As with any profession in criminal justice or law enforcement, you should meet certain requirements in your jurisdiction to qualify as an unarmed security guard. Additionally, some skills and qualities will serve you well in this line of work, and they should be nurtured. In this blog, you will learn about the prerequisites for being an unarmed security guard, and the personal characteristics you need to have to work in this sector.

Understanding Who an Unarmed Security Guard Is

An unarmed security guard is an individual who doesn't possess or have access to a gun or other lethal weapon while performing his or her job. Unarmed security officers are in charge of keeping an eye on an individual or a facility, like a music hall, a retail store, or an apartment block.

Their responsibilities include surveillance camera monitoring, crime prevention, suspicious activity investigation, and notifying law enforcement officers if necessary. An individual's day-to-day responsibilities as a security officer are determined by the nature of their position.

Both armed and unarmed California security guards are required to complete extensive training so that they can effectively protect their clients in a wide variety of situations. A security guard's responsibilities are grounded in a code of conduct that requires them to protect persons and property, prevent problems from occurring, and monitor and report any events or crimes that do occur.

This code serves as the foundation for their 40-hour security guard training courses and is fully reflected in them. However, it is important to note that an unarmed security guard and a law enforcement officer have significant differences.

An unarmed security guard's job is to safeguard their client's property or individuals, not to enforce the laws. The police are there to enforce the laws by keeping the peace, protecting the people, and seizing illegally-held goods. A California security guard receives thorough training that is tailored to their particular work duties and code.

How You Can Become an Unarmed Security Guard

In California, an individual requires a license known as a "California Guard Card" to work as a certified security guard. The license is required for each prospective security guard, and those seeking it should meet the following requirements:

  1. You must be over the age of 18.
  2. You should undergo a 40-hour training session over six months.
  3. You'll need to pay a fee for fingerprinting, BSIS registration, and a security training course.
  4. Comply to undertake a background check with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI (FBI). A candidate will be disqualified if they have a criminal record that includes serious offenses (such as kidnapping, burglary, theft, or rape) but no misdemeanor offenses (like reckless driving, petty theft, public intoxication, or shoplifting).
  5. The requirements to work as an unarmed security guard vary by state. All security personnel, armed or unarmed, must be properly licensed and trained to carry weapons under state law.

Although unarmed security guards do not require the same level of training as armed security guards or law enforcement officers, they nevertheless should be trained in the basics of deterring criminal activity, using surveillance technology, and carrying out their legal duties. An unarmed security guard should have at least a GED or a high school diploma.

You should be in good shape to patrol and respond quickly in an emergency. Some security guards should have some skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid. Additionally, an unarmed guard should meet the following special requirements:

  • An Applicant Should First Undergo An 8 Hour of Guard Card Training At An Accredited Institution Or An Online Training School

The required training lasts for four hours and is broken up into two main parts, or modules. The section titled "Power to Arrest" covers the factors (such as law, liability, tactics, and company policy) that can result in an arrest being made.

The following four hours of instruction will focus on Weapons of Mass Destruction and terrorist threat awareness. Guards, for example, learn to enhance their observation skills to spot and report suspicious acts that could lead to terrorism.

  • Second, BSIS Requires That the Unarmed Security Guard Application Be Submitted Online By The Individual Applicant, A Private Patrol Operator, Or Training Center

Live Scan fingerprints should be uploaded electronically to initiate the required criminal background investigation with the DOJ and FBI. The findings of this investigation will be forwarded to the BSIS.

Third, after BSIS receives the application and the background check clearances, the applicant will be added to the Bureau's website as a certified candidate.

A person can be recruited as a security guard upon completing their first 8 hours of training, completing the initial exam, and passing the BSIS background check and verification. However, the prospective guard remains in the guard card training phase and is not yet a registered guard. The individual will receive the security guard registration form in one to two weeks, at which point the registration will start.

Meanwhile, when working, the applicant should keep a photo ID and a copy of the screen showing the Bureau's approval on their website on hand at all times. The applicant for a guard card has thirty days to finish the required extra 16 hours of training.

  • An Extra 16 Hours Of Training For A Guard Card Trainee Comprises Four Additional 4-Hour Classes

A Public Relations course teaches the individual the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to serve as a security guard. The applicant learns how to write reports, conduct patrols, and ask questions politely in Observation and Documentation.

The proper approach to contacting people is taught in a course on communications and its significance, along with how to use monitors and radios. The BSIS code, as well as civil, criminal, and administrative policies, are all covered in the Legal and Liability Aspects course.

  • It Is Required That A Security Guard Finish The Remaining Sixteen Training Hours Within Six Months

Even after completing the first month of training hours and receiving a guard card, individuals must take a further 16 hours of training programs within 6 months. These include elective classes including officer safety, post orders and assignments, and preserving the incident scene.

In conclusion, all California security guards who eventually receive their guard card licenses have passed these stringent identification and criminal background checks in addition to the 40-hour state-required training courses.

For security officers to be able to use weapons or batons, they must still complete further training. Additionally, licensed security guards should retain their education details throughout their working careers. Even though there are clearly stated and stringent standards for a security guard applicant, not everyone meets them. Those who comply with California's regulations in this regard are guaranteed to be competent agents.

Responsibilities and Duties of Unarmed Security Guards

Many people feel more secure when security guards are around. They are often spotted in public places. You will notice them performing security checks when you go shopping, pick up your kids from school, in banks, or even visit amusement parks. Without a doubt, the presence of such reliable individuals makes people feel safe.

Some people might believe that security officers are all armed. That isn't always the case, though. Armed or unarmed security guards that have undergone training and are certified to safeguard client property are both options.

Basic Obligations and Duties

A security guard's job is to deter crime rather than deal with it once it occurs. Their presence adds an element of security. Visitors feel safer when security personnel are visible in and around the area.

Security officers without weapons frequently act as gatekeepers. They regulate who has access to and is allowed to enter a certain structure or establishment. Some organizations maintain track of the visitors' identification by requiring them to provide identification documents or cards and noting the identification of the vehicles. Additionally, they keep an eye on security cameras for any suspicious activity. They must be watchful and attentive for anything strange, using their judgment to know when to seek help.

During huge gatherings, maintaining order among attendees is another duty of unarmed security officers. They make every effort to ensure the security of those there and avoid stampedes. In addition to protecting individuals, they also protect property. An unarmed security guard is taught to briefly restrain a person when a situation turns violent or when there is any reason to believe that an arrest is warranted.

The local police would then be contacted to respond. However, security would undoubtedly require assistance from neighborhood police officers if criminals were carrying lethal weapons. Given that a delay in assistance could result in the loss of lives, this situation necessitates caution and sound judgment. Therefore, an unarmed security guard should act quickly to contact the authorities in any challenging situation.

Additional Duties

A security guard's responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to, patrolling, monitoring, guarding, and reporting criminal behavior to the appropriate authorities when necessary. In other cases, they could be required to carry out particular duties like running errands and replying to texts and calls from their employer, among other added obligations.

Sometimes unarmed security officers are recruited for a certain role, such as coordinating with those in charge of keeping money or any other valuables safe, and they have to guard the goods while they are being transported.

Understanding the tasks and obligations of unarmed security guards could help you work more effectively with them. We feel that showing our identification cards is a waste of everyone's time, but rest assured that the people asking for them are only doing their jobs to ensure the safety of everyone, including yourself.

Making Arrests

In some jurisdictions, security guards are authorized to make arrests and detain offenders. Security officers have the authority to hold individuals whom they have reasonable grounds to suspect have committed a crime. The guard is responsible for contacting local law enforcement as quickly as possible following the detention so that they can arrive and physically arrest the suspect.

Detention is also legal in California under specific circumstances. When it comes to arresting powers, guards there are required to take training classes and pass the final exam with a 100% perfect score. After completing all of the requirements, the security guard is issued a license that grants them the authority to hold individuals while they are on duty.

Just like law enforcement officers, security guards have legal limitations on how much force they can use. Training for security guards typically includes instruction on the kinds of situations in which it is acceptable to use a certain amount of force. Guards also need to be able to defend themselves when they confront suspects.

Although self-defense techniques are not typically covered in training courses, they do describe the safety precautions security officers can use when holding or trying to evict a suspect. There are several factors to consider, including how to confront the offender, whether or not they are armed, as well as when to call for backup from other officers or law enforcement.

What Makes a Good Security Officer?

The following list provides a summary of several key personal qualities that are necessary for someone to be an effective security guard. If you believe you lack any of these qualities, remember that you could always work on improving yourself in that regard.

The easiest way to accomplish this is to keep working at these qualities consistently. Eventually, as time passes, you'll see that you're demonstrating these attributes more often.

Honesty

Honesty is essential if you want people to have faith in you, including your employers and the general public. When you work as a security guard, you have access to private spaces including people's homes, and workplaces, among other sensitive places. You could lose your job when your acts cause your employer to have doubts concerning your credibility and honesty.

Attention to Detail

Paying close attention to detail is essential in any position involving security or law enforcement. Is a warehouse door open when it has always been shut previously? Is there someone who seems to be loitering aimlessly outside the building you're guarding?

The ability to notice even the smallest details can help professionals deter criminals. Your capacity to zero in on details could serve to keep you as well as those around you safe, which should be among your key priorities at all times. Having a constant awareness of your immediate environment is an important quality to have in this line of work.

Even Temperament

A person in the security industry must be able to keep their emotions in check even when under pressure.  This indicates that you need to be capable of maintaining your composure even when confronted with stressful circumstances. If you want to be effective as a security officer, maintaining a level head is essential since it allows others to trust you.

Additionally, it gives you the ability to think rationally when making decisions under pressure. This enhances your leadership abilities. If you can maintain your composure under unpredictable or dangerous events, you'll be capable of assisting others as well as yourself.

Physical Fitness

You don't have to become a bodybuilder, but being physically fit will allow you to complete your tasks efficiently. Of course, being physically active can benefit you in ways other than just making your job simpler. It could also boost your thinking and mood.

Strong Communication Skills

Effective communication is the key to resolving many difficult situations. You'll build more trustworthy relationships if you demonstrate to other people that you're genuinely interested in what they have to say and communicate with them in a straightforward, logical way.

Possessing strong writing skills is also important. You could be expected to complete different kinds of reports, such as reports when your shift ends.

A Regard for Life

An excellent security guard is someone who places a high value on human life. This demonstrates that you have concern for those around you, including your coworkers, your customers, and those individuals that you might be required to interrogate or detain. Security professionals that are effective in their jobs always know what their clients need to feel protected.

An Appreciation for Training and Education

The best security guards are appreciative of the learning opportunities afforded to them, both to teach and to learn from others. Everything you learn in your course, during the state licensure exams, and while on the job will serve you well in your future endeavors. Completing a course or a training course always presents an opportunity to pick up new information and skills. In the end, it is up to you to decide what you will take away from each one.

What is the Distinction Between Unarmed and Armed Security Guards?

Armed security officers like unarmed security guards must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and have no criminal convictions. Some positions demand an academic background in political science or criminal justice. They are highly trained and typically carry firearms. Armed security officers are distinguished by their ability to use lethal force when necessary.

The presence of armed guards instills a sense of safety and security in customers. However, this could also cause anxiety if individuals feel as if their presence is unnecessary. An unarmed security guard is preferable in these circumstances.

The duties of unarmed security guards are simpler than those of armed guards because they are not required to carry firearms. They typically have non-lethal weapons such as pepper spray, batons, and tasers with them.

In cases where the presence of armed guards would be unnerving but the absence of any security would also be worrisome, unarmed guards are the ideal option. In most cases, just having them there will be enough to dissuade criminal activity.

These security guards are also able to assist your customers. Unarmed guards can perform a variety of tasks in addition to keeping individuals safe, such as accompanying people to their vehicles after dark, guiding, restricting access to certain areas, or serving at the front desk.

Find a Los Angeles Private Security Firm Near Me

Whenever it pertains to matters of security, you want to feel protected and in control. You should not let your company suffer because you didn't take the time to plan for the worst. Our team of unarmed security guards at Green Knight Security has a wealth of experience and extensive knowledge, making them capable of developing and putting into action an efficient strategy for any type of commercial or retail facility. We serve the City of Los Angeles. Call us now at 844-457-8326.