To Become a Security Guard in West Virginia does not require a Security Guard license. Furthermore, Security Guard licensing for employees does not exist in West Virginia. The closest equivalent to a Security Guard license in West Virginia is to operate as a Security Guard as your own business.
As a West Virginia Security Guard, you will be regulated through your WV security employer.
So, to become a Security Guard in West Virginia, you will have to meet the requirements via your WV security employer.
WV Security Guard Employee Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older for WV unarmed security. You must be 21yo or older for WV armed security.
West Virginia Security Sponsor: You must be employed by a West Virginia security company. Your first step in becoming a WV Security Guard will begin with getting employed.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind. You will have to submit a records check.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in West Virginia.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
What Does a West Virginia Security Guard Do?
West Virginia Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
West Virginia Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a West Virginia Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
West Virginia Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (West Virginia Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in West Virginia document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many West Virginia security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
West Virginia Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. West Virginia Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
West Virginia 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.
West Virginia Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a West Virginia 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 West Virginia Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In West Virginia 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.
West Virginia Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a West Virginia Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a West Virginia 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, West Virginia Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, West Virginia Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for West Virginia security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. West Virginia Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a West Virginia Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the West Virginia 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 West Virginia Security Guard in a site with customers.
West Virginia Security Guards Work at Security Gates
West Virginia 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 West Virginia Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the West Virginia Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for West Virginia EMS vehicles.
West Virginia Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a West Virginia security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all West Virginia Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
West Virginia EMS/ ambulances will often be called by West Virginia Security Guards.
The West Virginia Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
West Virginia Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other West Virginia Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
West Virginia 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.