Security Guard Training in NYC
The duties and responsibilities of security officers or security guards are not to be taken lightly. They are hired to protect and maintain safety within their assigned areas. The New York local authorities recognize their demands and gravity of their tasks. As a result, they have implemented a standard system to train security officers.
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Legislation
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In New York, security guard training is regulated by the Security Guard Act of 1992. This legislation mandates that all individuals who wish to be registered guards should undergo standardized training only from approved private training institutions. The party that monitors this legislation is the Division of Criminal Justice Service, Office of Public Safety.
Types
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There are three primary trainings as stated by the act. The first is the Pre-Assignment Training Course. This is an eight-hour course that you take before applying for a security guard registration card from the Department of State. The second type is the On-the-Job-Training Course. This is a 16-hour course that you should complete within 90 days of employment onset. The third is the In-Service Training Course. This is an eight-hour course completed annually.
If your security job entails carrying of a weapon, you must possess a NYS pistol license under the Penal Law 400.00. You also need to acquire a Special Armed Guard Registration Card, which can be issued after a 47-hour firearms training course for security officers. You should also complete an eight-hour in-service training course for armed security guards every year after the first year of completing the initial firearms training course.
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Content
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The pre-certification training course is an introduction to the duties of a security guard. This includes identifying the scope and limitations of a security officer’s duties. This also trains you how to handle emergencies and violent confrontations as well as job ethics.
The in-service training program covers practical applications to the concepts discussed in the pre-certification training. You will learn how to write complete security-related reports. This training may incorporate the specific security operations of the company that hired you.
The annual in-service training provides a yearly refresher course that includes topics learned in the other courses. This training also will update you in regards to changed security policy or rules.
Exemptions
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The Division of Criminal Justice Services states that active police officers are exempted from all required security training should they be contracted as private security officers. The exemption extends to peace officers such as correctional officers, sergeants, bridge and tunnel officers, court officers and deputy sheriffs of New York City and Westchester County. However, peace officers who carry a weapon during their security duties should complete the annual in-service training for armed security guards.
Other Trainings
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There are other courses that current security guards may take, but they are not required by the NYC local government. One example is the Bachelor of Science in Security Management program. This course discusses criminology, security laws, methods, technology and corporate-related issues. Another course is the Online Security Guard Certificate. These courses are not replacements, but they do give you more comprehensive training. Completing them increases your chances of getting hired and gives you an advantage to seek career advancement.
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