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