You will apply for a Wisconsin Security Guard License with an application:
Private Security Permit.
The steps to becoming a Security Guard in Wisconsin 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.
You will also need to be employed by a WI security company.
Furthermore, to get a Security Guard license in Wisconsin, you need to take a government approved WI Security Guard licensing course.
Your employer will guide you through the training process.
In Wisconsin, the government body that controls a WI Security Guard's license is called Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements to The Department, you will get your Wisconsin Security Guard license.
Wisconsin Security Guard License Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older for WI unarmed security and 21yo or older for WI armed security.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind. However, you are given the ability to challenge the records check outcome.
Security Sponsor: You need to be employed by a WI security company.
Fingerprints: You need to submit a fingerprint card in your WI application.
Passport Photo: You need to submit a passport photo in your WI application.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Wisconsin. You will have to submit a copy of government ID in the application.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
WI Approved Security License Course: You need to take a Wisconsin approved security course. Your security employer will help you through this process.
Specialized WI Security Guard: There are multiple specialized WI 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 $50USD.
What Does a Wisconsin Security Guard Do?
Wisconsin Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Wisconsin Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Wisconsin Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Wisconsin Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Wisconsin Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Wisconsin document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Wisconsin security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Wisconsin Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Wisconsin Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Wisconsin 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.
Wisconsin Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Wisconsin 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.
Wisconsin Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Wisconsin Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Wisconsin 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, Wisconsin Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Wisconsin Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Wisconsin security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Wisconsin Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Wisconsin Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Security Guard in a site with customers.
Wisconsin Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Wisconsin Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Wisconsin EMS vehicles.
Wisconsin Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Wisconsin security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Wisconsin Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Wisconsin EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Wisconsin Security Guards.
The Wisconsin Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Wisconsin Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Wisconsin Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Wisconsin 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.