The path to becoming a Security Guard in New Hampshire is unlike a lot of the other US states:
The difference is that there is no government required security training in NH.
To become a Security Guard in most states, you need to take a government approved Security Guard licensing course, not in New Hampshire.
However, you'll need training for specialized NH security.
In New Hampshire, the government body that controls security licensing is the DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY DIVISION OF STATE POLICE.
Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements to the NH state police, you will get your New Hampshire Security Guard license and officially be registered as a Security Guard with the state of New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Security Guard License Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older.
Surety Bond: You need a $50k surety bond.
Criminal Record: You must submit a NH records check document.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in New Hampshire. You will have to submit a copy of government ID to the state police in your application.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
Sponsors: You need three personal references who are not related to you.
Specialized Security Guard: There are multiple NH specialized security fields you can enter, such as armed security. These fields require approved education.
Submitting: The documents you submit must be hand delivered.
You must deliver the application in person:
Department of Safety
Room 106 (Permits and Licensing)
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH
What Does a New Hampshire Security Guard Do?
New Hampshire Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
New Hampshire Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a New Hampshire Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
New Hampshire Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (New Hampshire Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in New Hampshire document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many New Hampshire security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
New Hampshire Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. New Hampshire Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
New Hampshire 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.
New Hampshire Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In New Hampshire 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.
New Hampshire Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a New Hampshire Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a New Hampshire 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, New Hampshire Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, New Hampshire Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for New Hampshire security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. New Hampshire Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a New Hampshire Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire Security Guard in a site with customers.
New Hampshire Security Guards Work at Security Gates
New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the New Hampshire Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for New Hampshire EMS vehicles.
New Hampshire Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a New Hampshire security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all New Hampshire Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
New Hampshire EMS/ ambulances will often be called by New Hampshire Security Guards.
The New Hampshire Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
New Hampshire Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other New Hampshire Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
New Hampshire 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