To become a licensed Security Guard in Connecticut means to obtain a Security Officer Certification Identification Card.
Getting this Security Guard license is a little different than other states:
The security application is not publicly available
To get an application for a CT Security Officer Certification Identification Card, you need to take a government approved Security Guard licensing course. Your security course instructor will actually be the one to provide you with the license application.
In CT, the government body that controls a Connecticut Security Guard's license is the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
So, it is the DESPP that will have to approved the CT Security Guard licensing course providers.
Make sure your security course is approved by the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
Once you register for the course, your application process for a CT Security Guard license will begin.
Connecticut Security Guard License Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older for unarmed security and 21yo or older for armed.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind or be under investigation for a crime. The DESPP will perform a criminal records check on you through the application process.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in CT. You will have to submit a copy of government ID in your application.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
Connecticut Approved Security License Course: This is actually where your application process will begin. You will need to find a CT Security Guard license course that is approved by the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection. Your security course instructor will provide you with the DPS 135-C Security Guard license application document.
Specialized Security Guard: There are multiple specialized security fields you can enter, such as armed security. These fields require CT approved education.
What Does a Connecticut Security Guard Do?
Connecticut Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Connecticut Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Connecticut Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Connecticut Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Connecticut Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Connecticut document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Connecticut security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Connecticut Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Connecticut Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Connecticut 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.
Connecticut Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Connecticut 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 Connecticut Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Connecticut 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.
Connecticut Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Connecticut Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Connecticut 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, Connecticut Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Connecticut Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Connecticut security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Connecticut Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Connecticut Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Connecticut 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 Connecticut Security Guard in a site with customers.
Connecticut Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Connecticut 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 Connecticut Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Connecticut Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Connecticut EMS vehicles.
Connecticut Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Connecticut security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Connecticut Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Connecticut EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Connecticut Security Guards.
The Connecticut Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Connecticut Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Connecticut Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Connecticut 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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