Armed Security Guard Training

Many businesses use armed security guards to protect employees, customers and assets. Because of the dangers associated with this job, the guards must be properly trained. The Federal government has issued mandates concerning the proper training for armed security guards. Many states and individual companies have additional requirements for this training. The company that hires the armed guard usually provides all the necessary training.

Function

An armed security guard must be trained in all aspects of keeping a business or person safe. This training includes how to use a surveillance system, performing street surveillance and use of a firearm. Many courses also include the proper ways to report crimes, notice details that are useful to the police and how to deter crimes through an obvious presence.

Time Frame

Before the first day on the job, federal regulations require that armed security guards that aren't current police officers complete 8 hours of basic security training, 16 hours of on the job training and 47 hours of firearm training. Additionally, each armed security guard has to complete an 8-hour training refresher course each year.

Background Checks

Armed security guards must go through an exhaustive screening process before and during training. Prior to training, the applicant must submit to a thorough background check, FBI fingerprinting and DNA testing. Once this is done, the applicant must apply for a state issues armed security guard permit. During the training to become a licenses armed security guard, the trainee has to submit to a mental evaluation.

Considerations

Active duty police officers, licensed private investigators, certain military personnel, peace officers and some recently retired police officers don't have to go through the extensive training to become an armed security guard. These individuals do still have to register as armed security guards with the state in which they will work. If anyone who meets the requirements to bypass the training changes jobs or retires, he may have to participate in the training programs.

Additional Training

Some armed guard positions require additional trainings. For example, an armed prison guard has to be trained on how to deal with angry prisoners and prison riots. According to the Department of Labor, higher paying armed guard jobs, including personal security, require much more extensive training that jobs such as armed mall security. Additionally, some security companies require the armed security guards it hires to complete company sponsored training, which focuses on company ethics and other policies. This training is in addition to the mandated training courses.