The steps to becoming a Security Guard in Washington 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 Washington, you need to take a government approved WA Security Guard licensing course.
In Washington, the government body that controls a WA Security Guard's license is called Washington State Department of Licensing. So, it is The Department that will have to approve your WA Security Guard licensing course.
The Department will accept the security course if it is taught by an authorized security academy. Finding an official security training provider is easy in Washington:
Security training info if available on The Department website.
Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements to The Department, you will get your Washington Security Guard license.
Washington Security Guard License Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older for WA unarmed security and 21yo or older for WA armed security.
Security Sponsor: You need to be employed by a Washington security company.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind. You will need to apply for a records check and fingerprinting.
Passport Photo: You need to submit a passport style photo in your WA application.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Washington. You will have to submit a copy of government ID in the application.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
WA Approved Security License Course: You need to take a Washington approved security course.
Specialized WA Security Guard: There are multiple specialized WA security fields you can enter, such as armed security. These fields require approved education.
Fee: You will have to pay a small licensing fee, around $100USD.
Application: You can apply online.
What Does a Washington Security Guard Do?
Washington Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Washington Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Washington Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Washington Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Washington Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Washington document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Washington security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Washington Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Washington Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Washington 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.
Washington Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Washington 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 Washington Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Washington 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.
Washington Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Washington Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Washington 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, Washington Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Washington Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Washington security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Washington Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Washington Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Washington 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 Washington Security Guard in a site with customers.
Washington Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Washington 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 Washington Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Washington Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Washington EMS vehicles.
Washington Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Washington security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Washington Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Washington EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Washington Security Guards.
The Washington Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Washington Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Washington Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Washington 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.