The path to becoming a Security Guard in Massachusetts is unlike a lot of the other US states.
The difference is that there is no such thing as a state Security Guard license in Massachusetts.
A MA Security Guard is regulated through their Massachusetts security employer which is officially called
Watch Guard Patrol Agency.
There is no MA security license but to get hired as a Watch Guard you'll still need to meet basic requirements such as age, language proficiency, and other usual security licensing requirements of this nature.
To become a Security Guard in most states, you need to take a government approved Security Guard licensing course, not in Massachusetts.
However, you'll need training for specialized MA security.
In Massachusetts, the government body that controls Watch Guard Patrol Agencies is the Certification Unit of the Colonel of the State Police.
So, you'll have no license but you'll still be regulated.
Once you get hired by a MA Watch Guard Patrol Agency you will become a Massachusetts Security Guard, which is called Watch Guard.
Massachusetts Security Guard License Requirements
No License: There is no MA state Security Guard license. You need to get hired by a licensed Watch Guard Patrol Agency to become a MA Security Guard.
Age: You must be 18yo or older.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Massachusetts.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
Specialized MA Security Guard: There are multiple specialized MA security fields you can enter, such as armed security. These fields require training.
What Does a Massachusetts Security Guard Do?
Massachusetts Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Massachusetts Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Massachusetts Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Massachusetts Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Massachusetts Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Massachusetts document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Massachusetts security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Massachusetts Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Massachusetts Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Massachusetts 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.
Massachusetts Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Massachusetts 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.
Massachusetts Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Massachusetts Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Massachusetts 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, Massachusetts Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Massachusetts Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Massachusetts security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Massachusetts Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Massachusetts Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Security Guard in a site with customers.
Massachusetts Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Massachusetts Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Massachusetts EMS vehicles.
Massachusetts Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Massachusetts security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Massachusetts Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Massachusetts EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Massachusetts Security Guards.
The Massachusetts Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Massachusetts Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Massachusetts Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Massachusetts 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.