Security Guard Job FAQ

Can I Get a Florida Security Guard License if I have a Prior Conviction?

The short answer is YES. If you have been convicted of a crime, you must apply and get your civil rights restored through the Executive Clemency Program before you can get your Florida Security Guard License. Restoration of Civil Rights in Florida: The Restoration of Civil Rights in Florida restores all of the rights of citizenship of a former convict, except the specific authority to own, possess, or use firearms. Felony conviction occurred in Florida If you have been convicted (not just arrested) of a felony as described in Section 790.23, of the Florida state Statutes, then you need to apply and obtain Executive Clemency from Florida before you can apply and get a Security Guard License in Florida State. Felony conviction occurred in another US state If your felony conviction occurred in another US state, then you need to obtain the certificate of rehabilitation or restoration of civil rights by that state where the conviction occurred.…

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Can you lose your Virginia Armed Security Guard License if arrested and do you have to report it to VA DCJS

The short answer is No. Not because of any type of arrest, but there are some conditions surrounding this depending on the nature of the arrest. An arrest is not a conviction. A person arrested illegally or under incorrect or false grounds may be released without any conviction. Please see the difference between an arrest and a conviction as explained below. Arrest versus Conviction: Arrest: An arrest can occur under many different circumstances. A simple traffic violation can lead to arrest due to some misunderstanding. A person may be arrested, taken into custody and later released because the prosecutor found that it is not appropriate to charge them with a crime. Conviction:A conviction happens, when a person is convicted of a crime, either because they have pleaded guilty of the crime or been found guilty of the crime by a court of law. The individual may be charged with a crime, and even go to trial. During…

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Can I apply for the SORA program if I have a prior conviction?

SORA (Security Office Registration Act) is the New Jersey state's License for Security Guards and is administered by the New Jersey State Police. Yes, it is possible that you can get a SORA license even if you have a prior conviction. The eligibility will be based on the status and nature of the prior conviction as explained below. First of all the good news is, as per the New Jersey state police website, persons with expunged and/or sealed criminal records will be considered for SORA. What is an Expungement? An expungement proceeding is a type of lawsuit in which a first time offender of a prior criminal conviction seeks that the records of that earlier process be sealed, making the records unavailable through the state or Federal repositories. If your convictions are not currently expunged then please continue reading to see if your records can be possibly expunged. As per New Jersey SORA regulations if the a…

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How to prepare for a security guard interview?

Before you attend your job interview as a Security Guard or Security Officer please make sure you are prepared using the following guidelines : First and foremost, "Dress Up": Some may not consider the job of a Security Officer as a glamorous job. However during the interview, it is always a great idea to dress appropriately. During my long years of interviewing and hiring security guards, a lot of men/women will show up for the interview casually dressed. For me this is a huge red flag. The reason is, the interview is a formal event. You should demonstrate the impression that you are coming prepared for the interview. When I see you coming for the interview in casual clothing, I may not tell you anything, but in my mind I will undervalue your ability to perform your job. You see, a security officer is considered as an authority figure. So I expect you to be dressed sharply.…

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I am trying to obtain a Michigan Guard Card, can someone please guide me in the right direction as to how to do that?

In the state of Michigan, an unarmed security guard doesn't require a license (or Guard Card). However, the company engaged in hiring security guards and providing security guard services must obtain and hold a valid Michigan Security Guard Agency license. A licensed security company can hire unarmed security guards that are not licensed. Here is the pertinent extract from the Michigan state law: Section 338.1079 of Michigan Private Security Business And Security Alam Act - Act 330 of 1968 This act does not require licensing of any private security guards employed for the purpose of protecting the property and employees of their employer and generally maintaining security for their employer. Even if there is no licensing requirement for a person to be employed as a security guard, there are a few basic criteria that the state requires. At least 18 year old Citizen of US or a registered resident alien Posses high school diploma or equivalent Submit…

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Can I be a Security Officer in Virginia with a felony or arrest on my record?

Yes. Definitely. In general, a person is eligible to work as a Security Guard (Officer) with a prior a felony conviction in Virginia State. The Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS) in Virginia, makes the determination if an individual is eligible or not. Before you apply, it is ideal that you take steps to clear your record through a pardon and restoration or rights through DCJS. As per the Commonwealth of Virginia (Virgina State) Website, here is the Criteria used for restoring the rights of a person with a prior criminal record. Criteria for Restoration of Rights for Non-Violent Offenders: Have been convicted of a non-violent felony in a Virginia court or a U.S. District Court Have completed serving the prison sentence and been released from supervised probation or parole Have no pending felony charges. Criteria for Restoration of Rights for Violent/More Serious Offenders: In order to be eligible for restoration of rights by the Governor, an applicant…

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Can you be a security guard with a felony in New York?

Many times we get questions such as, "Can a felon be a security guard?" or "Can I be a security guard with a criminal record?" or "Can a felon become a security guard?" etc. The answer to all these questions is "Yes, In most cases". Let me explain this further by providing more details. The laws differ depending on the state where the crime was committed and in which state you are residing. In this post we will cover the provisions available for ex-felons to get their records cleared so that they can become a security guard. Certificate of Relief Act of New York State The Certificate of Relief Act of New York State is aimed to help previously convicted felons by removing the barriers they face when applying for jobs, housing and school. New York State offers two types of certificates for people who are convicted of a felony. The first one is a Certificate of…

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Can a security guard make an arrest?

In general in the US, a licensed Security Guard can arrest a person under the same power that any private individual has to arrest another private individual under the clause of "Citizen’s Arrest". Having said this there are some variations in the statutes of specific states that provides additional powers to licensed security guards. To see the specific state level laws in the US, please review the Power to Arrest - State Specific Status section below. When arresting, the Security Guard can also restrain the person, as long as the restraint is reasonable. A Citizen’s Arrest is valid when a person has demonstrably committed a crime and is trying to flee the scene. In these situations, a Security Guard (or any civilian) can detain the person until police arrives. The important keyword here is “demonstrably committed”, which means, a Security Guard cannot arrest a person under the suspicion of the person possibly committing a crime. Does the…

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Difference between Burglary and Robbery

As a security guard or security officer, you need to clearly understand the difference between burglary and robbery. There are several differences between these two. Burglary vs Robbery, the circumstances make them differ Robbery and burglary are both criminal offenses that involve theft. The circumstances that surround these offenses make the difference in their definitions. Burglary: A burglary happens, when an individual enters a building or properly without permission in order to commit another offense, such as theft or felony. However, entering the properly without permission even if there is no theft, itself is a felony. The structure unlawfully entered by the perpetrator can be any building types including businesses, personal homes, garden sheds, barns, coops or other properties such as boats, aircraft, trucks or cars. Even when a person who has permission to enter part of a house, but not another part, it is still a burglary if they break-in and enter (by any means, even…

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