Security Guard Training Requirements in Minnesota (Unarmed)

As home to the great 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota is the 21st most populous state in the United States. With its wide area of nature and wilderness, this state is one of the best places to live as well as visit. With tourists coming every year, security is Minnesota’s priority. Working as an unarmed security officer is a good option if you are a resident of this beautiful state.  

The state of Minnesota does not require their security guards to be really licensed. Unarmed security officers (as well as armed) belong to the agency called Protective Agent. Now some people might find it confusing since the rules for an unarmed security guard since it talks mostly about being a ‘Protective Agent’. So let me be clear again when I say this, Protective Agent is a company that offers security services.

The contracting agent must be licensed according to the state law. The unarmed security guard hired by this Protective Agency and all unarmed security guards must be under the license of the said company. This also means that the company hiring security guards must meet certain qualifications in order for them to be licensed.

Although unarmed security guards are not required to have a license, there are still requirements needed in order to qualify for the position. He or she must have the following:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• A resident of the United States or a resident and registered alien.
• Must have a valid driver’s license in the state of Minnesota.
• Must have a valid identification card.
• Applicants must be subjected to a background check.
• Must be able to pass the drug test given.
• Can communicate efficiently and clearly.
• Can follow instructions.
• Must be healthy both physically and mentally.

Training courses are also given to applicants and they are expected to be passed satisfactorily. These training programs are available in community colleges, vocational schools and sometimes in private security guard training schools.

In order to be an unarmed security guard, you are expected to study the following depending on what is mandated:

• Observation skills
• Professional conduct and ethics
• Investigative techniques
• Property rights
• Emergency response
• Directing traffic
• Preventing crime
• Incident reports
• First aid Overview
• Customer services issues

These class courses are given in order for an applicant to become a competent unarmed security officer. Although the state of Minnesota does not require them to have a license, they are expected to be trained well and become a valuable candidate for the position. Security officers are needed to ensure public safety and should respond right away in times of emergency that is why training is very important.

Sources:

http://degreedirectory.org/articles/How_Do_I_Earn_a_Security_Guard_License.html 

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