The process of becoming a Security Guard in Texas 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 Texas, you need to take a government approved Texas Security Guard licensing course:
This 30hr course is simply called Level 2 Training Course.
In Texas, the government body that controls a TX Security Guard's license is called the Private Security Bureau which is under the purview of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
So, it is the PSB that will have to approve your TX Security Guard licensing course. The PSB will accept the Level 2 Training Course if it is taught by an authorized institution.
Thankfully, most TX security companies are authorized to teach this course.
Furthermore, you need to be employed by a Texas security company to get a Texas Security Guard license.
Your licensing process will typically begin after getting employed. Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements to the PSB, you will get your Texas Security Guard license.
Texas Security Guard License Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older.
Online Application: You will complete your application through an online portal called Texas Online Private Security. Most likely, your employer will guide you through this process.
Texas Security Sponsor: You will need to be employed by a TX security company. They will complete the employment section in your TOPS application.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind or be under investigation for a crime. The records check will be performed on you through the online TOPS application process.
Fingerprints: You need to submit your fingerprints in the TOPS application.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Texas. You will have to submit a copy of government ID in the TOPS process.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
TX Approved Security License Course: You need to take a Texas approved security course called Level 2 Training Course. Most likely, your employer will offer this course to you.
Specialized TX Security Guard: There are multiple specialized TX security fields you can enter, such as armed security. These fields require PSB approved education.
Fee: You will have to pay a small licensing fee, around $40USD.
What Does a Texas Security Guard Do?
Texas Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Texas Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Texas Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Texas Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Texas Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Texas document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Texas security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Texas Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Texas Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Texas 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.
Texas Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Texas 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 Texas Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Texas 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.
Texas Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Texas Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Texas 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, Texas Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Texas Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Texas security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Texas Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Texas Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Texas 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 Texas Security Guard in a site with customers.
Texas Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Texas 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 Texas Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Texas Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Texas EMS vehicles.
Texas Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Texas security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Texas Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Texas EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Texas Security Guards.
The Texas Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Texas Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Texas Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Texas Security Guards will always remain calm and professional. Furthermore, they will assist however they can.
Texas Security Guards Will Also Work in a Supervisory Role
Texas Guard Supervisors will inform Guards of their duties and provide them with SOPs relevant to their duties.
Supervisors provide training and resources for Guards to accomplish their duties.
Guards will be mentored on an individual basis by their Supervisors.
Supervisors will have the responsibility for filing security documents.
Keeping up to date records on Guard training records will be a key component to a Supervisor's role.
Texas Security Guard Supervisors will be mindful of traits in new hired Guards:
oppositional
insolent
intolerant
unsupportive
unreceptive
officious
incompetent
inflexible
It is the Supervisor’s duty to determine if the Guard can improve and become viable. All steps, progress, or lack of progress must be documented and e-mailed to the Security Managers.
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.