Security specialists must adhere to strict regulations. Not only must a security specialist pass a background check, but they must also meet specific health requirements. Each security specialist, whether they are an officer, guard, armed or unarmed, must complete specialized training and pass an examination. Once the officer has completed their security training and taken the exam, they may receive certification. However, some armed security personnel, and unarmed guards may receive temporary certifications before completing all the requirements.
Some specific rules regarding security specialists include:
>> Anyone desiring a career in security must be 18 years or older and speak, read, and write English fluently. Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen will require a valid work permit.
>> Health checks are required in certain states, not all. Maryland doesn’t require it while Washington, D.C. does.
>> Number of of hours of training varies state to state. For instance, Maryland doesn’t mandate any specific number of hours of training for an unarmed officer.
>> Security guards cannot be addicted to drugs or alcohol.
>> Security specialists cannot have any mental health issues that could result in the loss of control.
>> Must not have any health issues such as epilepsy which could endanger their lives or others.
>> Security personnel must complete a full fitness-for-duty physical and provide documentation from their doctor confirming they are fit for the job before placement.
>> The subject must also agree to a complete background check with the FBI. Any criminal record will be evaluated in conjunction with the security officer role. A minor offense may or may not factor in.
>> Each officer must complete at least 24 hours of training, including terrorism awareness, emergency procedures, and customer service.
>> Learn first aid procedures along with evacuation.
>> During their first 90 days on the job, the security officer will continue another 16 hours of training.
>> Every year after that, the subject will complete 8 hours of continuing education.
>> Additional training will include search and seizure laws, municipal codes, physical security, human guarding, and surveillance depending on the job placement and/or the company they will be working with.
Potential Job Posts
Once trained and certified, security specialists s may be posted at a variety of different types of venues, such as tourist attractions, government buildings, banks, casinos, hospitals, private companies, port security, and maritime security. The opportunities are endless.
However, unarmed security guards may be limited to certain types of security contracts, whereas armed guards may enjoy more freedom with the potential to work in various arenas.
Special Laws and Authorization
Private security guards do not have any special powers other than that of a regular citizen. However, security guards who have been granted special legal powers by the local government may:
- Perform a citizen’s arrest.
- Use deadly force/weapons to control a situation.
- May have special jurisdiction on a specific property they are guarding.
- Search and seizure in some limited circumstances.
- Some security specialists are also the police and will have all the legal rights that law enforcement does.
If you are interested in a career in security, contact DMAC today.