The steps to becoming a Security Guard in Vermont 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 Vermont, you need to take a government approved VT Security Guard licensing course:
This is a 40hr hour security training course.
In Vermont, the government body that controls a VT Security Guard's license is called The Board of Private Investigative and Security Services
So, it is The Board that will have to approve your VT Security Guard licensing course. The Board will accept the 40hr security training course if it is taught by an authorized security academy.
The Board has a list of approved providers on their website
After taking the course, you will need to take an exam
Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements to The Board, you will get your Vermont Security Guard license.
Vermont Security Guard License Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older for unarmed VT security. You must be 21yo or older for armed VT security.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind. For unarmed VT security, you will need to take a VCIC records check. For armed VT security you will need to take a VCIC records check and an FBI records check.
Mental Illness: You cannot be suffering from mental illness or have substance abuse problems
Fingerprints: You need to submit fingerprinting in your VT application.
Passport Photo: You need to submit a passport style photo in your VT application.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Vermont. You will have to submit a copy of US or Vermont government ID in the application.
English: You must be able to speak and write in American English.
Vermont Approved Security License Course: You need to take a Vermont approved 40hr security licensing course.
Vermont Security Exam: You must contact The Board and request an examination time and date.
Vermont Armed Security Guard: You must pass a firearms training course approved by The Board. You can contact The Board for a list of approved Vermont training providers.
Application: You can apply online.
What Does a Vermont Security Guard Do?
Vermont Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Vermont Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Vermont Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Vermont Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Vermont Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Vermont document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Vermont security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Vermont Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Vermont Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Vermont 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.
Vermont Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Vermont 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 Vermont Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Vermont 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.
Vermont Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Vermont Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Vermont 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, Vermont Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Vermont Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Vermont security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Vermont Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Vermont Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Vermont 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 Vermont Security Guard in a site with customers.
Vermont Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Vermont 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 Vermont Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Vermont Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Vermont EMS vehicles.
Vermont Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Vermont security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Vermont Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Vermont EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Vermont Security Guards.
The Vermont Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Vermont Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Vermont Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Vermont 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.