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