How to Become a Security Guard in Alaska

Being a security guard sounds easy, but it can be a pretty dangerous job.

If this aspect doesn’t bother you, we prepared this guide on how to become a security guard in Alaska.

You’ll also discover how much you’ll earn on average as a security guard.

Security Officer Job Description and Requirements

In Alaska, security guards can be either armed or unarmed, and their duties are generally similar.

A security guard in Alaska is supposed to:

• Perform patrol rounds
• Write reports
• Respect the laws
• Report suspicious activities to law enforcement
• Watch the security monitors

The very first requirement of becoming an unarmed security officer is your age, though there are more criteria based on which you may or may not become one.

The criteria include:

• At least 18 years old
• Have the right to work in the USA
• Have a clean criminal record
• Pass a drug test
• Be mentally stable
• Undergo some training
• Have a bond or an insurance policy

The bond or insurance can be their own or can be covered by their employer.

The criteria to be accepted as an armed security guard include:

• Prior training
• Licensed to carry a weapon
• Demonstrating competence with the particular type of firearm they’ll carry
• Clean criminal record

Individuals who became disqualified to carry or possess firearms cannot become armed security guards.

Training of a Security Guard in Alaska

As mentioned, security guards must receive some training.

Unarmed Security Guard Training

These individuals must receive at least 8 hours of pre-assignment training and 40 hours of in-service training.

The former must cover duties related to the particular job and job location, assigned to them.

The latter must be completed not later than 180 hours of getting employed.

The topics of the in-service training must cover:

• Laws pertaining to arrest
• Laws pertaining to search and seizure
• Patrol techniques
• First aid
• Fire prevention

Furthermore, each year these guards will need to refresh their training for at least 8 hours.

Armed Security Guard Training

The prior training of these guards needs to come from an approved instructor and needs to be at least 8 hours long.

The topics must cover:

• Compliance with federal and state laws and regulations
• Handling of firearms
• Firearm safety and maintenance

The instructor can be:

• Nationally certified and working for the employing agency
• Certified by a governmental law enforcement agency

In Alaska, armed security guards need to maintain their competency by requalifying annually.

Applying for the License

As mentioned, you’ll need a clean criminal record to become a security guard, and this should be done ahead of time.

You need to submit the card with your fingerprints along with the other application documents.

The documents include:

• The application form that you fill out
• The card with the fingerprints
• Proof of 5 years of employment
• Proof of 5 years of residence
• 3 references with one of them being from a resident in Alaska
• A photo from waist up, not older than 30 days
• Proof of insurance
• Payment of fees:
  • $50 for the application
  • $49.75 for the background check

Those who want to be armed security guards need to also provide a copy of their firearms certification or qualification.

The application form needs to be:

• Signed by the applicant and their manager
• Notarized

The candidates need to know the rules and regulations of the Alaska Administrative Code, especially section 13 AAC 60.010-60.900, as well as 18.65.400-18.65.490 of Alaska Statute.

From the time of application and until the candidate is either approved or rejected, they can work on a temporary basis.

A state-issued identification card represents the license of the security guard.

This license needs to be renewed every 2 years and the associated fee is $50.

All changes need to be notified to the Department.

These changes include moving from one agency to another or an individual becoming an armed security agent.

For these changes to be recognized, the agent will need to provide supporting documents, such as:

• Proof of insurance, when changing agencies
• Firearm certification or qualification, when becoming an armed security guard

Security Guard Salary Information

There are many factors that influence how much you’ll earn as a security agent.

For instance, you might earn more if you’re an armed guard or if you work in a city like Anchorage or Fairbanks.

Your experience will also dictate how much you’ll earn.

Regional Salary in Alaska

Additional Information

It’s important to know that a security agency will need either a licensed manager or a licensed security guard to work as a qualified agent.

The security agency will also need to provide proof of insurance.

If the manager doesn’t hold a license, they’ll need to apply for one with all the supporting documents.

State Civil Service

In Alaska, individuals can also work for the State Civil Service, but the requirements are slightly different compared to those of a private security guard.

The positions are pretty similar otherwise.

For the State Civil Service, the Division of Personnel and Labor Relations lists Security Guard I and Security Guard II as status.

To become a Security Guard I or II, you need:

• High school diploma or GED
• At least 2 years of work experience, preferably in a related field
• To obtain a security clearance

The Security Guards II usually exercises considerable independent judgment.

Security Guard License by State