Could You Handle the Training for Armed Security Guards?

Thanks to an executive order, security guard training schools were deemed to be an essential business during the pandemic. Standard disinfection and social distancing protocols are still in place, however, and are strictly enforced. But the toughest part of training isn’t going to be remembering your hand sanitizer.

The police can’t be everywhere, which is why many businesses and private citizens choose to hire armed security. They expect well-trained, disciplined guards that put the client and their assets first, keeping order in accordance with the proper protocols.

Duties of an Armed Security Guard

When you put on a uniform and/or a sidearm, you need to be prepared for the full scope of responses that a situation might call for.

One part of your duties for a client might be patrolling specific areas. The presence of an armed security guard can act as a deterrent to thieves and vandals. After all, guards only exist when there’s something precious to guard.

This means that armed security guards have to be on alert and remain observant at all times. They need to assess possible threats before they become actual threats.

As an armed security guard, you may not always be near the assets you’re hired to protect. Alarms and crises can happen at a distance, which means that security teams have to be prepared for rapid response.

Know the area you defend, whether it’s a home, business, campus, or even an entire neighborhood. If you’ve been hired as an armed guard, there’s a reason. Your response time is vital to the safety of everyone involved.

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Who Can Become an Armed Security Guard?

Before we discuss security guard armed training, you’ll need to know whether you’re eligible to become an armed security guard in the first place. The requirements are:

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Have no convictions for serious criminal offenses
  • Be a United States citizen or resident alien

If you meet these requirements, then you’ll need to take care of the following steps:

  • Submit fingerprints to IdentGo
  • Pay $36 fee to NYS Department of State

This will prepare you for the pre-assignment training. Of course, there’s more to it than just ticking off these boxes. You need to be sure you’re physically and mentally ready to become a security guard! After all, the job can switch from tedium to heavy action in an instant.

Security Guard Training

Training for armed security guards begins the same way as it does for unarmed guards. In the state of New York, you will be required to:

  • Complete an 8-hour pre-assignment course
  • Apply to the Department of State for a Security Guard Registration Card
  • Complete an approved 16-hour on-the-job training course for Security Guards
  • Complete annual 8-hour in-service training course for security guards

Once you’ve finished these prerequisites, you can then move on to training for armed security guards. When firearms come into play, the education and training are, of course, more rigorous and stringent.

Firearms Training

If you come from a law enforcement background or lived outside of New York City, you may have an advantage. Why? Thanks to firearms laws, most law-abiding New Yorkers have never even held a handgun, let alone fired one.

Training for armed security guards in New York requires:

  • A valid New York State pistol license pursuant to penal code 400.00
  • 47-hour firearms training course for security guards
  • Application for a Special Armed Guard Registration Card
  • Annual completion of 8-hour in-service training course for armed security guards

All courses have to be conducted by certified instructors at approved training schools.

The 47-hour course is 7 hours of class time, followed by a written exam. The next 40 hours are spent at the firing range.

If you’ve spent a lot of time at the range putting lead through targets, it may help. But where the rubber will meet the road is when you train under stress.

Security guard armed training is most useful when it simulates real-world situations. Firing a pistol offhand because your dominant hand sustained damage is a scenario you just might encounter, so you’ll want to be fully prepared.

Your Role While on the Clock

The main goal of a security guard is to keep people calm. In areas where high security is expected, like banks or power plants, an armed guard is to be expected. In a school or shopping mall, you have a much tighter line to tow.

Deterring thieves and criminals is often the reason why you’re on a job site, but intimidating students or shoppers is not your job. Keeping the peace means creating a sense that the area is safe because you’re there.

If the crowd feels like you’re going to escalate a problem rather than neutralize it, it’s time to reassess your strategy.

The Extra Cost

Hiring armed security guards is more expensive than using unarmed guards. Training for armed security guards costs more, insurance is required — everything is more expensive!

When a client is willing to pay for armed security, it means they’re putting up with the increased liability, too. Deadly weapons are sometimes a necessity when preventing or responding to certain threats. Your presence comes with a higher price tag, but that’s representative of your value.

Unarmed guards are a perfectly fine solution in plenty of situations in which deadly force isn’t necessary.

Your Risk

If you’re on duty as an armed security guard, you’re probably not there to deter graffiti artists or shoo away jaywalkers. You’re needed because criminals are willing to harm or kill to get at what you’re guarding.

With that being said, as most cops will attest, plenty of armed guards go their whole careers without ever having to draw their weapon, much less fire it in a real-world scenario.

But when your weapons expertise is required, you need to be prepared to use it. Training reminds you that you might be the only thing standing between violent attackers and those you’re hired to defend.

Security Guard Armed Training with Sentinel MGI

If becoming an armed security guard sounds intriguing and you’re ready to go through training for armed security guards, we’d love to talk to you! Sentinel MGI handpicks its team and boasts members of the New York City law enforcement community and top members of the private security sector.

Sentinel MGI prides itself on knowing New York City and its unique needs. We offer unparalleled security service. Contact us today and find out how to become part of our team or reach out to learn more about hiring our armed or unarmed security guards today.