Armed Security Guard Training Requirements in New York

Armed security guards in the State of New York must acquire a license according to the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services, Office of Public Safety. Applicants must follow certain regulations pursuant to the statute 33-9032, governing license acquisition for both armed and unarmed security guards, which requires general and firearms training, completed prior and on the job. For armed guards, this includes training to be qualified in carrying weapons.   

The New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Services oversees all issued licenses. Before an applicant can obtain a license, he or she must meet the standards and criteria of the state. 

Basic requirements are as follows: 

• Armed security guard applicants must be at least 18 years of age. 
• The applicant must be a legal resident alien or a United States citizen. 
• The applicant must go through a background check done by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 
• The applicant must submit his or her fingerprints. 
• He or she must not be associated in any criminal activity or felony convictions. 
• He or she must be able to complete the required 8 hours pre-assignment training, additional 16 hours on-the-job training and another 47 hours of firearms training. 
• He or she must secure a valid New York State Pistol License 

Application Information 

Application for a security guard registration card is processed right after completion of the initial 8-hour basic training at the New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Services. Applicants must be able to submit the Employee Statement and Security Guard Employer Application, which they can download online. 

 Fingerprints should also be processed electronically through the L-1 Enrollment Services, after which, will be forwarded to the FBI for investigation. Applicants will receive proof of completion when all procedures are done. This proof should be affixed to the application along with other required documents. 

The state also requires that armed security guard applicants must apply for a valid State Pistol License. For information about this matter, applicants can visit the website at State of New York Police Firearms – Pistol Permit. 

Along with these requirements are fees which include: 

• $36 security guard registration fee 
• $75 Division of Criminal Justice Services fee 
• $19.25 FBI background check 
• $11.50 fingerprinting 

Security Guard Training Course 

All training courses must be completed at a facility certified by the state. This should cover 8 hours of basic security guard training, 16 hours of on-the-job training which should be completed within 60 days upon employment, and 47 hours of weapons training. 

Training includes the following subject matters: 

• Ethical and legal issues 
• Public relations and crowd control 
• Detainment of criminal suspects 
• Immediate response to emergencies 
• Counter terrorism 
• Marksmanship 
• Firearms handling and safety 
• Legal use of force 

Issued license is valid for only two years. To keep it current, armed security guards must take annual 8 hours of training course.