The way to becoming a Security Guard in Hawaii is similar to a lot of other US states. You need to meet basic requirements such as
age
English language proficiency
GED
clean criminal record
citizenship
and other usual security licensing requirements of this nature.
Furthermore, to get a Security Guard license in Hawaii, you need to take an 8hr government approved Security Guard licensing course:
Initial Security Guard Training
The government body that controls a Hawaii Security Guard's license is The BOARD OF PRIVATE DETECTIVES & GUARDS.
So, it is The Board that will have to approve the HI 8hr Security Guard training providers.
On top of this, you will need to be employed by a Hawaii security company before getting your license.
Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements to The Board, you will get your Hawaii Security Guard license and officially be registered as a Security Guard with the state of Hawaii through your employer.
Hawaii Security Guard License Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older.
Employer: You must be employed by a Hawaii security company before getting a license. They will help you with the application process.
GED: You must have proof of completing high school or equivalent. You must include the documents in your application.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind. You will have to get a HI state and federal FBI criminal records check and be fingerprinted at Fieldprint Inc.
Passport Photo: You need to submit a passport style photo in your HI application.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Hawaii. You will have to submit a copy of US or HI government ID in the security license application.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
HI Approved Security License Course: You need to take a Hawaii approved 8hr security licensing course called Initial Security Guard Training.
BOARD OF PRIVATE DETECTIVES & GUARDS
DCCA, PVL Licensing Branch
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801
What Does a Hawaii Security Guard Do?
Hawaii Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Hawaii Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Hawaii Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Hawaii Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Hawaii Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Hawaii document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Hawaii security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Hawaii Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Hawaii Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Hawaii 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.
Hawaii Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Hawaii 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 Hawaii Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Hawaii 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.
Hawaii Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Hawaii Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Hawaii 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, Hawaii Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Hawaii Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Hawaii security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Hawaii Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Hawaii Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Hawaii 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 Hawaii Security Guard in a site with customers.
Hawaii Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Hawaii 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 Hawaii Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Hawaii Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Hawaii EMS vehicles.
Hawaii Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Hawaii security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Hawaii Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Hawaii EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Hawaii Security Guards.
The Hawaii Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Hawaii Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Hawaii Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Hawaii 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.