Evaluating The Qualifications And Training Of Security Guards: Ensuring Top-Notch Protection

Whether you’re a store owner worried about flash mob thefts, or a homeowner guarding against break-ins- no one needs a security guard who’s ALL BADGE AND NO BACKBONE. Not all security guards are created equal, and hiring the wrong one can cost you more than money. You need the best security for your investment- a security guard that is trained, knowledgeable, and professional- along with having the right experience and licensing.

So How Do You Separate The Pros From The Imposters?

Here’s the initial foundation to establish first.

Before evaluating security guard qualifications, first clarify exactly what physical security you need for your home or small business. This will help you know what exact skills you want in any security guards you evaluate. These various security needs could be filled by armed or unarmed security guards, plainclothes guards, front desk access control, gate guards, vehicle, bike, or foot patrols, bodyguards, or video surveillance with monitoring personnel. Are you wanting to:

• Prevent retail theft or robbery?
• Set up preventative after-hours patrols?
• Establish access control?
• Deter against burglary, vandalism?
• Protect employees and patrons?
• Obtain personal protection?
• Initiate property monitoring for a residence or vacation home?

After narrowing down the skill set you want in a security guard, move on to the companies that employ that type of guard. Establish that those guards are employed at a correctly licensed company. Business owners and homeowners must start with a reputable company that has:

A current state-issued private patrol operator license

Proof of liability insurance– a COI (Certificate of Insurance) checking policy start/end dates with a reputable insurance carrier

Bonding (surety bond) if required by your state

Background-checked guards (having used FCRA-compliant protocols for prospective employees’ screenings)

Specific licensing/training information of guards that would be assigned to your site. The company’s licensing and training information on their guards is KEY for you to match to the skill set you need.

Not All Guards Are Created Equal- Ask These Questions Before Hiring

Is a guard candidate licensed and insured?

Is a guard candidate licensed and insured? For this, you need knowledge of security guard qualifications and security guard certification for your state. In California, BSIS Bureau of Security and Investigative Services is the source to check. But every state has a department of public safety, or a private security board that handles licensing and guard requirements. A basic search format would be [state] security guard license requirements:.gov to get to only official government websites. Some state requirements already include First aid/CPR certificates, firearm permits (if armed guards are needed), background checks for a clean criminal record, and drug screening.

What kind of training has a guard completed?

Here you want to check a company’s records for current security guard training (within the last year) in areas such as:

• Conflict resolution– e.g. from Verbal Judo Institute, MOAB-Management of Aggressive Behavior, or CPI Crisis Prevention Institute “Nonviolent Crisis Intervention”
• Surveillance– provided by licensed training schools in each state, or CCTV Surveillance System Certification from IFPO International Foundation for Protection Officers, or Professional Surveillance Operations from ESI Executive Security International
• Emergency response– from FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency’s IS-100 Intro to Incident Command System course
• Active shooter response– e.g. NASRO National Association of School Resource Officers training for active shooter response, or training in AVERT, ALICE or CRASE protocols
• First Aid/CPR/AED– from American Red Cross, American Heart Association
• Basic Life Support BLS– from Red Cross or AHA, as step above CPR
• Use of force– from PPCT Pressure Point Control Tactics, ASP Armament Systems and Procedures certification, or ASP baton use classes
• Firearm permits– state-issued after guard takes classes with state-approved providers
• Drug Screening– official laboratory test results or clearance letter from employer verifying individual has passed drug screening
• Crowd control– e.g. NIMS National Incident Management System Crowd Management Course from FEMA, or certificate from TCMI The Crowd Management Institute
• Fire safety– training from the Red Cross, local fire departments, OSHA training centers

Does that candidate have experience in your specific setting?

Guards working in a retail mall require different skills than security personnel at a bank, a bar, or a concert. You want a guard with matching experience in a similar environment as yours.

How does a guard handle high-pressure situations?

Get real examples of how a guard handled a situation, and what the outcome was. You can find out about a time they dealt with a verbally aggressive customer, or had to communicate with someone that did not like them at all, or when there was no clear formal procedure to follow when interacting with someone. Their answers can provide crucial insights into their suitability.

Can the guard provide professional references or information about past job performance?

Obtain any positive reviews or references from their former employers. Find out if they were reliable, on time, handled incidents and emergencies well, and if they’d hire them again. If a guard has a military or police background, a commanding officer or colleague can give insight into professional conduct or discipline. Former post commanders or site supervisors who have worked alongside the candidate can offer the real story about the candidate’s attitude and people skills.

What are your candidate’s technology skills?

Find out your guard’s specific experience in using up-to-date technology in:

• Incident reporting (TCG Suite)
• Real-time GPS patrol systems (TCG Suite)
• Body cams (e.g. live streams like BodyWorn, WatchGuard V300, plus training in public vs. private space recording laws, correct handling of footage/evidence)
• Access control/smart lock systems like LenelS2 or Brivo
• Drone surveillance (FAA Part 107 certification for commercial use)
• Two-way radios with GPS (Zello, Motorola Wave)
• Mobile License plate recognition LPR tools (experience with fixed LPR cams, mobile units, or handheld devices, with software systems for alerts, traffic analytics)
• Emergency response/mass notification apps (Everbridge, AlertMedia)

In addition you can assess SOFT SKILLS during your security guard performance evaluation when you interview your candidate.

Does your candidate speak clearly and professionally, or do they look down, mumble, or stare at their phone? (COMMUNICATION SKILLS)

Are they asking smart questions about what the job involves and what your security needs are, or do they act bored or disinterested? (UNDERSTANDING JOB REQUIREMENTS)

Do they look neat enough to represent your business well- or look more like they just rolled out of bed? (PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE)

Are they physically fit and alert? (PHYSICAL/MENTAL ALERTNESS)

Did they show up on time for your interview? (PUNCTUALITY)

To summarize, the smartest business owners and homeowners know that hiring security personnel requires careful evaluation of a guard’s qualifications and training. Now that you know more about the details of separating the pros from the imposters, it is time to take your next step to find the best security company or personal security guard in your area.

Meet The City Guards– a trusted security industry platform that is an online source of up-to-date information for industry personnel and customers looking for security solutions (along with cutting edge software designed for security businesses).

We at The City Guards make it easy- and free- for business or homeowners like you looking for the best security guard candidates. By submitting a request using our online site, you can:

• Compare vetted security vendors in your area that want to work with you
• Check real customer reviews
• Make fully informed decisions tailored to your business and budget

Ready to get started?

Simply put in a free online request: “Hire Trusted Security Providers” and start your search now to fully protect your company. Whether you’re securing your company premises, personnel, or safeguarding assets, The City Guards will connect you with the best security vendors in your area offering reliable, professional protection for your company.

Skip the guesswork. Use these evaluation insights, plus connect with The City Guards candidates. You’ll get the best security guard for your investment.