How to Become a Security Guard in Idaho

There is a steady demand for security guards in Idaho, either armed or unarmed.

If you’re interested to know more about this job and what it takes to become a security guard, read on!

Security Guard Job Description and Requirements

In many states, having a license as a security guard is mandatory.

This is not the case with Idaho, though various jurisdictions may have other regulations.

It’s also possible for these agents to have to answer to the jurisdiction’s authority as well, not just their employer.

Depending on where you work, your job title could be different.

As a security agent, you’re expected to:

• Patrol a designated area
• Write activity reports
• Collaborate with law enforcement
• Keep intruders out of the property
• Know the laws
• Keep an eye on TV cameras and alarms

The most common requirements to be hired in this position are:

• Minimum age of 18
• Passing a background check
• Having a high school diploma or GED
• Having some work experience
• Having good communication skills
• Knowledge of public safety
• Ability to decide fast

In some places or for certain positions, the minimum age could be 21.

This is especially true for agents that need to carry a firearm.

They’ll also need to pass a range testing.

Candidates for this position will have to go through personality testing as well.

City Security Guard Mandates

Here are some details about this occupation across a few cities in Idaho.

Boise

In this city, patrol services and patrol agents need a license.

The requirements are:

• At least 18 years old
• No recent convictions

All convictions need to be at least 3 years old.

If you want to be a security agent for some event you’ll need to pass a background check.

The agencies will need insurance policies and bonds.

The agents will need a bond if their agency won’t cover for them.

Idaho Falls

In this city,  private patrol services and persons need a license.

If you work for “interstate or intrastate carriers,” you don’t need a license.

To be licensed you’ll need:

• To be at least 21 years old
• To be a citizen
• To not be convicted
• To be covered by bonds and insurances

Lewiston

Here, a license is needed by security guard services and individual security guards.

The licensing agency will have to carry out background checks and to keep a list of licensed individuals.

Requirements Set by Security Agencies

Generally, in Idaho, the main responsible party is the employer.

However, they invest a lot of money in the agents and their conduct.

This puts some of the responsibility on the agent’s shoulders.

Some agencies, especially those who operate across state borders, will set requirements a bit higher than those of the jurisdiction.

Based on the job, these could include:

• Having comprehensive physicals
• Passing a drug test
• Having certain verbal/ communication skills
• Having customer service experience
• Having military, police, or corrections experience

Public Sector Employment

Jobs in the public sector as a security guard involve:

• Patrolling campuses
• Overseeing various events
• Being able to carry incapacitated persons
• Being able to stand and walk for up to 8 hours
• Having CPR certification

To get hired in the public sector you might have to undergo a psychological evaluation.

You’ll need to obtain the CPR certificate within 6 months of getting hired if you don’t already have it.

In the public sector, you could advance to a senior security officer position.

Keep in mind that sometimes, only those with military training can get certain positions.

As a senior security officer, you might:

• Have to earn firearm qualifications
• Have to earn qualifications for less-lethal weapons

You’ll also have to have a good understanding of safety issues related to large buildings and complexes.

Experience in the following fields will be beneficial:

• Training others
• Writing reports
• Making oral presentations

Training as a Security Guard

Future security agents are expected to undergo some training.

The hiring agency is usually providing acceptable training to those who just start.

Even those with military or police experience are expected to get trained as they’ll follow different protocols.

Salary Information

Those who just started working as security agents will earn less than those with significant experience or in supervisory positions.

The city you work in will also influence how much money you earn.

Regional Salary in Idaho

If you want a chance at building a career in this field, you should consider obtaining a degree in criminal justice, or a related field.

Additional Information

The Idaho Division of Human Resources has further and updated information related to being a security guard in the public sector.

The website of the Division is also where you can find job openings in this industry.

Security Guard License by State