The process of becoming a Security Guard in Arizona 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.
An Arizona Security Guard license is called an Arizona Guard Card or AZ Guard Card.
Furthermore, to begin the AZ Security Guard license application, you need to first take a government approved Arizona Security Guard licensing course:
Unarmed Security Guard 8 HR Training Course
After taking the course, you will be given information on the application process.
In Arizona, the government body that controls an AZ Security Guard's license is called the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
So, it is the DPS that will have to approve your AZ Security Guard licensing course. Fortunately, most Arizona security companies are authorized to teach this course.
Because most Arizona security companies offer this course, your licensing process will typically begin after getting employed as security in Arizona. Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements to the DPS, you will get your Arizona Security Guard license called Guard Card.
Arizona Security Guard License Requirements
(Arizona Guard Card/ AZ Guard Card)
Age: You must be 18yo or older.
AZ Application Process: You will be given your application after completing the AZ security course.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind or be under investigation for a crime. You will need to be fingerprinted in the records check process.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Arizona. You will have to submit a copy of government ID in the application process.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
Specialized AZ Security Guard: There are multiple specialized AZ security fields you can enter, such as armed security. These fields require DPS approved education.
What Does an Arizona Security Guard Do?
Arizona Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Arizona Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for an Arizona Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Arizona Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Arizona Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Arizona document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Arizona security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Arizona Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Arizona Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Arizona 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.
Arizona Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If an Arizona 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 Arizona Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Arizona 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.
Arizona Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as an Arizona Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of an Arizona 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, Arizona Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Arizona Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Arizona security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Arizona Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, an Arizona Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Arizona 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 Arizona Security Guard in a site with customers.
Arizona Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Arizona 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 Arizona Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Arizona Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Arizona EMS vehicles.
Arizona Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at an Arizona security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Arizona Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Arizona EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Arizona Security Guards.
The Arizona Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Arizona Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Arizona Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Arizona Security Guards will always remain calm and professional. Furthermore, they will assist however they can.
About the Author
Peter is an Instructor & Co-Founder of Novel Data 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.