Armed Security Guard Training Requirements in Ohio

The state of Ohio is the 7th   most populated state in the US with about 11.7 million residents; Ohio sure is a good place to work as an armed security guard. In Ohio, armed security guards are required to be license but in order to be hired they must be employed in a licensed security agency or company. The hiring security agency is responsible for all of their employees to be registered within seven business days before they are hired. Applicants for armed security guards are also required to have a firearms permit and other security guard training.

For the basic requirements, the following are listed below: 

• Applicant must be at least 21 years of age  
• Applicant must have a valid driver’s license in the state of Ohio  
• Applicant must be a legal resident of the United States  
• Applicant must have no history of mental illness  
• Applicant must be free of any disqualifying criminal history  
• Applicant must have no history of alcohol abuse or any controlled substance  
• Applicant must be authorized to work in the United States  
• Applicant must be employed by a private security company and must be under supervision from a licensed patrol officer.  
• Applicant must submit finger prints  
• Applicant must submit proper identification documents  
• Applicant must submit to a background check  
• Applicant must be in good physical condition   

As mentioned, armed guards are required to have a firearms permit. Applicants must first notify the superintendent of the armed security guard’s duties and firearms requirements. There are two classes for obtaining a firearm license. These are Class A and Class C licenses. To know if you are qualified for a Class A or C license, applicants must pass a written exam given by the Department of Public Safety. This examination will test the candidate’s knowledge about the rules and laws related to security services. It is also given to know the understanding of the applicant when it comes to the regulatory bodies that govern the industry in the state as well as the rulemaking process. 

Class A license does not entitle a guard to carry a firearm. In order to carry a firearm, applicants must first complete the firearms training course at a training school approved by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. They must also complete a basic firearms training course as approved by the Ohio Training Commission.

Applicants must complete at least 24 hours of handgun training and 5 more hours for any additional firearm. Take note that completing this course does not result in a separate license but only adds firearm-carrying credential to your existing Class A or C license. Once all requirements are met, a certificate is issued and a permit to carry a weapon is then granted.

Keep in mind that all armed security officers in Ohio are required to carry a firearm identification card at all times when on duty. 

Sources: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohio