The path to becoming a Security Guard in Delaware is unlike a lot of the other US states.
The difference is that there is no direct government application for a DE state Security Guard license.
A DE Security Guard is regulated through their Delaware security employer.
In DE, a Security Guard license application is an Employee Application.
This means your Delaware security employer will register you as a security guard with the state of Delaware via the regulatory body:
The Board of Examiners of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies.
So, you'll still need to meet basic requirements such as age, language proficiency, and other usual security licensing requirements of this nature.
To become a Security Guard in most states, you need to take a government approved Security Guard licensing course.
In Delaware, you will need to take a 16hr security course.
Once you get hired by a DE security company you will become an unarmed Delaware Security Guard with a license called "Yellow Card."
Delaware Security Guard License Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind. The records check will be performed on you through your DE security employer when they register you with the state of Delaware.
Fingerprinting: You will need to get fingerprinted via the Delaware State Bureau of ID.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Delaware.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
Approved Delaware Security License Course: You need to take a Security Guard licensing course administered by a Delaware Technical & Community College. Your employer might also be authorized to teach this course.
Security Test: After completing the security course, you will need to take and pass a security test administered by a DTCC.
Specialized DE Security Guard: There are multiple specialized DE security fields you can enter, such as armed security. These fields require further education and to be over 21yo.
What Does a Delaware Security Guard Do?
Delaware Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Delaware Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Delaware Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Delaware Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Delaware Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Delaware document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Delaware security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Delaware Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Delaware Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Delaware 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.
Delaware Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Delaware 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 Delaware Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Delaware 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.
Delaware Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Delaware Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Delaware 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, Delaware Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Delaware Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Delaware security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Delaware Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Delaware Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Delaware 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 a Delaware Security Guard in a site with customers.
Delaware Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Delaware 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 Delaware Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Delaware Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Delaware EMS vehicles.
Delaware Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Delaware security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Delaware Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Delaware EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Delaware Security Guards.
The Delaware Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Delaware Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Delaware Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Delaware 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.