Becoming a Security Guard in New York 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 New York, you need to take a government approved NY Security Guard licensing course.
This 8hr course is called Pre-Assignment Training Course.
In New York, the government body that controls a NY Security Guard's license is The Department of State. So, it is The Department of State that will have a list of approved NY Security Guard licensing courses.
On top of this, you will need an approved on the job training course after you get hired.
Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements to The Department of State, you will get your New York Security Guard license called Security Guard Registration Card.
New York Security Guard License Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record of any kind or be under investigation for a crime.
Fingerprints: You need to submit your fingerprints to The Department of State. This costs around $100USD. Submit the receipt in your license application for proof of being fingerprinted.
U.S. Citizen: You need to be an American citizen or be legally allowed to work in New York. You will have to submit a copy of government ID to The Department of State.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
New York Approved Security License Course: You need to take a NY approved security course called Pre-Assignment Training Course before getting hired. Find an approved school here.
Specialized Security Guard: There are multiple specialized security fields you can enter, such as armed security. These fields require approved education.
Passport Photo: You will have to provide the The Department of State with a certified passport photo. Most passport photo services can often certify a passport photo.
Fee: You will have to pay a small licensing fee, around $35USD.
Submitting: The documents you submit can be sent to The Department of State via mail or online uploading.
New York State
Department of State
Division of Licensing Services
P.O. Box 22052
Albany, NY 12201-2052
What Does a New York Security Guard Do?
New York Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
New York Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a New York Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
New York Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (New York Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in New York document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many New York security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
New York Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. New York Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
New York 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.
New York Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a New York 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 New York Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In New York 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.
New York Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a New York Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a New York 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, New York Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, New York Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for New York security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. New York Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a New York Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the New York 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 New York Security Guard in a site with customers.
New York Security Guards Work at Security Gates
New York 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 New York Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the New York Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for New York EMS vehicles.
New York Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a New York security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all New York Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
New York EMS/ ambulances will often be called by New York Security Guards.
The New York Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
New York Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other New York Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
New York 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 Novel Data Investigative Learning 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.