The Benefits of Becoming an Armed Security Guard

Becoming an armed security guard can be a very good choice for your career. Although it isn't completely easy to become one. Depending on the country, usually licenses are issued by a government agency. In the UK for instance, the SIA provides firearms permits and licenses for all security guards. In the United States, you will have to apply through your state's Department of Justice or the Bureau of Security. So why go this extra step and spend your time and money (sometimes covered by your security company) to get this extra training? Well there are 3 good reasons.


Protection

While security guards are usually used as a deterrent mechanism only, potentially dangerous situations may develop every once in awhile. Being able to wield the threat of lethal force is usually enough on its own to thwart the bad guys. But in the last case scenario where you have no other options but to use your weapon, you know that you will be safe. And you will have the confidence in using your weapon effectively from your training.

Career Advancement

There are several jobs in security that are only available to people with the proper firearms training and associated licensing. These include an armed car guard, a casino guard and several government positions. If you want to have a chance to move up in your career into one of these more prestigious positions, then you will have to go through the required weapons training first.

Higher Pay

Not only are the jobs listed above more challenging and higher profile, but they also come with the requisite higher salary and benefits. This reason alone is why many security guards pursue their firearms permits.

What Should You Expect in a Weapons Training Program?

Before you get started, you should be aware that most jurisdictions will require a thorough background check before even accepting you into any training program. This should not be an issue for the vast majority of people. Only if you have some sort of weapons related offense in your past may this be a problem.

Most weapons training programs take place over a couple of weeks or months depending on the country. There is usually some classroom type work but most of the time spent is hands on, often at a firing range.

You will learn three things during your weapons training program.

• how to retain your firearm
• self defense
• any applicable laws surrounding the use of your weapon

Retention of your weapon is crucial as the worst thing that can happen to you during an altercation is for somebody to get a hold of it and potentially use it against you. Self defense training will provide you with a variety of techniques both armed and unarmed to protect yourself should a dangerous situation arise. And lastly, there are strict rules in place about the use of a firearm that you need to be aware of and these vary depending on the jurisdiction.

Becoming a Security Guard in the United States

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!

Becoming a Security Guard in Canada

In Canada, security guard regulation falls under the jurisdiction of each individual province and territory. All ten provinces and the Yukon territory have legislation requiring all security guards to be licensed according to a list of criteria.

Most provinces for instance closely regulate the use of restraining devices such as handcuffs and except in special cases, ban the use of firearms completely. Federal law in Canada also forbids the use of firearms by security guards with exceptions for special cases such as armored car guards and licensed trappers.

In order to become a security guard in Canada you must meet these three requirements

• You must be 18 years of age or older

• You must be legally able to work in Canada

• You must have a clean criminal record

Next you will want to signup to take the Basic Security Guard Course from a licensed instructor. This program is 40 hours in length in a classroom type setting where you will learn everything that you need to know about becoming a security guard in Canada.

Here is a video which provides some excellent basic information on security guard training.

A Career In Security

Security guards are generally private employees who are used to protect property, assets and in some cases people. They are almost always required to wear a uniform so that they are highly visible to the general public. This also creates a great deterrent to would be criminals.

Security guards directly patrol assigned areas as well as indirectly monitor events through a variety of devices such as video cameras and alarm systems. Although security guards are authorized to conduct a citizen's arrest, their main function is to alert law enforcement and avoid any direct engagement.

A security guards main function is the prevention and deterrence of crime. To that end, they are trained to perform many of the same tasks as law enforcement and medical personnel. This includes, applying handcuffs, performing first aid, writing reports as well as weapons training with batons, pepper spray and in some cases firearms.

The security guard industry has been on the rise in recent years with many new positions expected to become available in the next decade. These new jobs are expected to be spread widely across the private and public sector due to increased terrorism concerns.

Security guard training policies and procedures vary around the world but are usually 1-2 years in length and require some on the job training. Becoming a security guard is a highly rewarding career path for the right individual. Keep checking back here more more tips and advice on how to become a security guard!