Security Guard Levels and Authorizations
Becoming a security guard is an honorable calling. There are various different levels of training and authorization to become a security guard. There are three different levels of training for security guards, and, on top of the different levels of security guard training, there are various different kinds of security guards. There are two main types of security guards: unarmed and armed. Within those two categories, there are different types of unarmed or armed security guards. Twin City Security has provided the basics for levels and authorizations for a security guard.
Security Guard Training
Level II:
This is the first step when beginning security guard training. In order to reach this level of becoming a trained security guard, you will have to take one six-hour course on security basics. This course covers topics such as ethics, prevention, offenses, report writing, emergency response, and more.
Level III:
Being a trained level III security guard officer gives you all the same job opportunities as a Level II trained guard, but with your Level III trained certification, you can be armed. Receiving this training does provide you with more job opportunities that level II trained guards do not have. These jobs are more intense and in more cautioned locations. To become a Level III security guard, you must participate in a 45-hour long course that takes place in a classroom-like setting and physical learning. You will be trained on how to carry a weapon, and there will be a written examination once you have finished this course.
Level IV:
By becoming a Level IV security guard, you are able to work as personal protection. This opens a plethora of more job opportunities when you have reached this level of training. In order to become a Level IV Personal Protection Officer, you will be required to pass a 15-hour course. This course covers tactics on personal protection basics, bodyguarding, use of force, and defensive tactics.
Unarmed security guards are ranked lower and require fewer amounts of training because they are not carrying a weapon.
Watchman:
A watchman is an entry-level security guard. Their duties consist of watching one location or position. They do not carry any weapons on them and are unable to stop intruders. They require the lowest amount of training being an entry-level position.
Security Guard:
A security guard is still an entry-level position. It is a level above a watchman, so there are typically more duties. Unarmed security guards do not carry any weapons on them and also require minimal training compared to higher-ranked positions.
Unarmed Security Officer:
This is another entry-level position that requires 80 hours of training and/or a college degree. Unarmed security officers are allowed to carry self-defense weapons, but not firearms. Because they have the ability to work in larger areas, they have more responsibilities than a security guard or watchman.
Unlike unarmed security guards, armed security guards are trained on how to carry and use firearms. Because there are greater risks when carrying firearms, armed security guards receive more training.
Armed Security Officer:
An armed security officer has similar responsibilities as an unarmed security officer. However, they are trained to use firearms and other self-defense weapons. Because they carry firearms, they have a more intense training requirement than an unarmed security officer.
Public Safety Officer:
A public safety officer is an entry-level security officer. However, they have a greater level of responsibilities than a security officer. To become a public safety officer, you must complete more strenuous training requirements, have a college degree, and complete training in law enforcement. There are options for higher training due to different and more advanced firearms.
Senior Security Officer:
What makes a senior security officer different from a public safety officer is they have more experience in the field. They have the opportunity to train other security officers in lower ranks, but they do not manage other officers. Many senior security officers are trained in emergency services, so they can assist if emergency situations arise.
Sergeant:
A sergeant supervises and manages the lower-ranking security officers. Normally they have more experience and training than a senior security officer.
Corporal:
A corporal has even more training and is higher up than a sergeant. They are in charge of training the supervisors on how to manage the various types of security officers and even train some security officers. Their general tasks include managing the supervisors.
Lieutenant:
Continuing up the rankings, a lieutenant is even more trained. They act as the “middle man” between the higher and lower commands. They may be an assistant to the higher-ranking levels depending on what needs to be done.
Captain or Director:
The captain or director is the person in charge of a location’s security personnel. They oversee the lower-ranking supervisors and security guards.
Major, Lieutenant Commander, or Deputy Chief:
There are various different titles for this position. This position is in charge of managing and supervising regional locations. Because this position is directly below commander or chief, they are consistently assisting the commander or chief on their various tasks.
Commander or Chief:
This is the highest-ranking position. The commander or chief oversees all security personnel within an organization. Therefore, they are also in charge of managing all the lower rankings of security personnel.
How Twin City Security Can Help
At Twin City Security, we want to provide you with the best security services that fit your exact needs. Whether you need your own personal security guard or a variety of different options, we can determine what works best for you. Contact us today to get started!
