You will apply for a Montana Security Guard License with an application:
Private Security Guard Application
The steps to becoming a Security Guard in Montana is similar to a lot of other states: you need to meet basic requirements such as age, language proficiency, and other usual security licensing requirements of this nature.
Furthermore, to get a Security Guard license in Montana, you need to take a government approved MT Security Guard licensing course:
Your Montana security employer will administer this course.
In Montana, the government body that controls a MT Security Guard's license is called Montana Board of Private Security. So, it is The Board that will have to approve your MT Security Guard licensing course.
Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements to The Board, you will get your Montana Security Guard license.
Montana Security Guard License Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older for MT unarmed security and 21yo or older for MT armed security.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind. You will need an FBI records check/ fingerprinting record and a Montana Department of Justice records check/ fingerprinting record.
MT Security Sponsor: You need to be employed by a Montana security company.
Passport Photo: You need to submit a passport photo style photo in your MT application.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in Montana. You will have to submit a copy of government ID in the MT application.
English: You must be able to speak and write in American English.
MT Approved Security License Course: You need to take a Montana approved security course. This will be administered by your Montana security company.
Fee: You will have to pay a small licensing fee, around $100USD.
Submitting: You can submit you MT security application online.
Montana Board of Private Security
PO Box 200513
301 S Park,
Helena, MT 59620-0513
What Does a Montana Security Guard Do?
Montana Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
Montana Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a Montana Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
Montana Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (Montana Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in Montana document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many Montana security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
Montana Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. Montana Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
Montana 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.
Montana Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a Montana 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 Montana Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In Montana 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.
Montana Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a Montana Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a Montana 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, Montana Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, Montana Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for Montana security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. Montana Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a Montana Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the Montana 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 Montana Security Guard in a site with customers.
Montana Security Guards Work at Security Gates
Montana 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 Montana Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the Montana Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for Montana EMS vehicles.
Montana Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a Montana security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all Montana Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
Montana EMS/ ambulances will often be called by Montana Security Guards.
The Montana Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
Montana Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other Montana Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
Montana 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.