Security Guard Training Requirements in New York (Unarmed)

Licensing of unarmed security guards in the state of New York must be in accordance to the New York Division of Criminal Justice Services, Office of Public Safety. All applicants must be able to adhere to the set of regulations as stated in the statute 33-9032, requiring completion of training prior and upon employment. 

All licenses are issued by the New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Services. To obtain a license, applicants must be able to meet the standards and criteria set by the department. 

Among the basic requirements are the following: 

• Unarmed security guard applicants must be 18 years of age and above. 
• The applicant must be a citizen or a registered resident alien of the United States. 
• The applicant must be willing to submit to a criminal background check supervised by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 
• The applicant must be able to submit his or her fingerprints. 
• He or she must not have been arrested or convicted of felony, and any acts of crime. 
• He or she must be able to complete the required 8 hours pre-assignment training and the additional 16 hours on-the-job training. 

Application Information 

After the applicant has completed the 8-hour initial security guard training, he or she must apply for a security guard registration card at the New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Services. An application form known as the Employee Statement and Security Guard Employer Application, which can be downloaded online, must be submitted. 

Along with this application, each candidate must go through fingerprint processing. Fingerprints will be used by the FBI for investigation purposes. This procedure will be done electronically through the L-1 Enrollment Services. After carrying out this process, applicants will be able to receive his or her receipts and proof of completion that should be attached to the application. 

License acquisition for security guards in the state of New York requires payment of the following fees upon application. 

• $36 security guard registration fee including $25 for renewal of license 
• $75 DCJS or Division of Criminal Justice Services fee 
• $19.25 FBI background check fee 
• $11.50 fingerprint vendor fee 

Registration fees are payable to the NYS Department, while fingerprinting fees are payable to the L-1 Enrollment Services. 

Security Guard Training Course 

Training programs should be done at a state-certified facility. This includes 8 hours of training before application and employment, and an additional 16 hours training on-the-job, which should be completed within 90 days upon employment. 

The training program covers the following subjects: 

• Legal and ethical issues encountered on the job 
• Crowd control and public relations 
• Detainment of criminal suspects 
• Response to fire and medical emergencies 
• Terrorism awareness and homeland security 

License will expire in a period of two years. The licensing department will require proof of training each year, to keep the license valid and updated.