In Minnesota, a Security Guard is called a "Protective Agent."
To Become a Security Guard/ Protective Agent in Minnesota does not require a Security Guard license. Furthermore, Security Guard licensing does not exist in Minnesota.
As a Minnesota Security Guard, you will be regulated through your MN security employer, officially called Protective Agent Services.
So, to become a Security Guard in Minnesota, you will have to meet the requirements via your security employer or Protective Agent Services company.
Minnesota Security Guard Employee Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older for MN unarmed security. You must be 21yo or older for MN armed security.
Minnesota Security Sponsor: You must be employed by a Minnesota security company. Your first step in becoming a MN Security Guard will begin with getting employed.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind. You will have to submit a records check.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Minnesota.
MN Security Training: You will need to take approved security training. Your MN employer will guide you through this process.
English: You must be able to speak and write in American English.
What Does a Minnesota Security Guard Do?
Minnesota Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Minnesota Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Minnesota Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Minnesota Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Minnesota Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Minnesota document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Minnesota security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Minnesota Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Minnesota Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Minnesota 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.
Minnesota Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Minnesota 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 Minnesota Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Minnesota 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.
Minnesota Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Minnesota Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Minnesota 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, Minnesota Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Minnesota Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Minnesota security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Minnesota Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Minnesota Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Minnesota 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 Minnesota Security Guard in a site with customers.
Minnesota Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Minnesota 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 Minnesota Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Minnesota Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Minnesota EMS vehicles.
Minnesota Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Minnesota security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Minnesota Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Minnesota EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Minnesota Security Guards.
The Minnesota Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Minnesota Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Minnesota Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Minnesota 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.