Security Guards Protect Property and Enforce the Law Security guards and surveillance officers protect property, maintain security, and enforce regulations and standards of conduct. As a security guard, you may work in banks, hotels, hospitals, retail stores, restaurants, bars and schools, or for building-management companies and governments. Gaming surveillance officers work exclusively in casinos and other legal gaming facilities.  Security Guard Education and Training
While there are no academic requirements to become a security guard, a 2-year associate's degree program or a 1-to-2 semester certificate program in a criminal justice-related area is helpful if you want to be a security guard or surveillance officer, or be promoted to a managerial position. Surveillance officers receive training in a casino-like atmosphere using surveillance camera equipment. Armed guards receive formal training in areas such as weapons retention (keeping your weapon safe during a physical attack), self defense and the laws covering the use of force. Guards employed by the federal government must have some experience in the occupation, pass a written examination, and pass firearms and first aid tests to be certified by the US General Services Administration.
Security Guard Certification and Licensing Most states require that security guards be licensed. Requirements vary widely but in most states, applicants must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check and a drug test, and complete classroom training in such subjects as property rights, emergency procedures, and detention of suspected criminals. Security Guard Salary According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for security guards was $23,460 in 2008, but and the highest 10 percent earned more than $39,360. Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators earned a median annual wage of $28,850, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $48,310. Related Articles: Criminal Justice Home
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