Armed Security Guard Training Requirements in New Mexico

Armed security guards in the state of New Mexico must be licensed and certified. Security guards are categorized in three levels. Level 1 and 2 for unarmed guards and level 3 for armed. License acquisition involves provision of requirements and meeting the standards to be fully qualified for the position.   

The following are basic requirements for level 3 security guards. 

• The applicant must be at least 21 years old. 
• The applicant must be legally permitted to work in the U.S. as a citizen or a registered alien. 
• The applicant must possess a good moral character. 
• Level 3 applicants must provide a proof of high school education such as diploma or any equivalent. 
• He or she must not be found with records involving illegal use of firearms, acts of violence and felony convictions. 
• Every applicant must possess a driver’s license issued by the state of New Mexico. 
• Every applicant must complete the hours of training as required by the state. 

Application Information 

A signed application form must be submitted where the applicants must answer certain questions for evaluation purposes. It will hold general information about the applicant such as full name, home address, mobile or home phone number, date of birth, social security number and physical attributes. If a different name was used prior to the application, valid reasons must be provided. 

Following the legislative act 61-27B-34, 2 sets of fingerprints must be submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Public safety for the completion of national and state criminal background investigation. 

The documents listed below must be submitted along with the application form. 

• Certification of the completed training program 
• Declaration of Conviction (signed and notarized) 
• Authorization for Release of Information (signed and notarized) 
• 2 passport-type photos (stapled) 

The state requires the following fees, payable to the Private Investigations and Advisory Board. 

• $15 for application 
• $29.95 background check fee 

Security Guard Training Course 

All applicants must complete 24 hours of the required security guard training program. Level 2 and level 3 guards are required to complete another set of training aside from completing training courses of the lower levels. 

Level 1 security guard’s training course covers: 

• Roles of security(1 hr) 
• Assets protection(1 hr) 
• Chain of command(1 hr) 
• Testifying in court(1 hr) 
• Skills on interview(2 hrs) 
• Written reports(2 hrs) 
• Preservation of evidence(2 hrs) 
• Investigations(3 hrs) 
• Professionalism and ethics(3 hrs) 
• First aid and CPR(8 hrs) 

For level 2 security guards, in addition to the completed level 1 course: 

• Proper use of force(3 hrs) 
• Side handle batons(4 hrs) 
• Handcuffing(4 hrs) 
• Use of tasers(5 hrs) 
• Self defense and weapons handling(8 hrs) 

For level 3 security guards, in addition to level 1 and level 2 training course: 

• Safety awareness(1 hr) 
• Assessment of threats(2 hrs) 
• Fire protection and life safety(4 hrs) 
• Environment/hazardous materials(4 hrs) 
• Weapons training(24 hrs) 

All requirements mentioned above must be completed and submitted to qualify as armed security guards in the state of New Mexico. 

Sources:

http://www.rld.state.nm.us/PrivateInvestigations/PDFs/Forms/SecurityGuardApplication.pdf