Why Become a Security Guard?

 Would you like working in criminal justice, the thought of catching the “bad guy”, solving crimes or just helping others?  Then becoming a security guard may be for you.  Once the proper training is completed (both the 8 hour pre-assignment and 16 hour On-The-Job training courses) there are many opportunities in the security field for both full time and part time work.

Where exactly do security guards work and what are their duties?

Security guards are more apparent than many realize.  It’s often easier to say where they don’t work verses where they do work.  Almost every form of business utilizes some form of security including: local businesses, casinos, hospitals, banks, bars, stores, private security firms and even nuclear power plants often hire security guards to help protect their property and deter illegal activities.  The duties of a security guard can vary drastically depending on the employer and assignments.  A security guard may be stationed watching monitors for suspicious activity, patrolling a location, providing security for events, or protecting people.  Because of this, the security guard must be familiar with state and local laws as well as their employer’s rules and guidelines as well.

 What are the hours like?

The nice part about becoming a certified security guard is being open to a whole new field of work.  Most business employ security guards 24/7 meaning that someone who is looking for part time work can find a shift when they are available.

Many people ask what are the requirements to become a security guard?

In New York State, the requirements are as follows:

 

  1. Class 8-Hour Pre Assignment Training

This is a general introductory course. Upon successful completion of this course the guard is issued a training certificate. This certificate must accompany the security guard’s registration application when submitted to the Department of State. Once the application is submitted, the guard has 90 days to complete the second training course.

  1. Class 16-Hour on the Job Training

This training program is relevant to the guard’s duties, requirements of the work site, and the needs of the employer. All security guards must take this class within 90 days of being hired. This course is a follow up to the 8 hour Pre Assignment Training Course. It’s a more detailed course about procedures, laws and responsibilities.

  1. Class 8 Hours Annual Training (This class must be renewed every year).

This training must be completed each calendar year following completion of the 16 Hour OJT course. This program is designed to meet current training needs as well as update guards in changes in the security field. The guard must complete this course as a prerequisite for renewal of his or her guard registration.

 For those guards that wish to carry a firearm while on duty…

Guards who carry firearms are required to have a valid New York State Pistol Permit.  Then they are able to complete a 47 Hour Firearms course before they can be licensed as an armed security guard. This course includes seven hours of classroom instruction in the Use of Force (NYS Penal Law Art. 35) followed by a written examination, and 40 hours on the firing range followed by weapons qualification. Upon successful completion of this course the guard is issued a training certificate. This certificate must accompany the security guard’s registration application when submitted to the Department of State.  Then every year after their initial certification they would have to re-qualify with the firearm to maintain the Armed Guard status.

 

Security work is a field that will never go away.  With all the potential threats in today’s society more and more businesses are in need of help protecting their property, assets and people.  Join today in a career field that is always evolving!

 

If you live in the Western New York area click here to sign up for one of our Security Guard Classes  at the Valor Training Group 1250 Scottsville Rd. Suite 85 Rochester,
NY 14624 or give us a call at 585-705-9750.