In Nevada, you become a licensed Security Guard by obtaining what is called a WORK CARD.
The way to becoming a Security Guard in Nevada is similar to a lot of other US states. You need to meet basic requirements such as
age
English language proficiency
clean criminal record
citizenship/ NV employment permission
and other usual security licensing requirements of this nature.
Furthermore, to get a Security Guard license in Nevada (Work Card), you DO NOT need to take an approved government Security Guard licensing course. Most US states require a course but not Nevada. However, you will need to take and pass a Nevada Security Guard exam regarding NV security legislation.
The government body that controls a Nevada Security Guard's license is The Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board.
Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements to The Board, you will get your Nevada Security Guard Work Card and officially be registered as a Security Guard with the state of Nevada.
Nevada Security Guard License Requirements (WORK CARD)
Age: You must be 18yo or older.
Criminal Record: You will have to complete a criminal records check via a fingerprinting agency. The PILB has a list of approved fingerprinting services in the Work Card application.
Passport Photo: You need to submit a passport style photo in your NV application (two inch by two inch).
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Nevada. You will have to submit a copy of US or NV government ID in the security license application.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
NV Security Guard License Exam: You need to take and pass a Nevada Security Guard exam. The NV exam will cover Nevada Security Guard Policy. After studying the security material, you can schedule to take the exam.
Licensing Board:
Las Vegas, NV
3110 S. Durango Drive.
Suite 203
Las Vegas, NV 89117
Phone: (702) 486-3003
Carson City, NV
400 West King Street
Suite 101
Carson City, NV 89703
Phone: (775) 684-3125
What Does a Nevada Security Guard Do?
Nevada Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Nevada Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Nevada Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Nevada Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Nevada Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Nevada document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Nevada security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Nevada Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Nevada Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Nevada 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.
Nevada Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Nevada 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 Nevada Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Nevada 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.
Nevada Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Nevada Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Nevada 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, Nevada Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Nevada Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Nevada security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Nevada Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Nevada Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Nevada 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 Nevada Security Guard in a site with customers.
Nevada Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Nevada 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 Nevada Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Nevada Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Nevada EMS vehicles.
Nevada Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Nevada security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Nevada Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Nevada EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Nevada Security Guards.
The Nevada Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Nevada Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Nevada Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Nevada 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.