Crossword Genius

Debt collector needs security, if female (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bailiff

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'debt collector' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'security if female' is the wordplay.
'security' becomes 'bail' (I've seen this before).
'female' becomes 'f' (abbreviation).
'bail'+'if'+'f'='BAILIFF'

'needs' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bailiff that I've seen before include "Sheriff's officer - landlord's agent" , "Landowner's agent" , "Landlord's agent or steward" , "Possibly menacing landlord's agent" , "Officer of court" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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