Armed Guard Requirements

Armed guards protect possessions and property.

Armed guards are hired to protect valuable possessions and property from damage and destruction. They are typically employed by security firms and hired out to firms and individuals as required. An armed security guard receives higher pay and has wider opportunities for career development than an unarmed guard, as stated on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website. The average salary of an armed guard as of July 2010 was $59,000, according to Indeed.

Education and Experience Requirements

Candidates for armed guard jobs typically need a high school diploma. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers often favor candidates with a degree. Armed guards are sometimes required to have experience in relevant occupations such as law enforcement or military deployment. Experience requirements typically vary depending on how specialized the role is.

Training Requirements

The training requirements for armed guards is more comprehensive and stringent than for unarmed guards. This is because firms who hire armed guards are legally accountable for any use of force undertaken by their employees. The Department of Homeland Security is one agency responsible for conducting training for armed guards and for providing permits for training courses. With these courses, candidates are taught a range of armed guard skills such as how to use of firearms, react to crowd disturbances and coordinate protection work with law enforcement agencies.

Once employed, armed guards are usually required to undertake on-the-job-training to improve their skills further. This will help employees get used to the ethos of the hiring agency because companies usually have varying codes of conduct when it comes to identifying and inhibiting criminal activity.

Personal Requirements

Candidates are expected to pass a criminal background check and provide sample fingerprints. Applicants should also have excellent character references from respected professionals or community figures. Armed guards are typically required to have a drivers license and are often required to undergo drug testing. Armed guards should be mentally aware, emotionally sound and have excellent levels of physical fitness. They should also possess swift reflexes and physical strength to detain assailants until the police arrive.

Firearm Requirements

Armed guards need a firearm training certification. Prior to certification, candidates are trained in the legal use, safe handling and regular maintenance of firearms. Exact training and license requirements for armed guards vary from state to state. In New York, for instance, applicants need to undertake a 47-hour course in firearms training before being registered. They must also go through an eight-hour refresher course every year. Armed guards may be required to undergo occasional firearm tests to ensure they still possess the necessary skills.

Licensing Requirements

Recruitment for armed guards is typically stricter than for unarmed guards. Armed guards are required to register in the state where they wish to practice. Applicants typically need to pay a fee upon registration. Armed guards are usually required to be 18 years of age. They also need to complete a background check and specific training in emergency processes, the detention of criminals and other skills such as surveillance.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers
• New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services: Office of Public Safety: Security Guard Training
• Indeed: Armed Guard Salary