You will apply for an Alabama Security Guard License with an application called
PERSONAL LICENSE APPLICATION.
The steps to becoming a Security Guard in Alabama is similar to a lot of other states: you need to meet basic requirements such as age, language proficiency, and other usual security licensing requirements of this nature.
Furthermore, to get a Security Guard license in Alabama, you need to take a government approved AL Security Guard licensing course:
This eight hour course is called Initial Basic Training.
In Alabama, the government body that controls an AL Security Guard's license is called ALABAMA SECURITY REGULATORY BOARD. So, it is the ASRB that will have to approve your AL Security Guard licensing course.
The ASRB will accept the Initial Basic Training if it is taught by an ASRB authorized security academy. Finding an official security training provider is easy in Alabama:
A list is available on the ASRB website.
Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements to the ASRB, you will get your Alabama Security Guard license.
Alabama Security Guard License Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older for unarmed security and 21yo or older for armed security.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind. However, you are given the ability to challenge the records check outcome. The records check will be performed on you through the ASRB. You will just have to authorize them to perform a check on you via the AL security application.
Sponsors: You need three references who are not related to you.
Fingerprints: You need to submit an FBI fingerprint card with your AL application. This service can be done for you by Alabama law enforcement.
Passport Photo: You need to submit two passport photos in your application.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Alabama. You will have to submit a copy of government ID in the application.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
AL Approved Security License Course: You need to take an Alabama approved security course called Initial Basic Training.
Specialized AL Security Guard: There are multiple specialized AL security fields you can enter, such as armed security. These fields require ASRB approved education.
Fee: You will have to pay a small licensing fee, around $100 USD.
Alabama Security Regulatory Board
2777 Zelda Road
Montgomery, AL 36106
AL INITIAL BASIC TRAINING Equivalent
You are able to possibly avoid needing to take the required security training if you have equivalent experience the ASRB deems as acceptable. Information on what experienced is needed is available in the AL Security Guard license application.
What Does an Alabama Security Guard Do?
Alabama Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Alabama Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for an Alabama Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Alabama Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Alabama Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Alabama document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Alabama security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Alabama Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Alabama Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Alabama Security Guards will respond to alarms and act accordingly as per the Emergency Response plan set in place by supervisors. This may include,
Evacuation of the security site.
Checking alarm system on the way out for information about where the problem is occurring.
Contacting supervisors.
Responding to incidents and completing all reports as necessary.
Alabama Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If an Alabama Security Guard is working in a team environment, they will usually meet for a pre-shift briefing at a set location. Once the meeting has been completed the Alabama Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Alabama security site locations with customers, Guards will do a lot of patrolling. This can be in a building or outside in places such as parking lots.
Alabama Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as an Alabama Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of an Alabama Security Guard’s job. This will be on a continuous basis with follow ups on issues seen.
When it comes to security sites in the service industry, Alabama Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Alabama Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Alabama security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Alabama Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, an Alabama Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Alabama security site is a residence, responding to noise complaints will be a big part of the job.
Of course, catching shoplifters will be a constant for an Alabama Security Guard in a site with customers.
Alabama Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Alabama Security Guards will patrol parking areas to make sure vehicles are registered at that security site.
Every person entering through the security gate will produce valid photo ID to the Alabama Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Alabama Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Alabama EMS vehicles.
Alabama Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at an Alabama security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Alabama Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Alabama EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Alabama Security Guards.
The Alabama Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Alabama Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Alabama Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Alabama Security Guards will always remain calm and professional. Furthermore, they will assist however they can.
About the Author
Peter Sandru is an Instructor & Co-Founder of NDIL with over 15 years working in security. Peter has spent more than a decade conducting security operations throughout the world, primarily for corporations, law firms, and government agencies. Peter has assisted in the creation of numerous security training programs in various capacities.