How to Become a Security Guard
The job of a security guard requires an individual to be on the alert all the time. On average, they face five minutes of trouble per day. This type of job also requires a person to have good communication skills and to be firm without being too intimidating. Security guards must also be able to establish a good working relationship with their colleagues.
Qualifications for a position as a security guard
Security guards are responsible for keeping public and private properties safe. They are usually required to have a high school diploma and between 0 and 2 years of related experience. They need to be familiar with standard concepts and practices, and are expected to be adaptable and creative. Security guards typically report to a supervisor and work under general supervision, but can also perform specialized duties.
As part of the role, security guards must be physically fit. They must be able to physically handle a range of situations and must be able to control their tempers. For example, they may need to chase down a suspect and hold them until the police arrive. Security guards must also have an even temperament, as they are often confronted with confrontational situations.
A degree in criminal justice or police science is helpful, but not essential. Most employers will prefer to hire guards who have experience in a security role. Most employers will also require a driver’s license and background check. Licensed security guards often undergo ongoing training. In addition, some states require security guards to maintain their licenses.
Some employers will train security guards in the use of firearms. These individuals must complete a firearms safety course and obtain a state-issued firearms permit. Some states waive this requirement for former law enforcement officers and correctional officers. In addition, most security positions require a certain level of first aid training. For instance, CPR certification is required in some states, while basic first aid training is sufficient in others.
Qualifications for a position as security guard include completing an eight-hour pre-assignment training course and completing a 16-hour on-the-job training course. The latter is specifically tailored to the duties of a security guard and the needs of the employer. This training should be completed within 90 days of employment.
Required training
Depending on the location and employer, security guards may require specialized training. Depending on the job, they may be required to know how to use weapons or protective equipment, including pepper spray. Training programs should detail the necessary skills. Security guards should also know how to make split-second decisions and identify potential threats.
New York state has strict rules about required training, but the industry is still plagued by “diploma mills” that sell certificates for little or no training. A City Limits investigation found that nearly one-third of guards in New York City never attended more than five or six hours of classroom time.
Before becoming a security guard in New York, applicants must complete an eight-hour pre-assignment training course. The course must be approved by the Department of State. Once completed, applicants must obtain a security guard license in New York. In addition, they must undergo a background check.
The length of the training program depends on the location and the amount of education required. Some programs only last eight hours but are sufficient for entry-level careers. Others require up to thirty hours. Some companies require annual training, but it varies from state to state. However, many accredited security guard programs are offered online by Penn Foster.
Security guards generally work eight-hour shifts and spend most of their time on their feet. Because they must be on call, many of them rotate schedules with colleagues. This means that they can be on call for a wide variety of situations. However, some employers may want full coverage around the clock.
Applicants must be at least eighteen years old and must be a United States citizen or a permanent resident. In addition, they must have a clean criminal record and pass a background check from the New York State Department of Justice. Some employers may also require specific training or work experience in order to hire security guards.
The requirements to become a security guard vary depending on the location. In most places, the qualification requirements are relatively low. However, some states do require a higher education level. For example, armed security guards need to pass more rigorous background checks than unarmed guards. In addition, these guards are often paid more than their unarmed counterparts. They may also enjoy greater job security, increased benefits, and higher upward mobility.
Job duties
One of the most important job duties of a security guard is keeping the public safe. Guards must be on the lookout for potential risks and report them to the company’s security department. In case of an emergency, they must enforce company policies to protect employees, customers and other visitors. They can also direct people away from harm and act as a liaison between the company’s management and public safety officials.
Security guards also play an important role in maintaining order. They often are the first people to know when there is a security problem and can assist with evacuations. In cases where people are trespassing, security personnel can help prevent the incident. They also monitor the security systems of businesses and adjust their machinery to ensure they are working properly.
Other job duties include answering phones, screening calls, and taking messages. It is imperative to remain alert and avoid sleeping on the job or leaving the post without permission. In addition, security guards must not engage in illegal activities, use excessive force, or accept bribes. They must also never follow people without cause. If you are worried about the behavior of a security guard, you can ask to see his ID or badge.
In addition to their responsibility of keeping the public safe, security guards also have to keep a visitors log and contact the authorities when there are incidents of trespassing. They also need to report irregularities and suspicious activities to their supervisors on a regular basis. They must have a high school education and should be willing to work long hours.
Depending on the organization, security guards have varying levels of training and certification. A high school diploma or GED certificate will suffice for entry level security positions, while a license is required for higher-level positions. Security guards must pass a background check and undergo a drug test. They should also have a valid driver’s license.
Depending on the type of business or location, the job duties of a security officer may also include direct traffic control. They may be required to monitor traffic in parking lots or other areas with heavy traffic. They may also be needed to assist with emergency situations in a public space.
Salary
Security guards earn a variety of salaries. Most start at minimum wage, but some companies prefer guards with more experience. Bigger companies tend to pay higher wages than smaller companies, but both offer competitive hourly rates and career advancement opportunities. The hourly rate of a security guard depends on many factors, including experience, training, location, and type of company.
Entry-level security guards can expect to earn between $11 and $13 per hour. However, security guards with more experience or in a metropolitan area will earn a higher rate. Also, experience enhances an employee’s value. While some employers are willing to pay the same rate to new security guards regardless of experience, many employers prefer to hire security guards with some experience.
Security guards protect private and public property by patrolling a premises to detect criminal activity and other infractions. Their duties can include operating metal detectors and x-ray machines. They may also be responsible for responding to emergencies. Security guards are also required to have strong self-defense skills. In addition, they must be technologically inclined, as digital monitoring equipment is common in surveillance. They must also be able to stand for long periods of time.
Security guards earn an average salary of $37,090 a year, depending on their experience and location. The highest-paid security guards in the United States earn $66,000 a year. Security guard salaries vary by state, but as a general rule, the best pay is found in Alaska, where the average salary is $44,920.
While compensation doesn’t prevent burnout or reduce the levels of stress on the job, it can be a great selling point for prospective employees. Security guards need to be aware of compensation levels in order to find the right position. In this tough job market, salaries are often more important than job security, but they won’t prevent burnout or reduce on-the-job stress.
The salary of a security guard depends on a number of factors, including the amount of PSiRa certification and experience. In addition to education, security guards must also be physically fit. They must be able to stand up to a physical confrontation. In addition, security guards must undergo on-the-job training to become effective. Some security guards need months of training, while others need only a few weeks to get up to speed. In addition, some states recommend eight hours of annual training for security guards.
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