Security guards have a lot of responsibilities and tasks to complete, but they also need training to ensure they know how to do their job.

The following guide will walk you through what to expect during security guard training:

Whether an employer or a trainee, you must understand what goes into this process. This will help you prepare for it and ensure your security guards get the best training possible.

Preparation

Regarding security guard training, practice is one of the most critical aspects. It helps ensure your employees can effectively carry out their duties and always stay safe.

In addition, security guard training Brooklyn NY, teaches your security officers how to respond appropriately to emergencies like active shooter situations. This is because it enables them to recognize threats, handle them correctly, and protect those in danger.

It also provides them with first aid and CPR training, as they may be called upon to administer essential medical assistance until EMS arrives.

In New York City, for example, hiring a security guard who has completed a state-approved training course is legal. However, a City Limits investigation has found that many of the training schools in the city need to be more organized and full of misinformation.

Training

Security guards are on the frontline during emergencies, so they must know how to respond appropriately. They should know how to administer basic first aid, treat minor cuts and burns, sprains and strains, and manage emergencies like choking or heart attacks.

But some of the city’s 1,000 private security guards don’t get that kind of training, despite efforts to re-train them. The city has contracts with a private company that needs the ability to send guards to extra training.

According to a recent report by City Limits, New York has done a lot to clean up the guard industry, but the problem still exists. Some schools sell certificates, promise jobs, and trick guards into taking training they don’t need. And many guards say they’ve never sat in a class for eight hours. They often leave the classes after three or five hours or even a few minutes.

Exams

There are several tests that prospective security guards must pass to gain employment as unarmed private security guards. The respective authorities administer these exams, and can be challenging.

Fortunately, several resources can help prospective security guards prepare for these tests. For example, the CAST (Comprehensive Attentional Style Test) analyzes an individual’s reaction time and selective and divided attention. It makes a good predictor of whether someone will be able to thrive in jobs that require their undivided attention.

Upon passing these tests, prospective security guards will be eligible to apply for a state or company-issued unarmed private security guard license. These licenses allow the guard to perform various duties, including fending off trespassers and chasing down shoplifters. They will also need to follow safety standards and be responsible for their safety. In addition, a clean criminal record is necessary for this job.

Certification

The certification phase of security guard training is where you can show you have the skills and knowledge required to work as a guard. You must complete a series of courses and register with your state’s Department of State.

The first course is an 8-hour pre-assignment class that you must complete before starting work as a guard. It introduces you to the responsibilities of a security guard, including how to deal with civil and criminal liabilities and various techniques for dealing with people.

Next, you must complete 16 hours of on-the-job training within 90 days of securing a job. This is where you’ll learn to carry out the tasks you learned in class and show that you can do so safely and effectively.

Once you’ve completed the required coursework, you can apply for a security guard license from your state. This process is usually quick and easy but requires completing several forms.