Private security officers are employed by businesses, organizations and individuals to provide smaller-scale security on a limited premises. Private security guards may provide protective services for locations such as an office building, shopping mall or campus, or for events such as sports gatherings, concerts, or conferences. In other cases, they may work for a security company protecting private individuals from break-ins or car thefts.

Private security officers can patrol on foot, on bikes, or in cars, though they don't typically use fully equipped police squad cars. Private security guards may be armed or unarmed, and may wear full uniforms or simple, employer-delegated uniforms.