Information about security guards, unarmed
and armed
Guard Service companies supply
guards that have already been trained, passed a
background check, and are paid as an employee of
the Service. You will pay a higher price for
these types of
security guards, but they will be worth it
if your needs are temporary or if you do not
want the additional responsibility of a direct
hire. It is much easier to dismiss a guard
supplied by a service than it is to fire an
employee.
The service company pays all wages and benefits
and will usually bill you on a weekly basis. The
company will probably require the first weeks
payment in advance. Make sure your guards are
being paid properly. In some states, you can be
held liable if the guard company fails to pay
the employee.
Most States require that guards be licensed. To
be licensed as a guard, individuals must usually
be at least 18 years old, pass a background
check, and complete classroom training in such
subjects as property rights, emergency
procedures, and detention of suspected
criminals. Drug testing often is required, and
may be random and ongoing.
Each state has its own licensing requirements
for both armed and unarmed guards.
