Updated: Jan 24
To Become a Security Guard in Iowa does not require a Security Guard license. Furthermore, Security Guard licensing for employees does not really exist in Iowa. The closest equivalent to a Security Guard license in Iowa is to operate as a Security Guard as your own business.
As an Iowa Security Guard, you will be regulated through your IA security employer.
There is no government mandated security training in Iowa.
So, to become a Security Guard in Iowa, you will have to meet the requirements via your IA security employer.
Age: You must be 18yo or older for IA unarmed security. You must be 21yo or older for IA armed security.
Iowa Security Sponsor: You must be employed by an Iowa security company. Your first step in becoming an IA Security Guard will begin with getting employed in Iowa.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind. You will have to submit a records check and fingerprinting via your Iowa security employer.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Iowa.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
Iowa Investigator Application Info
Iowa Department of Public Safety
Private Security
Program Services Bureau
215 E 7th St
Des Moines IA 50319-0045
What Does an Iowa Security Guard Do?
Iowa Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Iowa Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for an Iowa Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Iowa Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Iowa Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Iowa document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Iowa security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Iowa Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Iowa Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Iowa 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.
Iowa Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If an Iowa 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 Iowa Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Iowa 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.
Iowa Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as an Iowa Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of an Iowa 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, Iowa Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Iowa Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Iowa security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Iowa Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, an Iowa Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Iowa 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 an Iowa Security Guard in a site with customers.
Iowa Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Iowa 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 Iowa Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Iowa Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Iowa EMS vehicles.
Iowa Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at an Iowa security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Iowa Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Iowa EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Iowa Security Guards.
The Iowa Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Iowa Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Iowa Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Iowa 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.