People had a picture of a security guard as someone uniformed who stands guard all day in banks, schools and related establishments for the safety of the people who are working or going in and out of these buildings. It is very rare that these people are seen in action. In fact, all they seem to do is to provide a sort of visual warning to the possible threat of crime.

There are huge numbers of security companies in the UK specialising in employing security guards, from the smaller private enterprises to national operators. To work for any of these you will need an SIA licence (either Security Guard or Door Supervisor will be acceptable), but there is also a legitimate side to the industry whereby security officers are employed direct by the end user (known as ‘in house’) but do not need an SIA licence.

In accordance with the Security Guard Act of 1992 (“the Act”) security guard training schools in New York state must be approved and licensed by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. The Act also requires that security guard instructors be certified. The schools must provide training that consists of an eight-hour pre-certification course and a 16-hour in-service training course to be completed within 90 days of employment of a security guard. In addition, armed security guards must complete a 47-hour firearms training course. Both armed and unarmed security guards must complete an annual eight-hour in-service training course.

Applicants for an armed security guard firearm registration permit shall attain a score of at least 80 percent accuracy on a firearms range qualification course adopted by the Board and the Attorney General, a copy of which is on file in the Director’s office.  Should a student fail to attain a score of 80 percent accuracy as referenced above, the student will be given an additional three attempts to qualify on the course of fire they did not pass.  Failure to meet the qualification after three attempts shall require the student to repeat the entire Basic Training Course for Armed Security Guards.  All additional attempts must take place within 20 days of the completion of the initial 20 hour course.

There is an 8 hour course required by New York State as the first step in obtaining a security guard registration card from the New York State Department of State. The course provides the student with a general overview of the duties and responsibilities of a security guard. Topics covered in this course include the role of the security guard, legal powers and limitations, emergency situations, communications and public relations, access control, and ethics and conduct. The passing of an examination is required for successful completion of this course.

The 8 Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course is a general course designed to be taken to obtain a NYS security guard registration card. Most individuals complete this course prior to employment. The 16 Hour On-the-Job Training Course is intended for employed individuals working in a specific security environment, and the 8 Hour Annual In- Service training Course must be completed within 12 calendar months from completion of the 16 Hour On-the-Job Training Course for Security Guards, and annually thereafter.