The path to becoming a Security Guard in Georgia is a little complex:
There is no state Security Guard license in Georgia for an unarmed Security Guard
Unarmed Security Guards still need to take an approved security course.
In Georgia, the government body that controls Security Guards is the GEORGIA STATE BOARD OF PRIVATE DETECTIVE & SECURITY AGENCIES.
So, it will be The Board that will have to approve your GA security course. Make sure your course is approved by The Board before taking it.
Georgia Security Guard License Requirements
No GA State Licensee: There is no state Security Guard license in Georgia for an unarmed guard. If you are legally allowed to work in Georgia, you can work as an unarmed Security Guard.
GA Security Training Course: There is no state unarmed Security Guard license; however, you will still need to take and complete a GA approved security course. Make sure your course is approved by "The Board."
Specialized GA Security Guard: There are multiple GA specialized security fields you can enter, such as armed security. These fields require approved education and licensing.
Armed Guard Application: There is a GA Security Guard license equivalent for an armed Guard called registration. You must be employed by a GA security company to get this registration. Your employer will be the one to submit your armed Security Guard application.
What Does a Georgia Security Guard Do?
Georgia Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Georgia Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Georgia Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Georgia Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Georgia Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Georgia document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Georgia security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Georgia Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Georgia Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Georgia 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.
Georgia Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Georgia 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 Georgia Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Georgia 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.
Georgia Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Georgia Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Georgia 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, Georgia Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Georgia Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Georgia security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Georgia Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Georgia Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Georgia 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 Georgia Security Guard in a site with customers.
Georgia Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Georgia 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 Georgia Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Georgia Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Georgia EMS vehicles.
Georgia Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Georgia security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Georgia Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Georgia EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Georgia Security Guards.
The Georgia Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Georgia Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Georgia Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Georgia 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.