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