The way to becoming a Security Guard in Maryland is unlike a lot of the other US states:
The difference is that there is no such thing as a state Security Guard license in Maryland.
Security Guards in MD are issued an employee Security Guard Certificate.
A MD Security Guard is regulated through their Maryland security employer which has an official name:
Security Guard Agency.
There is no MD security license (only an employee certificate) but to get hired as a MD Security Guard 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, not in Maryland.
However, you'll need training for specialized MD security:
Such as armed security
In Maryland, the government body that controls Security Guard Agencies is the Maryland State Police Security Guard Unit Licensing Division.
So, you'll have no license but you'll still be regulated. Once you get hired by a MD security company you will become a Maryland Security Guard with your MD Security Guard Certificate.
Maryland Security Guard License Requirements
(Security Guard Certificate)
Age: You must be 18yo or older for MD unarmed security and 21yo or older for MD armed security.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind. However, you are given the ability to challenge the records check outcome.
Security Sponsor: You need to be employed by a Maryland security company.
Fingerprints: You need to submit a fingerprint card with your MD application. Information on fingerprinting can be found in the application.
Passport Photo: You need to submit a passport style photo in your MD application.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Maryland. You will have to submit a copy of government ID in the application.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
Specialized MD Security Guard: There are multiple specialized MD security fields you can enter, such as armed security. These fields require approved education.
Fee: You will have to pay a small licensing fee, around $15USD.
Submitting: You will submit your MD security application to your security company.
Maryland State Police
Licensing Division
Security Guard Unit
1111 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
What Does a Maryland Security Guard Do?
Maryland Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Maryland Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Maryland Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Maryland Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Maryland Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Maryland document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Maryland security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Maryland Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Maryland Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Maryland 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.
Maryland Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Maryland 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 Maryland Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Maryland 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.
Maryland Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Maryland Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Maryland 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, Maryland Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Maryland Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Maryland security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Maryland Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Maryland Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Maryland 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 Maryland Security Guard in a site with customers.
Maryland Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Maryland 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 Maryland Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Maryland Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Maryland EMS vehicles.
Maryland Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Maryland security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Maryland Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Maryland EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Maryland Security Guards.
The Maryland Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Maryland Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Maryland Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Maryland 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.