Becoming a Security Guard in Oregon 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 get a Security Guard license in Oregon, you need to take a government approved OR Security Guard licensing course.
Oregon Security Training:
In Oregon, the government body that controls an OR Security Guard's license is The Private Security Program. So, it is The Private Security Program office that will have a list of approved OR Security Guard licensing courses.
Course information and scheduled dates on available on the office website.
Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements to The Private Security Program, you will get your Oregon Security Guard license.
Oregon Security Guard License Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older for OR unarmed security. You need to be 21yo or older for OR armed security.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind or be under investigation for a crime.
Fingerprints: You need to submit your fingerprints to The Private Security Program via your application.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Oregon. You will have to submit a copy of government ID in your application.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
Oregon Approved Security License Course: You need to take an OR approved security course.
OR specialized Security Guard: There are multiple specialized security fields you can enter, such as armed security. These fields require approved education.
Passport Photo: You will have to provide a passport photo in your OR application.
Submitting: The documents you submit can be sent to The Private Security Program office via mail.
Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training
4190 Aumsville Highway
Salem, Oregon 97317
What Does an Oregon Security Guard Do?
Oregon Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Oregon Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for an Oregon Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Oregon Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Oregon Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Oregon document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Oregon security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Oregon Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Oregon Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Oregon 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.
Oregon Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If an Oregon 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 Oregon Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Oregon 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.
Oregon Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as an Oregon Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of an Oregon 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, Oregon Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Oregon Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Oregon security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Oregon Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, an Oregon Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Oregon 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 Oregon Security Guard in a site with customers.
Oregon Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Oregon 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 Oregon Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Oregon Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Oregon EMS vehicles.
Oregon Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at an Oregon security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Oregon Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Oregon EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Oregon Security Guards.
The Oregon Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Oregon Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Oregon Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Oregon 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.