Becoming a licensed Security Guard in Mississippi is different then most states. The difference is that there is no state wide Security Guard license department.
To become licensed as a Security Guard in Mississippi you will apply via your city:
City Clerk
However, even your MS jurisdiction might not have security licensing requirements.
So, to begin your journey as a Security Guard in Mississippi, you should first contact your jurisdiction's City Clerk. Most MS jurisdictions will have similar processes on obtaining security licensing, if they have any requirements at all.
Average MS Security Guard Employee Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older for MS unarmed security and 21yo or older for MS armed security.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind. However, you are given the ability to challenge the MS records check outcome.
MS Security Sponsor: You need to be employed by a MS security company.
Passport Photo: You need to submit a passport photo in your MS security application.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in MS. You will have to submit a copy of government ID in the MS security application.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
Specialized MS Security Guard: There are multiple specialized MS security fields you can enter, such as armed security. These fields require approved education.
What Does a Mississippi Security Guard Do?
Mississippi Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Mississippi Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Mississippi Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Mississippi Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Mississippi Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Mississippi document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Mississippi security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Mississippi Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Mississippi Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Mississippi 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.
Mississippi Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Mississippi 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 Mississippi Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Mississippi 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.
Mississippi Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Mississippi Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Mississippi 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, Mississippi Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Mississippi Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Mississippi security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Mississippi Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Mississippi Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Mississippi 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 Mississippi Security Guard in a site with customers.
Mississippi Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Mississippi 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 Mississippi Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Mississippi Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Mississippi EMS vehicles.
Mississippi Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Mississippi security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Mississippi Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Mississippi EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Mississippi Security Guards.
The Mississippi Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Mississippi Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Mississippi Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Mississippi 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.