How to Get an Armed Guard License in Tennessee
To acquire an armed guard license in Tennessee, you must meet several basic personal requirements. Most importantly, you mustn't have any convictions for violent crimes. You must also complete several training classes before submitting a formal application to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
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Things You'll Need
- Identification that can prove your age, citizenship and right to work in the United States
- Three sets of fingerprint cards
- Three passport style photographs of yourself
- $180 for fees
- Firearm
Instructions
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Application and Training
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1
Establish that you meet basic personal requirements for being an armed security guard. Have identification that proves you are at least 21 years old and that you are a U.S. citizen or a resident alien.
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Complete four hours of basic training plus additional nonlethal weapons training if necessary. Begin with an hour of basic orientation training, followed by an hour of training on a security guard's legal powers and limitations. Receive a third hour of training on emergency procedures and finally one hour of training on general duties. Complete additional training for any less than lethal devices you would be required to carry while on duty, such as a stun gun or pepper spray.
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3
Complete 12 hours of specialized firearms training. Begin with eight hours of classroom training on the legal limitations of the use of a firearm, handling of a firearm and safety and maintenance of firearms. Then complete four hours of marksmanship training and score a minimum of 70 percent accuracy on a silhouette target course approved by the state.
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Fill out and mail an application, with passport style photographs, fingerprint cards, fees and proof of completed training to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Call a local law enforcement agency or office and schedule a fingerprinting session because fingerprint cards are legal documents that must be professional made and notarized.
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Tips & Warnings
Be on your best behavior. The state will look into your background and behavior. If you have a drug or alcohol problem, get clean and stay clean before applying for a license. The application fees, which total $180, are nonrefundable, so make sure you have everything in order.
The state will reject your application if you have been convicted of crimes involving firearms, shoplifting or violence. The state will also reject your application if it discovers that you are not mentally competent, you are a habitual abuser of alcohol or illegal drugs or you have a disability that would prevent you from completing your duties.
