The Ultimate Ranking: Unveiling the Top Star Trek Security Chiefs of All Time!

Summary

Different Star Trek Security Chiefs handle their roles with varying levels of success, given the dangerous aliens and anomalies they face.

Over time, the role of the Security Chief on a starship has undergone significant evolution, making it one of the most crucial positions, often occupied by a main cast member.

In Star Trek, the finest Security Chiefs are distinguished by their exceptional abilities, which may include martial arts expertise, tactical ingenuity, or exceptional powers of observation.

Working in security on a Federation starship or space station is a challenging task, with varying levels of success among Star Trek Security Chiefs. The galaxy is rife with dangerous aliens and enigmatic anomalies, necessitating Starfleet security officers to remain prepared for any potential threat. While expertise in hand-to-hand combat is typical for the Chief of Security, they must also possess the ability to detect potential dangers and employ tactical strategies. Although not all security chiefs operate the ship's weapons stations, some also assume the role of chief tactical officer.

Starfleet Officers must ready themselves to confront myriad dangers while fulfilling their mission to explore unfamiliar worlds, with the security team frequently serving as the initial line of defense. In Star Trek: The Original Series, the USS Enterprise notably lacked a prominent Chief of Security, possibly leading to the numerous fatalities endured by red shirt-wearing officers. However, in Star Trek: The Next Generation, the Security Chief position grew in significance and is often assigned to a main character. We present 11 of the finest (and less impressive) Chiefs of Security in Star Trek.

11 Commander Ellen Landry - Star Trek: Discovery

Commander Ellen Landry, portrayed by Rekha Sharma, served as the Chief of Security on the USS Discovery during the early episodes of Star Trek: Discovery season 1. Unfortunately, she failed to leave a lasting impression in her position. Despite her abrasive demeanor towards Michael Burnham, Starfleet's first mutineer who was transferred to the Discovery, Landry's arrogance ultimately led to her demise at the hands of a massive tardigrade named Ripper. Regrettably, Landry's tenure on the show was short-lived, lasting only for two episodes. In retrospect, she became the equivalent of a red shirt character, even though she wore a blue Starfleet uniform.

10 Rok-Tahk - Star Trek: Prodigy

Rok-Tahk (Rylee Alazraqui), the youngest Security Chief in Star Trek history, reluctantly took on the role after commandeering the USS Protostar with her young companions. As a Brikar, Rok-Tahk's imposing stature and extraordinary strength made her an ideal choice for Chief of Security on the surface. However, it quickly became clear in Star Trek: Prodigy that Rok-Tahk's true talents resided in the field of sciences, rendering her position as Security Chief a squandered opportunity. Rok-Tahk's blossoming genius consistently rescued the eclectic crew of the Protostar, prompting her transition into more fitting roles such as Science Officer and xenobiologist before the conclusion of the first season of Star Trek: Prodigy.

9 Commander D. Nhan - Star Trek: Discovery

Commander Nhan, portrayed by Rachael Ancheril, took over as the new Chief of Security on the USS Discovery, replacing Ellen Landry. Initially serving as an engineer on the USS Enterprise, Nhan joined Captain Christopher Pike and made the switch to the Discovery for the Red Angel mission. Later, she accompanied the Discovery to the 32nd century and subsequently left the ship to become a replacement Barzan on the USS Tikhov. In Star Trek: Discovery season 4, Nhan briefly reappeared on the Discovery during the Dark Matter Anomaly crisis. However, she felt her calling lay elsewhere, away from Captain Burnham's vessel.

8 Pavel Chekov - Star Trek: The Original Series

Despite primarily serving as the navigator on Star Trek: The Original Series, Pavel Chekov (Walter Koenig) takes on various roles throughout the TOS films. Prior to Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Chekov briefly assumes the duties of Security Chief and Tactical Officer on the USS Enterprise. In addition, he expands his knowledge in the sciences and temporarily acts as the Enterprise's Science Officer following the demise of Spock in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Following the events of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Chekov returns to his role as a navigator on the USS Enterprise-A. While undoubtedly a skilled and well-liked Starfleet officer, Chekov appears more suited for a position other than security.

7 Lt. Tasha Yar - Star Trek: The Next Generation

6 Lt. Shaxs - Star Trek: Lower Decks

In Season 1 of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Lieutenant Tasha Yar, portrayed by Denise Crosby, assumed the role of Chief of Security aboard the USS Enterprise-D, commanded by Captain Jean-Luc Picard, played by Patrick Stewart. With her expertise in martial arts and exceptional hand-to-hand combat skills, Yar fearlessly confronted threats to the Enterprise. However, her impulsive nature often led her to react emotionally without considering the consequences. Consequently, Captain Picard frequently had to intervene and prevent her from engaging formidable adversaries in combat. Despite her potential to become a renowned Security Chief, Yar's journey was abruptly cut short when she met a tragic end towards the conclusion of TNG's first season.

Fred Tatasciore portrays Lt. Shaxs, a former Bajoran resistance fighter during the Cardassian Occupation of Bajor. He now serves as the Security Chief on the USS Cerritos. Shaxs is known for his inclination towards violent solutions, often suggesting ejecting the warp core as his go-to recommendation. However, this imposing Bajoran holds a deep sense of care for the Cerritos and its crew, particularly his romantic interest, Dr. T'Ana, played by Gillian Vigman. He has taken Lieutenants Sam Rutherford, portrayed by Eugene Cordero, and Brad Boimler, played by Jack Quaid, under his mentorship, referring to them as part of his "bear pack." Despite providing his security team members with leisure time, Shaxs ensures they remain alert and respond swiftly and methodically when faced with a threat.

5 Lt. Malcolm Reed - Star Trek: Enterprise

4 Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh - Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

As the Armory Officer aboard the Enterprise NX-01, Lt. Malcolm Reed (Dominic Keating) played a crucial role in Starfleet Security. Reed introduced the "Reed Alert," which later became the standard Red Alert on starships. On Star Trek: Enterprise, Malcolm frequently relied on his quick thinking and resourcefulness to devise tactical solutions on the spot. As Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) and his crew navigated uncharted territory before the formation of the United Federation of Planets, Reed's affiliation with the Starfleet Intelligence organization Section 31 gave him a strategic advantage. Despite occasionally favoring a shoot-first approach, Reed's experiences equipped him with invaluable expertise.

Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) showcases her exceptional intellect and formidable combat skills as the Security Chief in the first two seasons of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Having survived a savage assault by the Gorn during her childhood, La'an has honed her expertise in battling this fierce species. In the absence of Number One (Rebecca Romijn), La'an has adeptly assumed the role of Acting First Officer on the USS Enterprise on two occasions. However, her unwavering dedication lies in safeguarding the Enterprise as its Security Chief. La'an remains ever vigilant, tirelessly scanning for any potential threats to the ship. Although she struggles with vulnerability, her profound care for the crew drives her to go to great lengths to ensure their protection.

3 Lt. Worf - Star Trek: The Next Generation

As a character, Worf (Michael Dorn) didn't truly find his true calling until he made the switch from the Enterprise to the space station Deep Space 9. While it made sense for the Klingon warrior to take charge of security, his expertise could be better utilized elsewhere. Despite his physical prowess, Worf found himself frequently bested by villainous aliens throughout the years, and his Klingon sense of honor often conflicted with his Starfleet responsibilities. However, once Worf transitioned to the command track and became a regular on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, he blossomed into a more accomplished Starfleet Officer. In the upcoming season 3 of Star Trek: Picard, Worf has joined Starfleet Intelligence and appears to excel in his role managing field assets, such as Commander Raffi Musiker (Michelle Hurd), which suits him well.

2 Lt. Commander Tuvok - Star Trek: Voyager

In the USS Voyager, Lt. Commander Tuvok (played by Tim Russ) is not only the Chief of Security but also the Chief Tactical Officer. He serves under the command of Captain Kathryn Janeway (played by Kate Mulgrew). With his Vulcan heritage, Tuvok possesses remarkable strength and endurance in addition to his logical and analytical mindset. Previously undercover on the Maquis ship Val Jean, Tuvok finds himself stranded in the Delta Quadrant along with the Val Jean after the USS Voyager follows them. Ultimately, Tuvok becomes Captain Janeway's second officer. Despite his typically stoic demeanor, Tuvok occasionally becomes frustrated with Neelix (played by Ethan Phillips), Voyager's chef, and often showcases his wit through sarcastic remarks. Throughout the seven-year journey of the Voyager in the Delta Quadrant, Tuvok remains dedicated to maintaining the ship's security, even amidst encountering perilous and unfamiliar threats.

1 Constable Odo - Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

In addition to his exceptional observation skills and attention to detail, Constable Odo (René Auberjonois) possesses Changeling abilities that give him an advantage over other security officers. As the Chief of Security aboard space station Deep Space 9, Odo is committed to upholding order and prioritizes justice above all else. Unlike Starfleet, he stands as a neutral party, allowing him to establish his own regulations for the station. Despite rarely carrying a weapon, Odo maintains his authority and is known for consistently apprehending wrongdoers. Beneath his tough exterior, Odo possesses a compassionate nature and a reserved, almost shy demeanor. Throughout the entire seven seasons of DS9, Odo remains dedicated to maintaining stringent security protocols on the station, earning him the reputation as one of the finest detectives and Security Chiefs in all of Star Trek.