Security Guard Training Requirements in Puerto Rico (Unarmed)

Puerto Rico is home to beautiful sandy beaches, people and of course, they are well-known for their colorful culture. When it comes to festivals and music, Puerto Ricans sure know how to party. With different races, people coming in and out of this country as well as the festivities and holidays that they celebrate, security is needed almost everywhere. Puerto Rico is open for applicants who are interested in applying as an unarmed security officer.  

Like the United States, Puerto Rico has their own set of standards when it comes to applicants for this job. 

In order to become a licensed unarmed security officer, individuals must comply with the following qualifications:

• Applicant must be at least 18 years of age. 
• Applicant must be a high school graduate. 
• Applicant must be a resident and a legal citizen of the Puerto Rico or a resident of the United States. 
• Applicant must be mentally competent. 
• Applicant has submitted finger prints. 
• Applicant must have his or her background checked FBI style. 
• Applicant must be free from any compromising dependencies such as alcohol or drug abuse. 
• Applicant must have no conviction of any serious crime. 
• Applicant must not have any crime involving firearms, violence and other serious misdemeanors. 
• Applicant must undergo necessary training requirements as required. 
• Applicant must be of good moral character. 
• Applicant must be in good physical condition. 
• Applicant must be able to communicate clearly and effectively. 
• Applicant must be able to read, write and understand written or verbal instructions. 
• Applicant must be free from any psychological disorders that can prevent him/her from functioning as an unarmed security officer. 

Security guard training is also included in order to complete the requirements for an unarmed security officer. 

A number of class hours must also be completed and various topics such as the following may be included:

• General company policy, rules and regulations. 
• Chain of command. 
• Concepts of facility protection. 
• Legal aspects of facility protection. 
• Apprehension of suspects and arrest powers. 
• Patrol techniques. 
• Access and traffic control. 
• Detection of methods of sabotage. 
• Fire prevention and protection. 
• Communication. 
• Report writing. 
• Handling of safety hazards and bomb threats. 
• Care and handling of firearms. 
• First aid. 
• Wearing of the prescribed uniform. 
• Standards of conduct and discipline. 
• Courtesy. 

An unarmed security guard is responsible for deterring theft, vandalism, assault and other illegal activities that may occur in their area of responsibility. They can also be assigned to a guard post or go on mobile patrol depending on the company they have applied to work for. Unarmed guards must be able to respond to certain incidents with confidence and authority that is why training is required. They must also have the ability to communicate with the public for maintaining security and safety.

After meeting all the requirements needed, a license will be granted to the applicant. An unarmed security guard license is valid for 2 years and must be renewed every year. License holders must take a refresher course in order to maintain the validity of their license in the security industry.

Sources:

http://welcome.topuertorico.org/reference/holi.shtml  

http://education-portal.com/articles/Online_Security_Guard_Classes_Courses_and_Training_Programs.html  

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