How to Become a Security Guard - Make a Career in the Field of Law Enforcement

Do you wish to become a security guard but are not really sure how to pursue this career? If yes, then here's a detailed guide to explain all there is to know in order to understand how to become a Security Guard.

Educational Pre-requisites

In order to learn how to become a security guard, you must first be well aware of the education and the training requirements for this job. Luckily, becoming a Security Guard does not demand any rigorous and meticulous training.

You simply require a high school diploma or a GED for this job. However, if you are looking for advancements or want to improve your career opportunities, then you should perhaps pursue a two-year associate degree or even a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, corrections or law enforcement.

In addition, many states also place huge emphasis on licensure and certification, especially when it involves handling or dealing with fire arms. Thus, in order to work as a security guard, you must first obtain a firearm license.

Skills required

Some of the basic skills required are -

* Physical and mental fitness

* The ability to work at odd hours

* Handling stress and pressure

* Knowledge of basic self defense tools

* Having a strong stomach for blood and other traumatizing events

* Impulsiveness and thoughtfulness

* Good communication skills to write reports

Duties and Responsibilities

Essentially, one of the primary things that you need to know in order to understand how to become a Security Guard is the duties and responsibilities that you will be required to handle as part of this job. Some of these include:

* Providing security and deterring criminals from causing harm to the facility he is guarding

* Conducting a patrol duty or guarding a fixed position

* Interviewing witnesses

* Writing reports and giving testimony regarding events

A Security Guard can work in both the public as well as private sectors; however, he can sometimes land a more advanced position like being a guard in an armored car.

However, at the beginning of the career, you are bound to have low risk opportunities; sometimes those which may not even involve handling fire arms. Yet, as you proceed further and gain more experience, you might end up with an even more progressive career

Career Outlook

It is a very lucrative career, one that is on the rise. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there has been a 14% increase in this line of work as compared to other criminal justice occupations. In addition, the pay is also quite lucrative as the average salary is approximately $26,000 to $34,000 a year.

Now that you know all there is to know about how to become a Security Guard, you can always join this career if you feel that you can sustain the demands of the job.

Robert Miller is your guide to criminal justice careers.

For more information on how to become a Security Guard and receive free information from criminal justice schools near you, go to http://www.criminaljusticedegreejobs.com