Armed Security Guard Training Requirements in California

All applicants for armed security guards in the State of California must complete the required 40 hours of security guard training before obtaining a license and getting employed. Standards and licensing requirements are set by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Security and Investigative services, under Division 3, chapter 11.5 of the Business and Professions code section 7583.6.

Basic requirements are as follows:

•  Applicants for armed guard position must be at least 18 years old.
•  Applicants should be able to provide a state photo along with fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for identification.
•  A background check done by the FBI and the Department of Justice (DOJ) is a standard procedure to be completed.
•  The applicant should present a proof of high school education or any equivalent certification.
•  He or she must be a citizen if the United States or a legal alien with a valid working permit.
•  Applicants must not be associated with any illegal acts and should have no records of felony convictions and misdemeanors.

Application Information

A security Live Scan form must be submitted by each applicant, which can be obtained directly from the Bureau or downloaded online at   http://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms/pubs/livescan/live_scan_forms.shtml   .

After this procedure, fingerprints must be submitted electronically to the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Along with the Live Scan form is an application form filled-out with basic information including name, social security number, home address, date of birth, mailing address and mobile number.

Criminal history covering felony convictions and crime involvement, within the state or foreign countries and other jurisdictions, if any, should be confirmed. Applicants must only provide truthful and valid information. Any information proven false after the investigation will be enough reason for the application not to be processed any further.

To complete the application process, here are the required fees:

•  $50 application fee ( online payment or directly paid to the Bureau)
•  $32 DOJ fingerprint fee
•  $19 FBI fingerprint fee

Security Guard Training Course

A 40 hour training course is required to be completed by any individual seeking a position as an armed security guard. 8 hours of this will be for the “Power to Arrest” training which will be done before employment. The applicants will also have to pass an exam for this training to be fully qualified. The remaining 32 hours will have to be completed after being employed. 30 days are given to complete the first 16 and another 6 months for the next, after the department has issued a license.  

The Department will approve the standard course and curriculum for the training required, which can be administered by any certified and licensed organization or agencies.

Since it is a position for armed guards, applicants have to complete weapons training consisting of 8 hours spent on classroom instruction and another 6 hours for range expertise.

Here are the educational classes covered in the training:

•  Training on public relations
•  Laws on search and seizure
•  Immediate response to emergencies
•  Crowd control and evacuation procedures
•  Limited use of force
•  Procedures on radio and alarm
•  Types of arrests

Some employments for armed security guards may require further background check and specialized training.

Sources:

http://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/gappnew.pdf   

http://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/guardgd.pdf