Armed Security Guard Training Requirements in Arkansas

Before being employed as an armed security guard in the State of Arkansas, it is strictly required that the applicants first apply for a license. While doing this, the applicant should also go through rigid trainings to be qualified and be a professional in carrying weapons. The Arkansas Department of Public Safety will be issuing the armed security guard’s license which will be valid for four years. Within these years, the applicants should be able to take refresher courses each year, to maintain their qualification.

Different States have varied rules and standards when it comes to employment. The State of Arkansas has their set of requirements listed below to obtain a license.

•  For armed guards, applicants should be 21 years old at the least.
•  The applicant should be a high school graduate and should be able to produce a diploma or any certificate of equivalency.
•  He or she should be willing to go through a background check.
•  The applicant must be able to pass drug tests.
•  He or she must have the right to work as a citizen of the U.S. or as a legal resident alien.
•  He or she must be in good physical condition and have a good moral character.
•  The applicants must not have any records of crime involvement and convictions, or any acts of fraud.

Application Information

Applicants are required to submit a filled-out application form and must also pay the mandatory fees, which covers $40 for application and $41.25 for state and federal background check. Depending upon the employers, some additional requirements and standards must be met, like advanced skills in reasoning, logic, observation and dealing with the public.

•  General Information

This covers all basic information such as name, social security number, mailing address, phone and mobile number, place of birth and other physical factors, contributing to the proper evaluation of the department, and record purposes.

•  Employment

The applicants should list all records of previous employment for the past ten years including names and addresses of employers, date employed, date it ended, and the reason for leaving the job. The applicant must also list all residences for the past ten years. Any false accounts or made up information is punishable by the law, under the State of Arkansas.

•  Criminal History

Any convictions of felony or acts of crime, involving moral turpitude and violence must be indicated in the list along with other documentations certified by the court. To complete the application, candidates should sign an oath that all information given is true and correct. This should be legal and notarized before submission.

Security Guard Training Courses

Armed guards are required to complete four hours of security guard training which covers, weapons safety, firing range, marksmanship and legal limitations, all of which are given one hour each.

They will also have to do the basic training such as the following:

•  Training on how to deal with fire and medical emergencies
•  Training on the State’s ethical and legal issues
•  Professionalism on the job
•  Proper and limited use of force
•  Type of arrests

Other employers and private agencies will require further training and background checks before hiring applicants.

Sources:

http://asp.arkansas.gov/divisions/rs/pdf/pi%20security_security%20officer%20rpi_original%20employee%20application_122010.pdf