What Kind Of Licenses And Training Should An Armed Security Guard Have?

Many armed security guards come from law enforcement, government, or military background, but what specific training should really be required before you allow an officer to protect your property? Here’s a closer look at the different types of training security guards may pursue.

Internal Training

Any person who is physically fit can approach a security company for a potential job. Untrained personnel are generally only given the most basic, low-risk positions to work so that they can gain experience. But, before they can work any job, every agency requires guards to complete some level of internal training.

Internal training programs are extensive and go far beyond basic security practices. To progress and eventually work of the agency, the armed guard must learn about human resource-related topics and receive training on their expectations as a security guard, various disciplinary processes, and then site-specific training that will help them be successful in the various environments they may find themselves in.

If a guard is going to work as an armed guard, they will need to receive licensing and certification from the regulatory body associated with the weapon they will be carrying. This usually consists of state-sanctioned training programs and exams in the event of a guard needing to carry a gun. In order to utilize a weapon while on-the-job, the agency will require additional training within the company and require the guard to demonstrate extreme proficiency with their weapon.

On-The-Job Training

Once an agent passes the initial internal training given to every agent, they will then need to pursue on-going on-the-job training programs in order to maintain their position and advance within the company. Only the most experienced and capable guards are able to work special events, personal protection, and other high-risk positions. Since this is what most guards aspire to, every guard is adamant about pursuing on-the-job training to meet and exceed the company’s requirements.

At a minimum, on-the-job training for every agent will teach them how to use various technical equipment that the company uses in monitoring properties (like alarms, phones, and CCTV systems) along with emergency procedures to help them respond to various incidents and the basic rules of conduct that every agent is required to follow when working for the company. Learning about facility layout plans, Hazmat, and other things may also be necessary depending on the company and the industries they serve.

In addition to the company sanctioned training, most guards will require additional training when they take on a new position in a new environment. For instance, the company they are working for may require special training so that the guard can learn the company’s security policies and other special requirements.

Special Certifications

Aside from internal training programs, many agents pursue special certifications to make them more effective. These certifications are often required in order for guards to work their way up to more high-risk positions. Some examples of what guards may receive training on include basic firefighting skills, advanced first aid techniques, CPR, and knowledge of bloodborne pathogens.

Not all agents will have these special certifications, but a larger agency should be able to accommodate the needs of any company thanks to the varied specialties and skillsets of different agents. When combing into a team, the varied skillsets of different agents allow security teams to be the most effective in any work setting.

How Much Training Do Guards Get?

As far as the specific amount of training necessary, every post is different. In general, agencies are very specific about the people that they assign to various roles. Guards will typically spend many years with an agency before they are able to prove themselves and work up to more serious positions. Guards with backgrounds in law enforcement and protection will generally get priority thanks to their advanced expertise.

Related: What kind of businesses need armed security guards?

Regardless, if you are curious about how experienced your guards will be, the best thing to do is to contact the agency directly and ask them. Agencies hold themselves and their guards to the highest of standards, which means they should be proud to share information about the training their agents receive in order to protect your property.