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I was thinking about taking the Initial Firearms and Guard Card class, as well as the Baton class. Altogether it would cost almost $600. Would that be a good idea, or would I most likely be wasting money? Are security guard jobs relatively easy to get in CA? I have no criminal record, although I have been involuntarily released from a job just a couple months ago.
First go with Unarmed to get used to Security. Then start getting more classes.
Most security companies, once you're employed, will GIVE you the option after 3 months to take more tests for a higher position. So you can climb up that way.
Getting all those classes and then climbing in head first is asking for trouble even in the security industry. You can make it, but I wouldn't recommend it.
Security guard jobs are fairly easy to get, but only pay barely above minimum wage, and you probably won't get 40 hours per week. But if you can stay up all night, you'll get hired without a problem, because all security companies need people to work graveyard shifts.
All they need is warm bodies to stay awake and follow ridiculously silly post orders. You don't need a class for that stuff.
States require training in order to become licensed, and I believe most states require a license for security. If you're going to carry a gun, you definitely need training on when and how to use it. Most people also need training on laws and when they can arrest someone. They don't understand that security guards only have citizens' arrest powers. However, there is at least one state that gives security guards more than citizens' arrest powers. This state also requires a lot more training than other states.
Being at a site that requires a gun doesn't always mean that it's more dangerous than unarmed sites. I've worked armed sites that were relatively safe, and I have worked unarmed sites that should have required a gun. It's usually up to the client. They often don't care about the safety of the security guard or the other people at the site. They just want a warm body for deterrence, but don't want the liability of having an armed guard on their property.
I'd much rather have a gun. I'd rather be dealing with a case in court than be shot dead. There are companies that provide insurance and/or prepaid legal plans to security guards. As long as you're actively paying your $10 or so a month, your legal services will be completely covered when and if you ever need them.
To the OP, your security firm should pay for your training. That is how it works in South Carolina anyway. If they want you to be armed, they will pay for the extra training. I'm certified to carry on my job here, but my company only has one armed contract and that's the one everyone wants to be at.
Security guards are only supposed to observe and report. The weapons are usually just for show.
This is true.
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