Becoming a licensed Security Guard in Missouri is different then most states. The difference is that there is no state wide Security Guard license department in MO.
To become licensed as a Security Guard in Missouri you will apply via your city:
City Clerk
So, to begin your journey as a Security Guard in Missouri, you should first contact your jurisdiction's City Clerk. Most jurisdictions will have similar processes on obtaining security licensing.
What Does a Missouri Security Guard Do?
Missouri Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Missouri Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Missouri Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Missouri Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Missouri Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Missouri document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Missouri security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Missouri Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Missouri Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Missouri 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.
Missouri Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Missouri 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 Missouri Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Missouri 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.
Missouri Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Missouri Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Missouri 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, Missouri Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Missouri Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Missouri security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Missouri Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Missouri Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Missouri 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 Missouri Security Guard in a site with customers.
Missouri Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Missouri 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 Missouri Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Missouri Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Missouri EMS vehicles.
Missouri Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Missouri security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Missouri Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Missouri EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Missouri Security Guards.
The Missouri Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Missouri Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Missouri Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Missouri 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.