SECURITY OFFICER TRAINING HQ

Securing Your Future

Security Officer Training In Alaska

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Getting Started In Alaska

In order to obtain your Security Officer license in the State of Alaska, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a United States citizen or resident alien
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Neither addicted to nor dependent on alcohol, narcotics, or other drugs
  • Be without a conviction of a felony within 10 years before the date of application
  • Be emotionally and mentally stable
  • Complete an 8-hour pre-assignment Security Officer Training course
  • Complete an additional 40 hours of in-service training within 180 days of employment

After you complete your 8-hour pre-assignment course, you then can fill out an application to become an Officer.

Applications are available online at the Public & Safety Statewide Services Permits and Licensing Unit website. (See New Security Guard Application)

After you fill out the application, it must be signed and notarized.

The following items must also accompany the application:

  1. One frontal view photograph of the applicant; the photograph must include the upper part of the body from the waist up; it must have been taken within the 30 days before submission; and be of a size, color, and condition that will allow the photograph to be processed in the department’s identification production equipment;
  2. Two sets of classifiable fingerprints;
  3. Proof of bonding or insurance; and
  4. A non-refundable application fee of $50 and the fees required for fingerprint processing, which as of 2010 are $54.25.

TOTAL FEES : $50.00 (application fee) and $54.25 for the fingerprint fee.

Alaska is a unique state with challenging assignments in cold weather. Stay tuned for more advice on what type of gear you must have in this outdoor wonderland!

Good Luck!

Colt

How to get started as a Security Officer in California

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Getting Started

The state of California has a very specific process for becoming a licensed Security Officer.

Many people refer to this license as a “Guard card” but it’s just a permit to work as a contract Security Officer for a private company.

Once you receive your permit, you are qualified to work for a company as a uniformed Security Officer.

The minimum qualifications for an unarmed Security Officer are:

  • You must be at least 18 years old
  • You must undergo a criminal history background check through the DOJ and the FBI
  • You must complete a minimum of 40 hours of training (see below)

The training and exam may be administered by any private patrol operator or by a certified training facility.

Here’s the breakdown of the 40 Hour Security Officer Training Requirement
Prior to Being Assigned on Post 8 Hours
Training Required within the First 30 Days 16 Hours
Training Required within the First Six Months 16 Hours
TOTAL HOURS 40 HOURS

On-Line Licensing Is Faster

If you have access to a computer, I would recommend applying online. (If not, see below for regular processing)

This process allows Security Officer applicants to apply for initial registration on-line, but only if they also submit their fingerprints through the Department of Justice (DOJ) via Live Scan. A $32.00 DOJ fingerprint processing fee and a $19.00 FBI fee must be paid at the Live Scan site.

Step #1 – Go to an approved Livescan provider and get your fingerprints “scanned”. Search for a Livescan provider at this link:

http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/publications/contact.php

Fees required at Livescan:

$32.00 DOJ fingerprint fee

$19.00 FBI fee

$51.00 total – not including the fee required by the facility that takes your prints.(varies between $10.00 – $50.00 Shop around)

Step #2 – Go online and process your application with the BSIS. Start here:  http://www.dca.ca.gov/proflic/securityguards.shtml

Fees required for your initial application include:

Security Officer Application Fee
$50.00
On-Line Convenience Fee
$1.00
TOTAL – $51.00
Step 3 – Once you have submitted your fees, your application, and your background is cleared (FBI), your name will appear on the BSIS website.
You can verify the Bureau’s approval by checking “Verify a License” at http://www.bsis.ca.gov/online_services/verify_license.shtml.
You should receive your actual “permit” in 10-14 days.

Step 4 – Complete your required 8 hours of training. This training is outlined below:

POWER TO ARREST COURSE OUTLINE

The Power to Arrest Course consists of four (4) hours of training in both of the following two (2) subjects:

A. Powers to Arrest- 4 hours

Objective: To familiarize and instruct the individual on the training topics delineated at Business and Professions Code section 7583.7, including, without limitation, legal aspects, techniques, liability, and company requirements relating to the arrest of an individual. The training will utilize the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Power to Arrest Training Manual and may include lecture, discussion, exercises and role-playing.

  1. Overview of Power to Arrest Manual and subject matter.
  2. Definition of arrest and discussion on the implications to the subject, the guard and the company.
  3. Lecture/discussion on escalation and de-escalation techniques in the use of force.
  4. Lecture/discussion in the use of restraint techniques and their implications.
  5. Discussion of trespass laws and implications of enforcement.
  6. Completion of the Power to Arrest Training Manual Test with 100% score in accordance with the Manual’s Administering Instructions.
B. Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) & Terrorism Awareness – 4 hours

Objective: To familiarize and instruct the individual on the subject matter and observation skills required to identify and report precursor activities to a terrorist event, react appropriately, report the occurrence of a terrorist event, and remain safe while helping control the scene after a terrorist event. The training will utilize the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Weapons of Mass Destruction & Terrorism Awareness for Security Professionals course consisting of a Digital Video Disk (DVD), Student Workbook and Facilitator Manual.

  1. Introduction and overview of the training.
  2. The Role of a Security Officer.
  3. The Nature of Terrorism.
  4. Weapons of Mass Destruction.
  5. Coordinating and Sharing of Critical Information.
NOTE: Many Private Patrol Operators and approved training facilities will process all of this paperwork and provide the initial training for you … for a fee. Security Companies offer this service as a convenient way to hire new Officers and ensure that they have the required paperwork and forms completed before assigning them a post. Consider this option only if you want a “fast track” to a new assignment with that company.

Traditional Application – (Snail Mail)

You may apply to be a Security Officer the traditional way if you do not have access to a computer.
Just submit your completed application with the appropriate fees ($50 registration fee) and a Security Guard Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan operator.
The $32 DOJ fingerprint processing fee and a $19 FBI fingerprint processing fee must be paid at the Live Scan site.
Send your application package to the: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002.
Good luck!
P.S. In California, there is a distinct difference between a Uniformed Security Officer and a Proprietary Security Officer. (I will explain the difference in a separate post. Stay tuned!)