The security guard industry is a rapidly rising career path in the USA. The total number of security staff actually outnumbers law enforcement officials by quite a large margin. And with increased fears about terrorism following the strikes on the world trade center buildings in 2001, the demand for protective services by both private enterprise, and in the public sphere, has never ever been higher.
Security guards in America have also seen a rapid increase in their responsibilities in recent years. Several of them basically carry out tasks very similar to law enforcement officials. And they often help in support services that had been formerly handled by traditional law enforcement agencies.
The use of armed patrols to secure important infrastructure has also seen a rapid increase in recent years. Government structures, army bases, armored vehicle transportation, banks, nuclear power plants and casinos are simply a couple of of the areas in which armed security employees are in greater demand.
Almost all security guards in the US however do not carry guns. In order to have a firearm numerous additional permits and education classes are usually required. However, these types of policies vary from state to state.
In California for instance, all candidates need to obtain a permit from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services which is part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. You need to be 18 years of age or older and are required to submit to a thorough criminal background investigation by means of the California DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The coursework is roughly forty hours in length together with plenty of hands on education such as learning how to make an arrest and operate a broad variety of weapons. Soon after the job applicant receives a permit there are followup measures before employment can be sought. And an annual eight hour followup program is required after the individual has successfully joined the workforce.
Some other states such as Pennsylvania currently have a much different process. Unarmed security guards in this state are not expected to go through any basic background checks or licensing.
Nonetheless in order to become an armed security guard in Pennsylvania all people have to complete a forty hour training course that consists of training at a shooting range. Range testing includes pistol instruction with ammo bigger than. 380acp and coaching on how to use a shotgun. After completion, a certificate to carry a weapon whilst employed as a security guard is granted and it will have to be renewed every 5 years.
Discovering out the important specifications for your state can be found on the internet on. gov websites or via security guard training organizations themselves. I would certainly advise getting in contact with the organizations themselves as this will make it possible for you to make connections before you even get into the field.
Becoming a security guard in the USA is a very satisfying job path with lots of opportunities for advancement and connection with the general public. Don't wait around any longer!
