Armed Security Guard Training Requirements in Louisiana

Armed security guard applicants in the state of Louisiana must be licensed. To obtain a license, applicants must be able to complete the necessary requirements, standards and training in accordance to the Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners. License acquisition should be done through a security agency which the candidates wants to work for.

Applicants should know beforehand that license cannot be transferred. Changing of companies will mean re-application for a license and completion of the same set of requirements. Only the security guard training course will be credited upon transfer.

There are minimum requirements and criteria that an applicant should meet before getting hired. Listed below are some of them.   

• Armed security guard applicants must be 21 years old or older. 
• The applicant should be able to produce proof of high school education; diploma or certificate of equivalency. 
• The applicant should be a United States citizen, or if a legal resident alien should provide a valid working permit. 
• All applicants should submit to a background check administered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 
• All applicants should be able to submit their fingerprints. 
• Applicants should not have any record of aggravated misdemeanors, felony convictions, and acts of crime and illegal use of weapons. 
• Applicants should acquire a driver’s license issued by the state. 
• The applicant should provide a valid social security card. 

Application Information 

Background checks are mandatory procedures which every applicant should be able to complete. Records of criminal history can a cause application denial or disqualification, depending on the weight of the crime and how it was settled. Applicants should adhere to the laws and standards set by the Louisiana Board of Private Security Examiners. Any violation or false statements may become grounds for license termination. 

Application process requires a nonrefundable $40 fee while $55.25 is required to process fingerprints and criminal background checks. 

All issued licenses are valid only for two years, with required yearly refresher course to keep the license up to date. It should be subject for renewal 30 days before the set expiration date. 

Security Guard Training Course 

Armed guards should undergo rigid training. This includes 8 hours of course, dealing with the contract security company, another 8 hours of classroom instruction and further training for firearm specialization. 

The training curriculum includes: 

• Legal matters and roles of private security 
• Observation and patrol 
• Immediate response to medical and fire emergencies 
• How to deal with the public; addressing the public 
• Proper use of non-lethal force 
• Legal use of force 
• Firearm’s safety 
• Marksmanship and target practice 

A written examination will evaluate each applicant for this position. Every candidate must pass fire range tests with 80 percent minimum score to be fully qualified. Armed security guards are highly employed in areas such as private buildings, hotels, and government facilities.