The Benefits of Having a California Guard Card

The primary benefit of having a California guard card is that is allows you to get a security guard job anywhere in California. To work at an armed post, you will also be required to get an additional gun permit to act as an armed security officer. Getting a CA guard card is not difficult or time consuming.

It is very important to be licensed as a security officer. Working without a CA guard card can result in both you and/or your employer getting fined. Some mistakenly believe that no one enforces the guard card requirement, or ever checks, but this is not true. The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) have field officers whose primary duty is to go out in the field and find unlicensed guards. Those without proper licensing will be ticketed, subjecting themselves and their employers to large fines.

It does not take long to get your California guard card. There are many schools to choose from and you can even acquire the license online. The course and test are not difficult and can be completed in one day.

The total cost associated with getting a Californian guard card is approximately $200 which includes class, licensing, background check, and fingerprinting fees.  You also must be at least eighteen years of age and should have no felony arrests on your criminal record.

It takes approximately ten days to two weeks to receive your California guard card in the mail, but you can also go to the BSIS website and print out a temporary permit a few days early if you need to start work on a sooner basis.

Once you have a California guard card you are ready to work. Make sure you always have your guard with you. If you lose it, report it to the BSIS and they will send you out a replacement. There's a small fee to replace it, but, again, it's really important to keep it on you at all times.

The nice thing about having your California guard card is that there are a lot of guard positions available in most metropolitan areas and finding a job is not that difficult if you are persistent. If you look online, or in the newspaper, you should find many security guard jobs listed. A fair share of them do not pay that well, but it's nice to always be employable, especially in this economy. When you apply for a guard position, most employers will want to make a copy of your California guard license, so remember to bring it with you to your interview.

If you want to find the best place to get a California guard card in your area, there are a couple options available to you. The first is to ask fellow guards or security guard companies who they would recommend. Another consideration would be to research which schools or training facilities are close to where you live. To do this, simply go to Google, type in 'security guard training' then add your zip code. Chances are a number of places will come up which you can choose from. Call them and ask about their pricing and other issues that may concern you. Lastly, you can also get your California guard card training online. The big advantage is that online guard training courses tend to be a little cheaper most schools. They also offer the advantage of being able to take the course from the convenience of your own home and at the pace that suits your schedule.

Keep in mind though that no matter where you decide to take your training, you will still have to visit a Live Scan facility (which is part of the criminal background check) in person to get fingerprinted. All in all, thought the process of getting a CA guard card is pretty easy and affordable.
 

There Are Some Security Guard Jobs That You Should Try To Stay Away From

Unfortunately, some employers who hire security guards try and take advantage of them. There are shady characters in every line of work, but security guards are particularly susceptible to employer abuses or mistreatment, especially if they are seeking employment. Here are some points to consider before you take a security guard job:

1. Is the job a permanent post? Ask your employer. Many guard positions are only temporary. Sometimes the security guard company will not tell you this because they are temporarily shorthanded and need guards right away but only for a short term commitment. Either way, you should find out how long you will be working at the account as it may interfere with other aspects of your life, such a finding a better full-time position.
2. Similarly, find out if the hours you were assigned are set. Sometime schedules change at the last minute as shifts are moved around. This is particularly important if you have other aspects of your life that require your time and attention. It's always better to voice such concerns upfront.
3. What does the client expect from the security officers? Ask for your post orders as soon as arrive on the job site. Post orders are rules and regulations for you to follow. If there are no post orders, this can be a problem for you. If something happens and you are blamed for not acting the way you should, you may be held accountable. You want to find out as much as possible what is expected of you so you are prepared to deal with most situations.
4. Find out when you are to be paid. Write down the dates.
5. Make sure you are hired as an 'employee.' This means you will have to fill out a W2 form. Some security guard companies ask employees to become 'independent contractors' so that they can avoid paying taxes and other benefits. Do not allow them to get away with this. You will end up paying more taxes. (note: there are some exceptions when working at a security guard job as an independent contractor is acceptable; for instance, if it's only for a day or two and the security guard company is acting as a mere agent).
6. Find out how far the job is away from your house before you take the job. This may seem obvious, but sometimes, because officers can be desperate to find employment, they'll take practically anything only to realize the position will not work for them.
7. Find out what uniform requirements are expected. Also find out who is supposed to furnish the uniforms.

There are other issues to consider, but the above points should at least give you some measure of assurance that you know what you are getting into before you take a security guard job.
 

How To File a Complaint Against a California Security Guard Company

If you are a security guard works for security guard company or a client of a security guard company, there are several compliance issues you should be aware of:

1. All security officers must hold valid a guard card. Almost all states require security guards to pass a criminal background check and to be legally licensed. Often the licensing process requires guards to have Powers to Arrest training. Any guard who doesn't know the correct procedures to properly arrest and/or detain a suspect can be a major liability risk if too much force is used or there happens to be an injury. For this reason, it is important to make sure all security guards are adequately trained and licensed.
2. All security guards should be properly uniformed. Note: some States require that all security guards must have a patch that reveals the company they work for.
3. Security guard companies not paying overtime.
4. Security guard companies not allowing officers to take breaks.
5. Security guard companies not being licensed. This can easily be checked with whatever agency regulates security guard companies in your State.
6. Security guard companies not carrying general liability insurance.
7. Security guard companies not paying workman's compensation insurance. Many guard companies will try to skirt paying workman’s comp insurance by claiming that their guards are either part time employees or independent contractors. Very rarely though is this the case as the rules for making such claims can be very strict in many States. 

If you have a grievance with a security guard company, there are several ways to file a complaint. The easiest way is by contacting the State agency that regulates labor laws or security guard licensing. In California, You can call the Department of Consumer Affairs hotline number at 1-800-952-5210 and they will mail you a complaint form. You can also fill out a complaint form online in California by visiting the BSIS website. Lastly, local call resolution centers can be found in Sacramento, Hayward, El Monte and Riverside.
 
If a security guard company is not complying with state law or you feel as though they may be taking advantage of you or their staff, you can also consider filing an anonymous tip. In California, The Bureau of Investigative Services will look into the matter on your behalf and assist you in filing, and even resolving, many issues you may be having with a guard company.

You must be patient though. Due to budget cuts there can be backlogs and it sometimes can takes a while for the actual complaint to be looked into.

Security Guards Can Greatly Deter Retail Theft

Taken as a whole, the losses retailers incur due to theft are substantial.  According to the National Association of Shopping Prevention (NASP) more than 13 billion dollars of merchandise is stolen from American retailers each year which equates to approximately 35 million dollars per day. What’s more, the NASP estimates that there are approximately 27 million shoplifters (1 in every 11 people) active today and that over 10 million individuals have been apprehended for shoplifting over the past five years.*

These losses due to theft are a major concern for most retailers. One of the best options retailers have for reducing theft and deterring shoplifters is by having a good security presence. Most retailers station their security guards at the front entrances to ensure that potential shoplifters can not exit the store without being monitored. Occasionally security guards may also patrol the store just to make their presence known, but they are almost always most effective monitoring store exits. While it is not uncommon for security guards to apprehend shoplifters, their real value is in deterring theft and not making actual arrests. According to NASP, less than 30 percent of shoplifters plan to steal in advance, so shoplifting is much more a crime of opportunity than pre-meditation. For this reason, the presence of a security guard can greatly reduce theft simply by deterring any potential shoplifters who may otherwise take advantage of a low risk opportunity.

Customers typically appreciate having security present and security guards can also provide a nice customer service touch. For this reason it is important that the officers are have very good PR skills, are professionally dressed, and are familiar with the store and its policies.

Most States legally require security guards to be trained and licensed (also referred to as a “security guard card”). States vary in terms of what they require and each State has its own governing body that regulates security guard licenses and training. California guard cards, for instance, are regulated and issued by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) which is a division of The California Department Consumer Affairs.

The big decision any retailer has to make who is considering hiring security is whether to hire in-house security guards or to outsource through a guard vendor. The main benefits of outsourcing are that most security guard companies offer experience, general liability insurance, and workers compensation. They also do the hiring for you and are experienced at managing security guards. This can give the hiring retailer more time to focus on their core business instead of having to run a security team. The downside though is the loss of control and the added cost, although many security guard vendors might state so differently.

Either way, it's worthwhile to consider both options. There is no harm in meeting with a few guard firms to see what they can offer. Most are more than happy to have no-obligation meetings. Also, consider taking a look at how other retailers run their security programs. It can makes sense to borrow from what works, but keep in mind that every retail business is different, so there isn’t a universal solution that works for everyone.

Any retailer who plans to hire in-house security must make sure they are complying with of their State’s requirements. Failing to do so can otherwise often result in heavy fines. These laws are for the benefit of the hiring retailer as well because most states will require guard applicants to pass a basic training test and background check prior to the issuance of a security guard license. Any guard who is not properly trained in the Powers to Arrest can also be a huge potential liability by either overstepping their legal authority when making an arrest or even potentially injuring someone.

* “Information and statistics provided by the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP), a non-profit organization; www.shopliftingprevention.org.” 

In-House Security Guard Jobs Have Many Advantages

Most openings you will find for security guard jobs are offered by independent security guard companies. These companies usually act as middlemen between their clients and the guards they hire. Because they act as a go-between agency, they take a commission and usually leave the security officer with less money than they would otherwise normally earn if they were instead hired directly by the client as an in-house security guard.

Many companies do hire their own in-house security guards. If you are looking for a security guard job, you will find that there are some real advantages to working directly for an employer. As already mentioned, the hourly pay is typically higher. Many in-house employers also provide benefits that independent security guard companies typically do not, such as health coverage.

The best way to find in-house security guard jobs is to look online or in newspapers. More often than not, whoever is hiring will list their name. If the employer is not an independent security guard company, then most probably it is an in-house job opportunity.

If you live in area where security guards are prevalent, you can also ask around to find out if any employers are hiring. In addition to private companies, colleges, airports, public administration buildings, golf courses, hotels and property management companies all frequently hire in-house security personnel.

Many malls and large retailers will hire in-house security. A keyword in the retail industry is “loss prevention” which is another word for 'security'. If you like the idea of working in retail, apply to stores that you perhaps shop at or enjoy visiting because it's important to like where you work.

Most large HMO organizations and hospitals also have their own security teams. Another place to look is industrial facilities. These types of institutions often have more rigid training requirements, but they typically pay more per hour.

Most starting security guard jobs pay on a per hour basis. It's very rare that a salary is offered unless it is for a security management position. By working in-house, you also have an opportunity to develop a personal relationship with your employer, so your hard work and effort is generally more appreciated and rewarded. This can open the door for advancement and better career opportunities.

For most in-house security jobs, you will most likely be interviewed by both the head of security and the HR department. If you get hired, you can always go to the HR department if you feel that you are not being treated well or there is some other serious issue to report. Most in-house security teams like to keep security issues in their department, but it's nice to know that you have an alternative to go to if you feel your concerns are not being properly addressed.

If you plan on getting California guard card, you will be required to take an eight hour training course.

This can be done online or through a local training facility. Not all training facilities are employers. Many will not help you get jobs after your training has been completed. Some training facilities do offer job placement assistance though, and you can find out easily enough by simply asking them.

The first requirement for getting your CA guard card is an eight hour course called 'Powers to Arrest.' This course reviews the authority you will have once you get your California guard card. Once you get a printed copy of your guard license you can start working.

But your training does not end there. Within thirty days after you have your guard card or after you begin employment you must take sixteen extra training hours. These courses involve two mandatory courses and two courses you can select.

Most of the practical security guard training you will receive is on-the-job. Every employer has unique security needs. Most employers will provide some level of training before you start working. If you find that you are working at a place where no or minimal job training, and you are not sure what your duties are, take it upon yourself to ask your employer so there is no confusion. It's always better to know too much than too little. While your California guard card may give you a license to work as a security officer, it does not make you aware of the specific needs that clients have and the expectations that they have of you. For this reason, make sure you understand what you employer's expectations are of you from the beginning, so you can avoid any confusion and potentially save yourself a lot of aggravation.

Once you get your California guard card you must also decide where you want to work. It's best to pick places that are of interest to you. Before you start looking for security guard jobs, consider what your expectations are from the job. This should include issues such as minimum pay, preference of shift/schedule, and general job duties. Many new security guards are hesitant to state what their job preferences out of fear of not getting hired. However, it is much better to voice your needs, then it is to take a position only to find that it is not what you're looking for. So be sure to ask relevant questions when you are interviewing and don't be timid about letting the prospective employer know about your expectations.

Remember though, if you get caught working without a CA guard card you can get your employer and yourself in a great deal of trouble. So if you are really serious about becoming a security guard, the first step is to get a license. Getting your California guard card does not take a great deal of time and it is easy to get started. So what are you waiting for? Start your new career in the security guard industry today.
 

Security Guard Jobs Have Many Perks and Privileges.

Being a security officer can be a challenging and difficult profession. However, while there are certainly some drawbacks that come along with security guard jobs, there are also many benefits as well. Below, are some of the perks and benefits:

1. It's generally relatively easy to find work. In this economy, that's a major plus. If you are out of a job or are let go from one security contract, with a little effort you can usually find another with relative ease. Security is a growing profession, so a hard-working, reliable, officer will always be in demand.
2. Security guard jobs are relatively simple to perform. Although some jobs can occasionally be difficult especially when dealing with the public, all in all, it's usually not a very stressful profession. Most jobs also have a lot of down-time and very rarely require much physical labor.
3. Many people appreciate security officers. Of course, there are those who have it out for guards, but there are just as many people who will tip you, bring you Christmas cards, meals, or share a joke. Security officers must be careful when accepting gifts because they often come with strings attached. When a employee or client offers a present they may expect you to turn an eye if they're doing something against policy. Still, there's a great deal of kindness and respect that comes along with the job.
4. For anyone seriously interested in law enforcement, it is a great way to get a start into the profession. Security guard jobs look good on the resumes for those who want to pursue becoming a police officer, fireman or other law enforcement career.
5. Security guard jobs often offer very flexible hours. Many guards can choose there own schedule and pretty much work whenever they want. Because of this, it's a great second or part-time job. If you have another job or are working your way through college, you can often design a work schedule that allows time for your other obligations.
6. Because of the great number of available positions, you can usually find work that is fairly close to home. Traveling far is not an issue, usually.
7. Many officers feel good knowing that they are helping others feel safe and secure. Security officers also play an important public relations function. Guards are often the first and last people see so they have the opportunity to effect how people feel. Although seemingly unimportant, a nice, courteous smile or a remark such as 'have a nice day' can really add value to people's lives and make people feel better.
8. Many security perform heroic acts. When serious security situations arise, security officers have the opportunity to truly help people in need. This is extremely rewarding.

Security Guard Jobs Have Many Perks and Privileges.

Being a security officer can be a challenging and difficult profession. However, while there are certainly some drawbacks that come along with security guard jobs, there are also many benefits as well. Below, are some of the perks and benefits:

1. It's generally relatively easy to find work. In this economy, that's a major plus. If you are out of a job or are let go from one security contract, with a little effort you can usually find another with relative ease. Security is a growing profession, so a hard-working, reliable, officer will always be in demand.
2. Security guard jobs are relatively simple to perform. Although some jobs can occasionally be difficult especially when dealing with the public, all in all, it's usually not a very stressful profession. Most jobs also have a lot of down-time and very rarely require much physical labor.
3. Many people appreciate security officers. Of course, there are those who have it out for guards, but there are just as many people who will tip you, bring you Christmas cards, meals, or share a joke. Security officers must be careful when accepting gifts because they often come with strings attached. When a employee or client offers a present they may expect you to turn an eye if they're doing something against policy. Still, there's a great deal of kindness and respect that comes along with the job.
4. For anyone seriously interested in law enforcement, it is a great way to get a start into the profession. Security guard jobs look good on the resumes for those who want to pursue becoming a police officer, fireman or other law enforcement career.
5. Security guard jobs often offer very flexible hours. Many guards can choose there own schedule and pretty much work whenever they want. Because of this, it's a great second or part-time job. If you have another job or are working your way through college, you can often design a work schedule that allows time for your other obligations.
6. Because of the great number of available positions, you can usually find work that is fairly close to home. Traveling far is not an issue, usually.
7. Many officers feel good knowing that they are helping others feel safe and secure. Security officers also play an important public relations function. Guards are often the first and last people see so they have the opportunity to effect how people feel. Although seemingly unimportant, a nice, courteous smile or a remark such as 'have a nice day' can really add value to people's lives and make people feel better.
8. Many security perform heroic acts. When serious security situations arise, security officers have the opportunity to truly help people in need. This is extremely rewarding.

Security Guard Jobs – Exploring The Negative Aspects of Security Officer Work

Although security guard jobs are often readily available in most major cities, there are many problems that come along with the job, and they should be considered before making the decision to pursue a career as a security officer. Too often, in a desperate attempt to find work, people will take almost any kind of job only to discover that they don't like it. Here are some of the negative aspects of security guard jobs that you should be aware of:

1. People may disrespect you. Often clients and/or customers will take their problems out on people they think they can bully or disrespect. Security guards are often the target of others frustrations. If you take what they say personally and feel a need to retaliate, you put yourself and your employer in jeopardy. There will be occasions where people will try and antagonize you. If you let them and you lose your temper, you will lose. It's just not worth it. If you're the type of person who gets angry when others 'disrespect you', a job in the security field may not be right for you. All law enforcement professionals face this on a day-to-day basis. Unfortunately, it's people in authority positions that others like to direct, or rather misdirect, their troubles.
2. The pay is not always the best. Starting pay can sometimes be as low as minimum wage. And very few private security guard jobs pay more than $15.00 an hour. It is true that the more licensed you are, the better your pay opportunities will be, but it's fair to say you will not grow rich or even live comfortably working in the vast majority of security guard positions.
3. It can sometimes get kind of boring. Most security guard jobs are rather routine. There are ways to break the monotony but, at the end of the day, you will often be doing the same tasks repeatedly. If you are a person who requires constant change or needs to be continually stimulated, you may find the security guard profession rather stale. Many people mistakenly believe that they will see a lot of action and be involved in taking down criminals. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, unless you are protecting yourself, you are almost never allowed to touch anyone.
4. Sometimes promotions are hard to come by. Although many companies offer advancement, there are often dedicated, hard working, security guards who simply don't get ahead. Although this is true in many fields, the security profession is particularly vulnerable to having good employees passed over.
5. Unstable schedules can often be the norm. Even if you have a set post, your employer or security guard company may call you frequently to fill-in for other officers who were not able to show up for work. Even if you have a valid excuse, your boss may unfairly view you as inflexible because you did not fill the post, despite the fact that it was not your assigned job to do.
6. You can sometimes be held accountable to what other officers do. Often you must take responsibility for how other security guards perform their job. In fact, one bad guard can ruin or even lose an entire account. It's troubling to know that your future may rest in the performance of your fellow guards.

The above are the most obvious problems that face security officers, but these negative aspects are not always factors for every job. They are just valid concerns to be conscious of before considering taking a security guard job. There are many perks as well, and which will be discussed later.

Is a Security Guard Job The Right Career Move For You?

Despite the slow economy and high unemployment, security guard jobs have remained plentiful as the demand for security officers has grown. For those considering becoming a security officer, there are many positions available in virtually every city in the United States.

But before you start looking for a security guard job, keep in mind that you should first check with your state to make sure that you have met the basic requirements. Every state is different. Most states require security guards to be at least eighteen years of age and to have a clean criminal history. Many states also require prospective security guards to demonstrate, through study and testing, a basic competency and knowledge about the powers, duties and responsibilities of security guards. Once an applicant has met these basic requirements, the state will then issue a security guard license, which is commonly referred to in the industry as a “guard card”.

Some of the most common places that hire security guards are schools, government agencies, construction sites, commercial buildings, residential communities, industrial facilities, shopping centers, retailers and banks. Obviously, each security guard job has its own requirements and set of responsibilities. For this reason, it is important to consider what type of environment you would like to work in as a security guard and focus on applying for these types of jobs.

Before you get your security guard license, you may want to stop by some places and talk to some guards to get a better idea about what it is like to be a security guard. Most are friendly enough, and will share some information about the job. Just be respectful of the fact that they are working and can not get into a long, drawn out, conversations.

If this line of work sounds interesting to you, your next step is to get your guard card and also possibly preparing a resume. One great place to start looking for prospective employers is online. You will find security guard jobs posted on almost every major newspaper site. There are also websites that are devoted to job listings where you will find many security guard jobs. Security guard companies are also a good place to call or visit. These companies act as agencies, and they usually have numerous contracts with companies that need security guards, so they are almost always looking for new security officers.

To be a good security officer you should be, by nature, be observant, reliable, clean cut, have good public relations skills, and know how to diffuse hostile situations. A lot of people have the wrong impression about what security officers are supposed to do. Most employers do not want to hire guards to act like private policemen. Many officers make the critical mistake of being too aggressive. This is the primary reason why most states require guards to understand and demonstrate a proficiency in such things as the powers of arrest before they will issue a guard license.

Most security guard jobs can be boiled down to simply observing and reporting. That's it. The only time it is permissible to touch someone is if you are protecting yourself. If you are the type of person that gets angry easily, you may want to look for a different line of work. Unfortunately, there will be many people who will test your patience. For employers, a calm and collected demeanor is always preferable.