6 Duties a Security Guard Is Responsible For

by Code 4 Training Center | Nov 29, 2021 | Security Guard

Adopting a preventative rather than reactive approach, security guards are responsible for protecting people and property by maintaining safety protocols at all times, and the following 6 duties are among some they are typically expected to follow:

1. Form visible protection at all times

Because the role of a security guard is to deter crimes from taking place to, on or around the person or property they’ve been assigned to protect, they must maintain a clearly visible presence at all times. If a person with criminal intentions believes that a person or property is unprotected, they’re far more likely to target it.

• Remain vigilant

A good security guard is always on the look-out for anything untoward or suspicious, and remains vigilant even when the threat of danger may be low. Experienced criminals will observe the habits of security guards and watch for times when they may be less vigilant; this could provide them with an opportunity to enter a building undetected or carry out a criminal act of vandalism. As such, it’s imperative that the security guard is alert and attentive at all times.

• Respond swiftly and appropriately in an emergency

Once an emergency situation (or potential emergency situation) has been spotted, the security guard must act quickly in response, to take control of things before they escalate. This may or may not include calling the police or fire service; a lot will depend upon the severity of the incident and threat level posed. In some cases, even if the security guard is able to handle the incident appropriately themselves, the police may still need to be notified.

• Observe and report

In the event of an emergency or other such dangerous situation, the security guard must continue to be vigilant and at the earliest, safe opportunity, report the incident to an appropriate supervisor or the relevant emergency service.

• Upholding rules and policies

In some instances, a security guard may be required to uphold certain rules and policies that their employer has laid down for them, such as searching all visitors before they enter the property, granting entry only to those with a prior appointment, or checking employee ID cards before granting them access to the work premises, among others. Failure to uphold these rules could result in disciplinary action, and at the worst, a security breach may occur due to a lack of adherence to proper checks as specified.

• Maintain order

Large events such as concerts, parties and religious assemblies often have numerous security guards present to help control crowds and maintain a sense of order at all times. As the security guard at a large event, you may be responsible for maintaining order over a certain section of the crowd or event arena, or you may be part of a patrolling guard moving strategically throughout the venue.

All told, security guards have a lot of responsibility, and while vigilance may vary from ordinary to hyper – according to the venue or person being protected – they must always remain attentive, alert, and watchful for any signs of suspicious activity.

California Guard Card Training Made Easy

by Code 4 Training Center | Nov 29, 2021 | Security Guard

If you’ve been thinking about training to become an armed security guard, you’ll likely already know that you need a ‘guard card’ from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) to qualify. Many companies and even individuals nowadays, prefer the safety and protection of an armed guard over that of a regular security guard, and as such, there are some exciting opportunities for training and working within the security industry. 

While the role you fulfill as a fully trained armed security guard will depend upon your employer, you may find yourself posted to various locations and be offered a range of postings throughout your career.

So, if you’re interested in getting your California guard card training and joining an elite team of armed security guards throughout the state, here’s how to do it quickly and efficiently:

California guard card training made easy

Firstly, to be eligible to undergo the training required to gain a guard card in California, you must be at least 18 years of age and pass criminal background checks carried out by the California Department of Justice and the FBI.

One of the simplest ways to apply for and undergo guard card training, is to find a registered training facility in your area and arrange everything through them. While you can carry out the training online (and many facilities offer this option), should you prefer to do it in person, you’ll likely find a professional facility close enough to you that you can attend without too much travel involved.

What course must you undertake?

You’ll need to undergo an eight-hour training course called ‘Power to Arrest’ before a card can be issued, and an end-of-course examination must be passed in order to receive a certificate.

Background checks and fingerprints

On the BSIS website, you’ll find a Security Guard Request for a Live Scan form that you can download, and the application must be taken to a Live Scan provider that the bureau have authorized (you’ll find details of these on the site, or you can check with your chosen training facility), so that your fingerprints can be taken.

Once you’ve completed the background check requirements, you can go ahead and attach your training course certificate to the application, and submit the documents to the BSIS with the fee (which at the time of writing is $50).

Applications are typically processed over a period of between four and six weeks.

What happens once you’ve received your license?

Thirty-two hours of additional training must then be carried out within the next six months, and again, your chosen local training facility will be able to help you with this, and you may be able to do it online. Covering topics that include public relations, communication, legal aspects and officer safety, extra training must also be completed every following year in order to maintain your license and keep it current, but the requirement for this is eight hours. 

To complete your training to become an armed guard in California, with minimum hassle, find a registered and professional facility in your area and connect with them at the earliest.

Do You Have What It Takes to Become an Armed Security Guard?

by Code 4 Training Center | Nov 29, 2021 | Security Guard

It’s obvious why so many business and other types of facilities and service providers choose to have armed security guards protecting their employees, customers and premises, but is choosing to become an armed security guard the right career move, for you?

Below are some of the advantages you can look forward to if you choose to become an armed security guard:

• You get to patrol some interesting locations

The chances are that if you work with a security firm or agency, you’ll get a number of unique postings to varied locations, each of which will provide you with plenty of opportunities to engage with others (professionally, of course!), take in different landscapes and environments, and best of all, not be stuck behind a desk in a windowless office!

• Your role won’t necessarily be a violent, confrontational one

Most of us appreciate the fact that firearms can be used to protect ourselves and others, but few relish the prospect of actually having to use one. Thankfully, the majority of armed security guards go through their entire working lives without having to discharge their weapon, or use extreme force, but the fact that they’re trained to be able to do so should the need arise, can be of great comfort both to them, and to the people and places they’re paid to protect.

• You can earn more money

Thanks to the hours of training you’ll undergo to become an armed security guard, you can enjoy a higher salary and better benefits than a regular, unarmed security guard.

An armed security guard’s primary role is to maintain order

If you’re confused as to the specific role of an armed security guard when considering it as a career choice, it can be helpful to think of it as one that enables you to maintain order, rather than enforcing it. No matter where or what you’re assigned to protect, your end goal will always be the same; to deter, and in some instances prevent, any kind of unlawful or disruptive behavior from being carried out in or around the location. While you don’t have the same powers as a police officer, as an armed security guard you are able to detain potential criminals in the event that they’re behaving suspiciously or have been caught in an illegal or frightening act, until the police arrive, and as such, your role is actually very important.

So, have you got what it takes to become an armed security guard?

While the role of an armed security guard is undoubtedly an important one, and there are several advantages to becoming one, it’s not the right job for everyone. If you’re shy, are unable to exhibit an air of authority or panic in an emergency, you should almost certainly consider an alternative career.

Armed security guards must possess excellent communication skills, and be able to take charge and remain calm in the event of an emergency, or threat of an emergency. They must also be able to keep those around them calm, and be able to reassure them that they are safe. Should a potentially dangerous situation begin to unfold, they must be able to adapt to the circumstances and remain alert, and continue to be vigilant even if no issues arise, or are likely to.

If the characteristics mentioned above fit your personality and you’d like to earn more money protecting people and premises from the threat of harm, then a career as an armed security guard could be right up your alley! Reach out to your local (or online) registered security training facility without delay!

What Are the Benefits of Becoming an Armed Security Guard?

by Code 4 Training Center | Nov 8, 2021 | Security Guard

While being a security guard can be a rewarding and often exciting role, those guards who are licensed to be armed typically find themselves fulfilling even more exciting and important roles, and as such, are generally paid more than their less qualified counterparts too.

Armed security guards are able to work for companies who hire them out for the protection of people or property, and going through the training to receive official licensure to work as an armed guard, is viewed by many as a worthwhile investment. Read on to find out more:

What training must you complete to become an armed security guard?

You’ll need to complete several hours of training at an accredited facility to learn how to safely handle a firearm as an armed security guard, in addition to the regular security guard training hours.

Once completed, you’ll be licensed to legally possess a firearm while performing your role of an armed security guard, and will receive a card that allows you to do so.

What are the training requirements?

Rigorous background, legal status and history checks are standard procedure for anyone wanting to become an armed security guard, irrespective of where you live, but each state will have varying laws on how to obtain the training and proper licensing in order to carry a weapon as an armed security guard.

Make sure that you understand exactly what is required of you before enrolling in a local (or online) training course, so that you can be prepared, and to avoid disappointment. Once you find a training program, make sure that it’s state certified and accredited, otherwise you run the risk of not being able to work legally in your state.

Is it worth investing in armed security guard training?

There are many more job opportunities for licensed, armed security guards, meaning that if you need work, and want to remain in work for as long as possible, investing in the additional training is almost always worth it. Not only that, but in some instances, armed security guards get paid significantly more and there are more chances of being able to upgrade their status and advance even further up the security guard scale, as they progress within the role and become more experienced.

If you have a clean criminal record and no history of mental illness, then becoming an armed security guard could be a lucrative and highly rewarding career.

While training to become an armed security guard does cost more than the regular training for unarmed guards, the opportunities to earn more money and further your skills are a huge incentive for many, and few who go on to gain the necessary qualifications and licensing, regret their decision to invest in their future.

Who Can Enroll in Security Training Classes?

by Code 4 Training Center | Nov 8, 2021 | Security Guard

Now considered to be highly respected positions of authority, security guards must be properly trained and vetted before being able to carry out their important duties protecting people and property. This is not only to help ensure that they are capable of fulfilling the role, but that they can do so safely and authoritatively.

Provided you meet the minimum requirements – which is generally that you’re above 18 years of age, and are a legal U.S. citizen with a clean (or relatively clean) criminal record – you can apply to criminal justice schools or security guard classes to gain the necessary skills and license to become a security guard. Let’s look in a little more detail at exactly what you’ll need in order to enroll in security training classes:

What you need to provide to enroll in security guard training

Many states throughout the U.S. require a type of identification guard informing them that the individual has completed an official background check (both state and federal), and has had their fingerprints recorded. The most common types of cards are the Guard Card and the PERC Card. It’s important to note that some states have stricter requirements than others, so always check with your state before signing up for any security guard training classes, so that you can be ready with whatever they ask you to provide them with.

Where can you get security guard training?

You can choose to complete your training hours online, or attend in-school classes, and a simple internet search should come up with a number of training facilities in your area. Asking a local security company where their employees completed their training can also be a great starting point.

For online courses, the program must be accredited and accepted by the state in which you live, otherwise your investment will be wasted.

What is required in security guard training?

For the majority of states, a minimum of 8 hours of class work on security guard training is required, prior to being able to work as a standard (unarmed) security guard, but some states do require additional course hours to be completed within a certain period of time.

Some training facilities offer course work at a set price, while others may offer an initial price for the first 8 hours, and then charge extra for the additional hours required to gain official certification. You’ll probably find some programs that offer lower rates for anyone paying for all their security guard training classes in one go. There can be no doubt that in this increasingly dangerous world, the role of the security guard has become crucial, and with many more opportunities to train to protect people and property, it can prove a lucrative position for many. If you’re interested in making a career out of keeping others safe from harm, find a training academy in your state, and get ready to play a vital role in society!