âś…âś…âś…Safety has always been the main priority of establishments all around the globe. Business institutions, residential areas, and other proprietors are being required or encouraged by the government to impose appropriate security measures needed for the customers, employees, and the immediate environment to feel secure. Security guards are hired to ensure the safety of the people. Of course, it is quite difficult to find the right people for the position given the risks that the job also offers. Good thing that there are still individuals who would devote themselves to protect the majority.
Security Guard Certification in Los Angeles
If an individual wish to apply for this risky job, they must possess a security guard certification provided by the state to prove that they are qualified for the job. This certificate is a gateway for more opportunities if one wants to pursue a career in this field. However, there are certain requirements issued by the governing state prior to the issuance of the certification. Having said this, requirements may vary depending on which state one wants to apply for the certificate.
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For instance, in the state of California, the security guard certification will be released by the California Bureau of Security Investigative Services (BSIS). The Bureau requires the applicants to be at least eighteen (18) years old on the day of the application. Moreover, any applicants must not have any record for a violent felony or misdemeanor.
The steps on how to get the BSIS Guard Card is quite simple, all the applicants just need to remember these following steps: First, applicants can apply for licensure at any training facilities or private patrol operator certified by the BSIS. After applying, the applicant must complete a forty-hour training course; at least eight (8) hours must be completed prior to the assignment. An additional of sixteen (16) hours training must be accomplished within thirty (30) days of assignment and the remaining sixteen (16) hours should be done within six (6) months. The first eight hours of the mandatory training is called Pre-Service Training. The applicant must complete the “Power to Arrest” and “Weapons of Mass Destruction” training and should pass the examination with a 100% score in accordance with the Manual’s Administering Instructions before being credited. The other thirty-two hours may be a combination of mandatory content and electives.
Take note that any individual who wishes to seek a firearm must complete fourteen (14) hours of training, eight of this is of classroom instruction and the remaining six hours is of range. The course must also be taken through a facility or instructor certified by the Bureau. On the other hand, a baton permit will be issued after a security guard completed an eight-hour training from an approved trainer.
Security Officer Application
Second, the applicant and the training facility or the private patrol operator must submit a security officer application online. It will be sent electronically to the BSIS.
Third, applicants must have fingerprint-based criminal background checks processed by the California Department of Justice (DOJ), together with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and BSIS, along with their Automated Transaction Identifier. California residents can rush the process via Live Scan electronic fingerprint process. Keep in mind, the applicant must only use the security guard Live Scan forms downloaded from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services website or acquire it from the California Bureau. The applicants must check that the Live Scan form from the BSIS contains the right coding to make sure that the Bureau receives the FBI and DOJ responses.
Verification of Documents
Fourth, after the Bureau received the application and criminal history clearances, the applicant may now enter the Bureau’s website. The applicant can verify the Bureau’s approval by checking the Bureau’s “Verify a License”.
Once the applicant passes the background check, they can start working as a security guard immediately upon receiving an interim license. The aforementioned 16-hours training will be done within thirty days of receiving the interim license. In this training, at least half of the mandatory coursework hours are to take place. The mandatory topics include the following: public relations, observation and documentation, communication, and legal aspects and liability. Within 6 months of receiving the interim license, the remaining 16-hour training in security officer skills must be completed. In this training, the security guard may choose any of the programs provided by the Bureau; Employer Policies/Orientation, Post Orders, Officer Safety, Evacuation Procedures, Access Control, Trespass, Advanced Arrests, Search and Seizure, Laws and Regulations, First Aid and CPR, Workplace Violence, Handling Difficult People, Crowd Control, Preserving Incidence Scenes, Driver Safety, Chemical Agents, Courtroom Demeanor, Supervision, Radio Procedures, Parking, and Traffic Control, School Security Guard Training, Executive Protection, Firearms Training, Firearms Requalification, Baton Training, Fire Safety, and/ or Air Taser or Stun Gun. Half of these electives may also be completed within the first thirty days. Remember, if the thirty-two hours of training are not accomplished in the given timeline, the security guard certificate can be revoked.
So how long does it take to get a BSIS Guard Card?
According to the California BSIS, the process takes about seven to fifteen working days, if the applicant hasn’t committed any delinquency or misdemeanor. However, if the applicant has some criminal history, no matter how minor it is, it usually takes four up to eight weeks before receiving a decision that is typically sent to your physical address.
Does it cost much to get the Guard Card?
For an individual to pursue their career in the security field, one must remember that paying for guard training and courses is not enough. Processing paying for a guard card is also a must. If an applicant chooses to apply online, the fee for the BSIS security guard application is $50, while the online convenience fee is $1. The applicant must also need to submit fingerprints using Live Scan, and it costs $32 for the DOJ, while the FBI costs $19. But if the applicant decides to apply via normal way, they’ll also pay the same amount excluding the $1 online convenience fee. This costs lesser but this takes longer compared to processing online, plus the applicant also needs to prepare for the postal charges because they have to send the document and other requirements by mail.
It may sound tedious but with the right training facility, it would be easy as one, two, three. Start your guard card processing today and get more information about security training courses. Call Luna’s Training now to discuss your options. You may call (213) 590-3036 for details. Lunas Training Academy Corporate Security Services is a state-approved training facility.