How to Become a Security Guard in Nebraska

Nebraska offers many work opportunities for security guards, so maybe you want to work in this industry.

Check out the guide below in order to learn more about the licensing process, training, and salaries.

Security Guard Job Description and Requirements

As a security guard, you will be hired to patrol a property at any hour to ensure its safety.

Security guards also have many job duties to accomplish, some of which include:

• Working together with law enforcement to report any suspicious incidents
• Ensure that the laws are respected on your employer’s property
• Keep an eye on TV cameras and alarms
• Patrol a designated area
• Write reports about what you found during your checkups
• Interview witnesses in the case of criminal activity

A security guard should also have some skills, which include:

• Solid communication skills
• Ability to decide fast
• Empathy skills with the customers
• Know how to use a gun if needed
• Knowledge of public safety
• Know the laws and regulations in Nebraska
• Work well alone but also in a team

Training Required for Security Guards in Nebraska

In Nebraska, security guard licenses are not a requirement.

However, you should still consider attending training as you get increased career opportunities.

You can either opt for training through a vocational school or a university.

Vocational schools don’t have long programs, and most can be completed within 6 months.

If you opt to get a university degree, it will last about 2 years.

At the end of the program, you will receive a bachelor’s or associate’s degree that will help in your job search.

No matter what program you choose, you will attend both theory and practice hours.

The theory classes generally include the following:

• Employer policies/ orientation
• Post orders
• Officer safety
• Evacuation procedures
• Access control
• Trespass
• Advanced arrests, search and seizure
• Laws and regulations
• First aid and CPR
• Workplace violence
• Handling difficult people
• Crowd control
• Preserving incidence scenes
• Driver safety
• Chemical agents
• Courtroom demeanor
• Supervision
• Radio procedures
• Parking and traffic control
• School security guard training
• Executive protection
• Fire safety
• Air taser or stun gun
• Public relations
• Observation and documentation
• Communication
• Legal aspects and liability

How to Apply for a Security Guard Certification in Nebraska

To work as a security guard in Nebraska, you need to:

• Be 18 years of age
• Pass a drug test, which is required by most employers
• A background check which may include your driving experience
• A high-school diploma or equivalent
• EMT certification
• Training diploma signed by your supervisor
• Pay the registration fee

You can choose to get a license in order to have more opportunities.

The certification available in Nebraska for security guards is called Certified Protection Officer (CPO).

To get this certification, you will need to pass an exam that includes the following subjects:

• Laws
• Regulations
• Use of force (including verbal force)
• Ethics
• Emergency services/ first response
• Communication/ report writing
• Asset protection/ safety/ fire
• National Terrorism Advisory System

If you decide to have a position that involves carrying a gun, you will need extra training and a permit.

The same is valid for carrying or using a baton.

The training needs to be accredited by the Board and done by a Certified Firearm Instructor (CFI).

The subjects in training will include:

• Firearm familiarization
• Safe handling
• Shooting judgment
• Issues regarding the use of deadly force
• Civil and criminal liability

This license is offered by the International Foundation for Protection Officers.

In order to be eligible for this license, you need experience in the field of at least 6 months.

You’ll need to undergo periodical training to maintain the firearm permit.

Working as a Security Guard in the Public Sector in Nebraska

If you want to work in the public sector, you need to adhere to special requirements.

These include:

• Learning state and agency policies and procedures
• Learning to operate electronic monitoring devices
• Communicating with various groups, from visitors to government officials
• Operating vehicles and equipment
• Handling emergency situations calmly
• Administering first aid and CPR

You don’t need to have a certain amount of experience working in the public sector in this state.

However, some higher positions do require it, such as jobs in Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

For this, you need to have experience of one year.

You also have to show a high-school diploma or an equivalent.

You may have to pass a test and be able to read X-rays as well.

Salaries for Security Guards in Nebraska

In Nebraska, the salary you will get depends on your level of experience and location.

Regional Salary in Nebraska

The more experience in the field you have better job opportunities you will get.

The largest employers in this state are located in the more populated cities.

Additional Information

In this state, the training you need is highly based on your employer’s requirements.

However, it is important to pursue certification as you can get employed faster.

Security Guard License by State