To Become a Security Guard in Louisiana does not require a Security Guard license. Furthermore, Security Guard licensing for individuals really does not exist in Louisiana. The Security Guard license equivalent in Louisiana is to be registered as an employee of a Louisiana security company. You will get a card for this called "Registration Card." This card lists what jobs you can qualify for, such as Security Officer.
So, to become a licensed Security Guard in Louisiana means to be hired by a Louisiana security company which will register you with LA state as a Security Officer. Then you will receive your Registration Card with the listed qualification of Security Officer.
As a Louisiana Security Guard, you will be regulated through your LA security employer.
So, to become a Security Guard in Louisiana, you will have to meet the requirements via your LA security employer.
LA Security Guard Employee Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older for LA unarmed security. You must be 21yo or older for LA armed security.
Louisiana Security Sponsor: You must be employed by a Louisiana security company. Your first step in becoming a LA Security Guard will begin with getting employed.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind. You will have to submit a records check. The records check will be through the Louisiana State Police Bureau of ID.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Louisiana.
LA Security Training: You must complete approved security training upon getting employed with a Louisiana security company. Your LA security company will help you with this process.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
What Does a Louisiana Security Guard Do?
Louisiana Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Louisiana Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Louisiana Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Louisiana Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Louisiana Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Louisiana document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Louisiana security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Louisiana Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Louisiana Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Louisiana 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.
Louisiana Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Louisiana 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 Louisiana Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Louisiana 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.
Louisiana Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Louisiana Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Louisiana 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, Louisiana Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Louisiana Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Louisiana security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Louisiana Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Louisiana Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Louisiana 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 Louisiana Security Guard in a site with customers.
Louisiana Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Louisiana 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 Louisiana Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Louisiana Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Louisiana EMS vehicles.
Louisiana Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Louisiana security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Louisiana Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Louisiana EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Louisiana Security Guards.
The Louisiana Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Louisiana Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Louisiana Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Louisiana 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.