, until police arrive. Patrols assigned area via golf cart  as assigned, to ensure personal, building, and equipment. Also I examines doors, windows, and gates to ensure security; Monitors closed buildings for unauthorized persons and/or suspicious activities. Prepares routine, standardized reports. Provides escorts as necessary Informs and warns violators of rule infractions, such as loitering, smoking, or carrying forbidden articles. May provide specialized security in complex operational areas, requiring specific knowledge of the operating environment. Performs periodic checks of emergency call boxes and/or street lights to ensure proper functioning.

Work-life balance
This job is completely horrendous. Company is super cheap with equipment. Some site directors think they are law enforcement. I’m surprised the company hasn’t been sued. Job does not offer direct deposit for employees. Sometimes your check will be late a couple of days or weeks. Management is poor and they don’t care about you. All they care about is you showing up to work to fulfill their obligations. They will literally hire anyone off the street. HUGE turnover rate. Seen so many people quit due to how horrible this job is. Save yourself the time and headache. This is probably the worse job I’ve ever had. Pay is awful and they can’t even give you a raise. You don’t even get PTO. The location where you work at depends on how much you get paid. You basically have to be a ‘floater’ to get better pay. It’s not even that great at all. Being a floater is awful they take advantage of you. They will literally call you at 3:00am while your sleeping. Asking you if you can show up to work to cover a shift. Again, awful job please save yourself the headache.

I worked for this company as an FTO, essentially a field supervisor. Without any form or explanation, I was offered a position as a site supervisor. But it wasn't an offer, and I wasn't becoming a site supervisor. I was forced into a shift lead position, doing exactly what I said I did not want to do, and was lied to by an account manager who no longer works for the company, and the branch manager. Lied to my face. The management is unprofessional in the extreme, and supervisors are wholly underpaid for the position they hold, as most other companies with comparable positions pay their supervisors almost 3 dollars more an hour.
When I say they are unprofessional, in meetings with other FTOs and Management, Management will belittle and berate their FTOs, cussing at them, and forcing them to call themselves "stupid" sounds like an exaggeration, and I wish it was, but saw this with my own eyes. Do not apply to this company.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Security officer 8 salaries reported	$13.00 per hour
Flex officer 30 salaries reported	$15.01 per hour
Director of security 3 salaries reported	$62,667 per year
Patrol officer 20 salaries reported	$14.78 per hour
Security manager 1 salary reported	$62,500 per year

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