Becoming a Security Guard in Alaska 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 also cannot have a history of mental illness or substance abuse problems
Furthermore, to get a Security Guard license in Alaska, you need to take AK government approved Security Guard licensing courses in three phases.
Phase one: an 8hr course before applying
Phase two: a 40hr course after licensing
Phase three: 8hrs of ongoing security training every year
In Alaska, the government body that controls an AK Security Guard's license is called "State of Alaska Department of Public Safety."
So, it is this department that will have to approve your AK Security Guard licensing courses.
The State of Alaska Department of Public Safety will accept the security training courses if they are taught by an authorized security academy.
Just make sure three phases of training is taught by a licensed school.
Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements to the State of Alaska Department of Public Safety, you will get your Alaska Security Guard license and officially be registered as a Security Guard with the state of Alaska.
Alaska Security Guard License Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older.
Security Sponsor: You need to be employed by an Alaska security company.
Criminal Record Background Check: You cannot have a criminal record. You will receive a records check via the AK security application process.
Fingerprints: You need to submit fingerprinting that meets the standards of the Alaska Fingerprint ID System such as an FBI fingerprint card.
Liability Insurance: You need to submit proof of liability insurance in your AK application.
References: You need three personal non-family character references.
Passport Photo: You need to submit a passport photo in your AK security application.
U.S. Citizen: To qualify for an Alaska Security Guard license, you need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Alaska.
English: You must be able to speak and write in U.S. English.
Alaska Approved Security License Courses: You need to take an approved 8hr Security Guard licensing course. After obtaining your Alaska Security Guard license, you need to take a 40hr Security Guard course within six months. After, you need to take 8hrs of ongoing security training every year. Contact the State of Alaska Department of Public Safety for information on approved training providers.
Specialized AK Security Guard: There are multiple specialized AK security fields you can enter, such as armed security. These fields require approved education.
Application: You can apply for an AK Security Guard License via mail.
State of Alaska Department of Public Safety
5700 East Tudor Road Anchorage, AK 99507
What Does an Alaska Security Guard Do?
Alaska Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Alaska Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for an Alaska Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Alaska Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Alaska Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Alaska document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Alaska security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Alaska Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Alaska Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Alaska 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.
Alaska Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If an Alaska 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 Alaska Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Alaska 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.
Alaska Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as an Alaska Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of an Alaska 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, Alaska Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Alaska Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Alaska security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Alaska Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, an Alaska Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Alaska 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 Alaska Security Guard in a site with customers.
Alaska Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Alaska 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 Alaska Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Alaska Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Alaska EMS vehicles.
Alaska Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at an Alaska security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Alaska Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Alaska EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Alaska Security Guards.
The Alaska Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Alaska Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Alaska Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Alaska 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.
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