How to Obtain a Security Guard Card in California
Security guards are responsible for protecting property against illegal activities, including fire, theft, vandalism and terrorism and, in some cases, for protecting the customers, employees or other individuals on the property. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job opportunities for security guards to grow by 14 percent over the next ten years, fueled by increased concern over crime and terrorism coupled with increased use of private guards to ensure security at public events and in residential neighborhoods. The California Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services establishes requirements, oversees training and licenses security guards in the state.
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Instructions
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Meet the age requirement. You must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for a security guard license in California.
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Complete an eight-hour course called "Power to Arrest." This course is the first segment of the 40-hour security guard training requirements. The training course may be provided by a private patrol operator or by a certified training facility. You must pass an examination on the course in order to complete it.
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Submit a security guard application at the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services' online services site (see Resources, below). You will be required to pay the application fee online at the time you submit the application.
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Submit your fingerprints using the electronic Live Scan service. You must use the fingerprint form provided by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, which is coded to direct the results to them. (See Resources, below.) Your fingerprints will be checked against records at the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who will send reports on your criminal background. You must pay a fee for each of these background checks when you submit your fingerprints.
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Verify that you have passed the background check by going to the Bureau's "Verify a License" site (see Resources, below). If you have successfully passed the background check, you may print the screen at the website and use the screen print as proof of your license. You will usually receive the license within 10 to 15 business days.
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Begin work at your security guard assignment. You must have a valid security guard registration (or copy of the screen print) and valid photo identification with you at all times.
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Complete the remaining training requirements. You must complete 16 hours of training within the first 30 days of starting work and an additional 16 hours of training within six months.
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Tips & Warnings
You must complete additional training before you are allowed to use tear gas, a baton or a firearm. Training for a tear gas permit takes two hours and training for a baton takes eight hours. You must complete the same requirements as any other citizen to register a firearm and secure a permit to carry the firearm.
