To Become a Security Guard in Kentucky does not require a Security Guard license. Furthermore, Security Guard licensing does not exist in Kentucky.
As a Kentucky Security Guard, you will be regulated through your Kentucky security employer.
However, the Kentucky city of Louisville does regulate Security Guards, but only armed Security Guards.
So, to become a licensed Security Guard in Kentucky means to be a Louisville licensed armed Security Guard.
Louisville Armed Security Guard License Requirements
DEPARTMENT OF CODES AND REGULATIONS
DIVISION OF LICENSING &PERMITS
Age: You must be 18yo or older.
KY Security Sponsor: You must be employed by a Kentucky security company that is permitted to operate in Louisville. Your security company will need to provide you with a document called "Intent to Hire."
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind. You will have to submit a records check in your Louisville security application.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Kentucky.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
Firearms Permit: You must have a license to carry a concealed deadly weapon.
Louisville Security Guard Course: You will need to complete a 40hr Security Guard licensing course.
Fee: You will need to pay a small licensing fee, around $25 USD.
What Does a Kentucky Security Guard Do?
Kentucky Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Kentucky Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Kentucky Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Kentucky Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Kentucky Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Kentucky document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Kentucky security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Kentucky Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Kentucky Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Kentucky 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.
Kentucky Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Kentucky 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 Kentucky Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Kentucky 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.
Kentucky Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Kentucky Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Kentucky 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, Kentucky Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Kentucky Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Kentucky security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Kentucky Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Kentucky Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Kentucky 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 Kentucky Security Guard in a site with customers.
Kentucky Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Kentucky 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 Kentucky Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Kentucky Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Kentucky EMS vehicles.
Kentucky Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Kentucky security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Kentucky Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Kentucky EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Kentucky Security Guards.
The Kentucky Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Kentucky Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Kentucky Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Kentucky 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.