The process of becoming a Security Guard in Oklahoma is similar to a lot of other states: You need to meet basic requirements such as age, language proficiency, and other usual security licensing requirements of this nature.
Furthermore, to begin the OK Security Guard license application, you need to first take government approved Oklahoma Security Guard licensing courses:
Phase 1
Phase 2
Each course is 20hr.
For OK armed security you need to take one more course:
Phase 4
In Oklahoma, the government body that controls an OK Security Guard's license is called the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training.
So, it is CLEET that will have to approve your OK Security Guard licensing course. Fortunately, information on approved security courses is available on the CLEET website.
Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements to CLEET, you will get your Oklahoma Security Guard license.
Oklahoma Security Guard License Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older for OK unarmed security and 21yo for armed security.
OK Psychological Exam: You must undergo an Oklahoma psych exam.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind or be under investigation for a crime. You will need a records check from your local police and sheriff.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Oklahoma. You will have to submit a copy of government ID in the application process.
Photos: You must submit two passport style photos in your OK security application.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
Security Guard Training: You need to complete an OK approved security licensing course.
Fee: You must pay a small fee, around $50 USD.
What Does an Oklahoma Security Guard Do?
Oklahoma Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Oklahoma Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for an Oklahoma Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Oklahoma Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Oklahoma Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Oklahoma document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Oklahoma security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Oklahoma Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Oklahoma Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Oklahoma 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.
Oklahoma Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If an Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Oklahoma 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.
Oklahoma Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as an Oklahoma Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of an Oklahoma 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, Oklahoma Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Oklahoma Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Oklahoma security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Oklahoma Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, an Oklahoma Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma Security Guard in a site with customers.
Oklahoma Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Oklahoma Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Oklahoma EMS vehicles.
Oklahoma Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at an Oklahoma security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Oklahoma Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Oklahoma EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Oklahoma Security Guards.
The Oklahoma Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Oklahoma Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Oklahoma Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Oklahoma 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.