An armed security guard may be a career path for you if security is your area of interest. One of the most in-demand and well-paid jobs in the security sector is for armed security guards. They have greater employment options and duties than unarmed security guards since they can work in more sensitive settings like banks, airports, or government buildings. Additionally, they can offer personal security services like bodyguarding and transportation.
But it’s not simple to become an armed security guard. To carry a firearm, you must satisfy certain conditions, go through a rigorous training programme, and receive a licence. We’ll go over how to become an armed security guard in this post, along with the knowledge and abilities required, advantages, and drawbacks of the job.
What is an armed security guard?
An armed security guard is a security professional who is authorized to carry and use a firearm or other weapon while on duty. They are responsible for protecting people, property, and assets from various threats, such as theft, vandalism, violence, or terrorism. They may work for private security companies, government agencies, or individual clients.
Some of the typical duties of an armed security guard include:
- Patrolling and monitoring premises
- Checking and controlling access points
- Responding to alarms and emergencies
- Enforcing rules and regulations
- Reporting incidents and suspicious activities
- Detaining and arresting suspects
- Using force or firearms when necessary
What are the requirements for becoming an armed security guard?
The requirements for becoming an armed security guard vary by state, employer, and client. However, some of the common requirements are:
- Being at least 18 or 21 years old (depending on the state)
- Having a high school diploma or equivalent
- Having no serious criminal convictions or mental health issues
- Being a citizen of the United States or having a green card
- Having a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
- Passing a background check and a drug test
- Completing a security guard training program from an accredited institution
- Obtaining a security guard registration card or license
- Completing a firearms training course from an approved provider
- Obtaining an armed security guard license or endorsement
How to get security guard training?
Security guard training is essential for becoming an armed security guard. It provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to perform your duties effectively and safely. Security guard training covers topics such as:
- Security principles and practices
- Legal aspects of security
- Emergency procedures and first aid
- Communication and report writing
- Customer service and public relations
- Conflict management and de-escalation techniques
- Use of force and self-defense
Security guard training can be done online or in person, depending on the state and the provider. The duration and cost of the training also vary, but it usually ranges from 8 to 40 hours and from $50 to $300.
To find a reputable security guard training provider in your area, you can search online or contact your state’s licensing authority.
How to get firearms training?
Firearms training is another crucial component of becoming an armed security guard. It teaches you how to handle, maintain, and use firearms safely and effectively. Firearms training covers topics such as:
- Firearms safety rules and regulations
- Firearms types, parts, and functions
- Firearms cleaning and storage
- Firearms marksmanship and shooting techniques
- Firearms laws and ethics
- Firearms scenarios and simulations
Firearms training can only be done in person, under the supervision of a certified instructor. The duration and cost of the training also vary, but it usually ranges from 8 to 47 hours and from $100 to $500.
To find an approved firearms training provider in your area, you can search online or contact your state’s licensing authority.
How to get an armed security license?
An armed security license is a document that authorizes you to carry and use a firearm or other weapon while working as a security guard. It is issued by your state’s licensing authority, usually after you have completed your security guard training and firearms training.
To apply for an armed security license, you need to submit:
- A completed application form
- A copy of your security guard registration card or license
- A copy of your firearms training certificate
- A copy of your valid pistol permit (if required by your state)
- A passport-sized photo
- A fingerprint card
- A fee (usually between $50 and $150)
The processing time for your application may take from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your state. Once you receive your armed security license, you need to renew it periodically (usually every year or two) by taking refresher courses and paying renewal fees.
What are the benefits of becoming an armed security guard?
If you become an armed security guard, you can enjoy many advantages, such as:
- Better income: Armed security guards usually make more money than unarmed security guards, because they need more skills and have more duties. Indeed.com reports that the average hourly wage for an armed security officer in the United States is $17.31, while the average hourly wage for an unarmed security officer is $13.32.
- More options: Armed security guards have more choices than unarmed security guards, because they can work in different places and sectors. They can also improve their careers by focusing on specific areas, such as executive protection, private investigation, or law enforcement.
- More fulfillment: Armed security guards may enjoy their work more than unarmed security guards, because they have more freedom and power. They may also feel more honored by their role in safeguarding people and property from harm.
What are the challenges of becoming an armed security guard?
Becoming an armed security guard also comes with some challenges, such as:
- Higher risk: Armed security guards face higher risks than unarmed security guards, as they may encounter more dangerous situations and adversaries. They may also have to use force or firearms in self-defense or defense of others, which can have legal and psychological consequences.
- Higher stress: Armed security guards may experience higher stress than unarmed security guards, as they have more pressure and responsibility. They may also have to deal with more demanding clients, supervisors, and regulations.
- Higher expenses: Armed security guards may incur higher expenses than unarmed security guards, as they have to pay for their own equipment, training, licensing, insurance, and transportation.
Conclusion
For people who are interested in security and want to make a difference in society, becoming an armed security guard can be a fulfilling career decision. It is not a career for everyone, though. It involves fulfilling certain requirements, going through rigorous training, getting a licence, and dealing with a variety of difficulties.
If you believe you have what it takes to become an armed security guard, you should first learn about the requirements in your state, look for reliable training facilities, submit an application for your licence, and hunt for employment prospects.
FAQ
How long does it take to become an armed security guard?
The time it takes to become an armed security guard depends on several factors, such as your state’s requirements, the availability of training courses, and the processing time of your license application. However, a rough estimate is that it may take from 3 to 6 months to complete all the necessary steps.
How much does it cost to become an armed security guard?
The cost of becoming an armed security guard varies by state, provider, and equipment. However, some of the common expenses are security guard training, firearms training, pistol permit, armed security license, and equipment. Therefore, the total cost may range from $450 to $1650.
What are the best states to work as an armed security guard?
The best states to work as an armed security guard depend on your personal preferences, such as salary, demand, regulations, and opportunities. However, some of the states that are known to have high pay and high demand for armed security guards are California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois.
What are the skills and qualities of a good armed security guard?
Some of the skills and qualities of a good armed security guard are physical fitness and stamina, mental alertness and awareness, honesty and integrity, professionalism and reliability, communication and interpersonal skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and teamwork and cooperation.
What are the risks and challenges of working as an armed security guard?
Some of the risks and challenges of working as an armed security guard are facing dangerous situations and adversaries, using force or firearms in self-defense or defense of others, dealing with legal and psychological consequences of using force or firearms, handling pressure and responsibility, meeting demanding clients, supervisors, and regulations, and paying for your own equipment, training, licensing, insurance, and transportation.