To Become a Security Guard in Ohio does not require a Security Guard license. Furthermore, Security Guard licensing for individuals really does not exist in Ohio. The Security Guard license equivalent in Ohio is to be registered as an employee of an OH security company. You will get a registration card for this called "Registration Card," or sometimes called an Ohio Guard Card. This card lists what jobs you can qualify for, such as Security Officer.
So, to become a licensed Security Guard in Ohio means to be hired by an Ohio security company which will register you with the state as a Security Officer. Then you will receive your Registration Card with the listed qualification of Security Officer.
As an Ohio Security Guard, you will be regulated through your OH security employer.
So, to become a Security Guard in Ohio, you will have to meet the requirements via your OH security employer.
OH Security Guard Employee Requirements
(Ohio Guard Card)
Age: You must be 18yo or older for OH unarmed security. You must be 21yo or older for OH armed security.
Ohio Security Sponsor: You must be employed by an Ohio security company. Your first step in becoming an OH Security Guard will begin with getting employed.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind. You will have to submit a records check.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Ohio.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
What Does an Ohio Security Guard Do?
Ohio Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Ohio Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for an Ohio Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Ohio Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Ohio Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Ohio document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Ohio security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Ohio Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Ohio Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Ohio 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.
Ohio Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If an Ohio 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 Ohio Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Ohio 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.
Ohio Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as an Ohio Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of an Ohio 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, Ohio Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Ohio Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Ohio security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Ohio Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, an Ohio Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Ohio 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 an Ohio Security Guard in a site with customers.
Ohio Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Ohio 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 Ohio Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Ohio Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Ohio EMS vehicles.
Ohio Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at an Ohio security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Ohio Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Ohio EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Ohio Security Guards.
The Ohio Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Ohio Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Ohio Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Ohio 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.