There are over 1 million Security Guard jobs in the United States alone. Amidst security concerns in public settings like schools and on private business campuses, this number is set to grow.
For people looking for a career that allows them to serve and protect innocent people, becoming a Security Guard is an excellent choice.
As a security guard company owner, that is great news for you! As you recruit new talent, you must know what training your guards need to be successful.
To help you better understand guard training, please use this helpful resource full of insights on the most commonly asked security guard training questions.
Here are the five most common questions previously encountered.
1) How Long Does Security Guard Training Take?
Security guard training initially requires guards to complete course material equal to roughly eight hours of work. The coursework should cover a variety of topics including:
- Arresting individuals
- Proper and ethical restraining methods
- People’s rights
- Laws regarding private property
Guards should expect to complete this required overview coursework prior to applying for jobs. After completing this initial training, additional courses will be required once hired.
Within 30 days of accepting a security guard position, and depending on the state where the guard will work, he or she will need to complete 16 hours of courses while on the job. They will also need to take an additional 16 hours of courses within 6 months of their hiring.
These courses will cover everything from dealing with people carrying concealed weapons to public relations to managing potential terrorist activities.
Ultimately, there are roughly 40 additional hours of training. Eight hours prior to hiring, and 32 hours after they start working
2) Is Security Guard Training Available Online?
Security guard training is available to take online and in person. With online courses, make sure the provider has accreditation and is legally authorized in your state.
You may also have relationships with trainers that you know are reputable. Be sure that you can offer a reliable option that can provide quality training to your guards.
3) As Part of Their Training, Will Security Guards Work with Guns?
It depends. There are both armed and unarmed security guards. Be explicit with the type of guard that he or she will (or will not ) be armed and provide the training necessary for that position.
If he or she will be an armed security guard, they will be required to complete additional training that encompasses general firearm safety and marksmanship courses.
Generally, security guards who use weapons need to have a state-issued firearm permit.
Depending on the level of security required for the job location, expect that as an armed security guard, the training can potentially add months of coursework to their security education. Additionally, some states will require guards to participate in regular refresher courses to maintain a firearm permit.
4) What Are the Requirements to Begin the Security Guard Training Process?
Most adults who can legally work in the United States will be eligible to begin training immediately. Still, there are some factors to consider.
While some jobs are lenient on criminal records, security guard positions are typically stringent. Even a misdemeanor offense can make it difficult to obtain employment as a security guard. Each state has its own training enrollment requirements.
5) What Skills Should a Guard Expect to Get from Training and While on the Job?
Security guards protect against a wide range of threats. They put their lives on the line in the same way police officers do. For that reason, expect training to deal with a wide range of potential issues.
Security guards will typically learn how to deal with vandalism, trespassing, robberies, fires, and other violent and non-violent crimes.
Communication is paramount in dangerous situations. For that reason, guards can expect to refine their communication skills to be clear and concise.
Security guards will file reports outlining incidents that take place. These reports may include both observations and witness accounts. Training should include how to properly collect information from a crime scene without damaging the integrity of the scene, and document it in an appropriate format to assist law enforcement.
These reports can become evidence materials for criminal cases, and the guard who completes the report may be required to testify about the information they provided to the court trying the case.
Summarizing Security Guard Training
Security guard positions are on the rise in the U.S. As a security guard employer, you will see an increasing number of employment candidates for your company.
Prior to hiring a security guard, you should require the applicant to complete 40 hours of courses. This training will prepare your new employee to provide high-quality service and safeguard against workplace incidents.
If you’re an employer who manages a team of security guards, you know that danger is part of the job. If you’re looking for a way to provide peace of mind to you and your employees, your El Dorado Insurance team has a solution.
Our company offers comprehensive insurance plans tailored to the hazards security guards face on the job every day.
As a security guard company, it’s your duty to help protect the public. Let us help protect you and your employees.
You can read more about our security guard insurance services here. For more general information on security, read more on our blog.
