Security Guard Training Requirements in New Mexico (Unarmed)

In New Mexico unarmed security guards have to be registered and apply for a license. The state has three levels of security registration; 1, 2 and 3. Levels 1 and 2 are positions for unarmed security guards while level 3 guards are those who are allowed to carry weapons. The state also requires certain standards that each applicant must meet.   

Basic requirements for level 1 and 2 are as follows: 

• The applicant must be at least 18 years old. 
• The applicant must have a permission to work as a United States citizen or a legal alien. 
• The applicant must have a good moral character. 
• Level 2 applicants must possess a high school diploma or certificate of equivalency. 
• He or she must not have been convicted of felony, have a history of offense involving illegal use of weapons and acts of violence. 
• He or she must be in good condition physically, and willing to stand for long periods of time. 
• Every applicant must acquire a driver’s license. 
• Every applicant must be able to complete the state-accredited training course. 
• Applicants must be employed under a licensed company or under a level 3 security guard and private patrol operator. 

Application Information 

Unarmed security guard applicants must submit a signed application form and answer the questions written therein. This form must contain the applicant’s personal information such as full name, home address, mobile or home phone number, date of birth, social security number and physical attributes. If in any case, he or she used a different name in the past, a sufficient explanation must be provided. 

In accordance to 61-27B-34 of the legislative act, ever y applicant must submit 2 sets of fingerprints for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Public safety to conduct a national and state criminal background checks. 

The state also requires necessary documents, listed below, that must be submitted along with the application. 

• Certification confirming that the applicant completed the required training program 
• Signed and notarized Declaration of Conviction 
• Signed and notarized Authorization for Release of Information 
• 2 passport-type photos, affixed to the application form 

Along with these documents, applicants must also provide the following fees, payable to the Private Investigations and Advisory Board. 

• $15 application fee 
• $29.95 for background investigation 

Security Guard Training Course 

A 24 hour training experience must be completed by applicants of all 3 levels. As the level increases, an additional 24 hours of security guard training course is required. 

Level 1 security guard’s training includes: 

• Security guard roles (1 hr) 
• Protection of assets(1 hr) 
• Chain of command(1 hr) 
• Testifying in court(1 hr) 
• Interview skills(2 hrs) 
• Report writing(2 hrs) 
• Evidence preservation(2 hrs) 
• Investigations(3 hrs) 
• Professionalism and ethics(3 hrs) 
• First aid and CPR(8 hrs) 

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

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

Applicants must complete all requirements stated above to be fully qualified as unarmed security guards in the state of New Mexico. 

Sources:

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