Security Guard Specialist guards, patrols, monitors and inspects property against theft, fire, violence, vandalism, and illegal activities. The guard has to monitor buildings and property to prevent criminal activity and other social problems.

Security guards and gaming surveillance officers typically do the following:

 Enforce laws and protect an employer's property  Monitor alarms and closed-circuit TV (CCTV) cameras  Respond to emergencies  Control building access for employees and visitors  Conduct security checks over a specified area  Write reports on what they observed while on duty  Detain violators

Guards and officers must remain alert, looking out for anything unusual. In an emergency, they are required to call for assistance from police, fire, or ambulance services. Some security guards are armed. A security guard's responsibilities vary from one employer to another. In retail stores, guards protect people, merchandise, money, and equipment. They may work with undercover store detectives to prevent theft by customers and employees, detain shoplifting suspects until the police arrive, and patrol parking lots. In offices and factories, security guards protect workers and equipment and check the credentials of people and vehicles entering and leaving the premises. Security guards work in many other environments, because they work wherever people and assets need to be protected. Security guards, also called security officers, protect property, enforce rules on the property, and deter criminal activity. Some guards are assigned a stationary position from which they monitor alarms or surveillance cameras. Other guards are assigned a patrol area where they conduct security checks. Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators act as security agents for casinos. Using audio and video equipment in an observation room, they watch casino operations for suspicious activities, such as cheating and theft, and monitor compliance with rules, regulations, and laws. They maintain and organize recordings from security cameras, which are sometimes used as evidence in police investigations.

How to Become a Security Guard and Gaming Surveillance Officer[About this section] [To Top] Get the education you need: Find schools for Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers near you! Most security guard and gaming surveillance officer jobs require a high school diploma. Gaming surveillance officers sometimes need experience with security and video surveillance. Most states require security guards to be registered with the state, especially if they carry a firearm.

Education for Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers Security guards generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may not have any education requirements. Gaming surveillance officers also need a high school diploma or equivalent and may need experience with video surveillance technology depending upon assignment.

Security Guard and Gaming Surveillance Officer Training Although most employers provide instruction for newly hired security guards, the amount of training they receive varies. Most security guards, however, learn their job in a few weeks. During this time, the employer-provided training typically covers emergency procedures, detention of suspected criminals, and proper communication. Many states recommend that security guards receive approximately 8 hours of pre-assignment training, 8-16 hours of on-the-job training, and 8 hours of annual training. This may include training in protection, public relations, report writing, deterring crises, first aid, and other specialized training related to the security guard's assignment. Training is more rigorous for armed guards because they require weapons training. Armed guards may be tested periodically in the use of firearms. Gaming surveillance officers and investigators receive training in topics such as the rules of casino games, gaming regulations, identifying cheating techniques, and the proper use of video and radio equipment. Drug testing may be required both as a condition of employment and randomly during employment.

Work experience in a related occupation for Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers Gaming surveillance officers and investigators may need previous work experience in surveillance or in casinos. Experience with video monitoring technology is particularly helpful, and some workers gain this experience by working as a security guard.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers Most states require that security guards be registered with the state in which they work. Although registration requirements vary by state, basic qualifications for candidates are as follows:

 Be at least 18 years old  Pass a background check  Complete training

Guards who carry weapons usually must be registered by the appropriate government authority. Armed guard positions have more stringent background checks and entry requirements than those of unarmed guards. Rigorous hiring and screening programs, including background, criminal record, and fingerprint checks, are required for armed guards in most states. Some jobs may also require a driver's license.

Security Guard and Gaming Surveillance Officer Salaries[About this section] [More salary/earnings info] [To Top] The median annual wage for gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators is $32,630. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,340, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $52,500. The median annual wage for security guards is $25,770. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $18,860, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $47,260. The median annual wages for gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators in the top industries in which they work are as follows:

State government, excluding education and hospitals $53,880

Casino hotels 35,420

Gambling industries (except casino hotels) 31,720

Local government, excluding education and hospitals 31,030

Spectator sports 30,550

The median annual wages for security guards in the top industries in which they work are as follows:

Government $32,320

Educational services; state, local, and private 31,590

Healthcare and social assistance 30,710

Accommodation and food services 26,780

Investigation, guard, and armored car services 24,230

Security guards and gaming surveillance officers usually work in shifts of approximately 8 hours, with rotating schedules. Night shifts are common

Basic Certificate Course This basic course introduces students to emergency response procedures, crime scene prevention, the legal authority of security officers, loss prevention and proper use of force. Other topics include the security code of ethics, fire prevention, report writing and public relations. This course typically requires eight hours of participation.

Armed Certificate Course Armed security officers are required to complete this course, which provides security officers with instruction in basic firearm safety and marksmanship. Participants learn to use mechanical safeties and become familiar with liability issues while carrying a firearm. This course also introduces students to the legal aspects of firearm usage. Officers become familiar with laws and liabilities associated with the use of a firearm. Participants must demonstrate skill competencies through a live firing exercise at a local firing range and pass a firearm safety exam.

Re-Certification Course Courses required for re-certification review skills previously learned such as firearm safety, handgun maintenance, range procedures and liability issues while armed. Passing scores on a written safety exam and live firing exercises are both required to complete the course. here are a number of school across the nation that offer students the training needed to be a security guard. Here is a list of a few of those schools and the programs they offer.

Undergr Progra Institu aduate College/Un Locatio ms tion Tuition iversity n Offere Type (2015- d 2016)*

4- year, Anna Maria Paxton, Private Bachel $35,074 College MA not- or's for- profit

$6,810 CUNY Bachel (in- John Jay New 4- or's, state), College of York, year, Master $13,920 Criminal NY Public 's (out-of- Justice state)

Associ $8,150 Eastern 4- Richmo ate's, (in- Kentucky year, nd, KY Bachel state), University Public or's, $17,640 Master (out-of- 's state)

$7,808 (in- Farmingdal Farmin 4- Associ state), e State gdale, year, ate's $17,658 College NY Public (out-of- state)

$9,6 20 (in- 4- North 4- stat year, Bachel ern Associ Marqu yea e), Lewis Romeov Private or's, Michi ate's, $29,040 ette, r, $15, University ille, IL not- Master gan Bachel MI Pub 020 for- 's Unive or's lic (out- profit rsity of- stat e)

$4,200 Certifi (in- Skagit Mount 4- cate, state), Valley Vernon, year, Associ $4,700 College WA Public ate's (out-of- state)

4- $7,855 year, SUNY Associ (in- primar College of Canton, ate's, state), ily Technology NY Bachel $12,245 associa at Canton or's (out-of- te's, state) Public

University West 4- Associ of New Haven, year, ate's, $35,650

Haven CT Private Bachel not- or's for- profit

$4,365 Certifi (in- Danville 2- Danvill cate, state), Community year, e, VA Associ $10,203 College Public ate's (out-of- state) Source: *National Center for Education Statistics

School Selection Criteria When choosing a program, students should consider the following:

 Many states require certificates of completion for entry-level employment as a security guard as well as a second course and certificate to work as an armed guard and a yearly refresher course.  Some schools are geared entirely toward training security guards, while public community colleges offer a wider variety of courses beyond security.  Students who wish to pursue further education in preparation for roles such as private investigator or homeland security coordinator may wish to seek out a school that offers an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice or security.  Security roles are varied across different industries, and some specialization may be required.

Security Guard Certificate Individuals seeking immediate employment may earn a basic unarmed security guard certificate. Some programs are for credit, while others are non-credit and take less time to complete. The length of the program, number of courses and specific number of units will vary depending on state licensure requirements. A course in firearms will be required for those who pursue an armed-guard certificate. Coursework may be transferrable to an associate's degree in criminal justice.

Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice Associate's degree programs in criminal justice are two-year courses of study suited to prospective security professionals and police officers. General education units in math, science and humanities are required. These programs are often transferrable to four-year college or university programs in criminal justice.

Bachelor's Degree in Security Management Baccalaureate-level programs in security management may also incorporate aspects of criminal justice, public safety or law enforcement programs into the curricula or degree titles. These programs prepare students to advance into careers in public administration, consulting, entrepreneurship and corporate security management. Programs may include an internship in which students gain practical experience. Course topics may include economics, professional writing, ethics and human resources management. Depending on what level of security you want to work in, there are a number of programs offered that range from certificate programs to bachelor's degree programs. When choosing a program, make sure you are choosing the one that will meet you career needs.

National Security Guard (NSG) was set up in 1984 as a Federal Contingency Deployment Force to tackle all facets of terrorism in the country. It was raised to a special force by the Cabinet Secretariat under the Act of the Indian Parliament in 1986. NSG is an elite force, working completely within the Central Armed Police Forces structure. It is one of the finest counter terrorist units in the world performing a variety of roles from counter-terrorism to hostage rescue to VIP protection.

NSG is a task-oriented force, modeled on the pattern of the SAS of UK and GSG-9 of Germany and has two complementary elements in the form of Special Action Group (SAG) and Special Ranger Groups (SRG). SAG, the offensive wing comprise of army personnel and SRG consists of members from Central Paramilitary Forces (CPFs) and Central Police Organisations (CPOs) such as the (BSF), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and State Police forces. The primary function of the SRG is to play a supportive role to the SAG, especially in isolating target areas. The task of providing VVIP security for high-risk VVIPs in is done by the SRG of the NSG.

The smallest combat unit in the NSGs counter-terrorist operations is known as hit which comprises five members - two pairs, or partners and a technical support member. Four hits make a team which is under the command of a Captain. The number of hits used for an intervention job depends on its complexity and the magnitude of the operation.

The NSG operates under the oversight of the Ministry of Home Affairs and is headed by the Director General of the (IPS). NSG members/ commandos are popularly known as Black Cats because of the black drill cotton coveralls and balaclavas or helmets they wear.

The specific goal of NSG commandos include :

 Neutralisation of specific terrorist threats  Handling hijacking situations in the air and on the land.  Engaging and neutralising terrorists in specific situations.  (search, detection and neutralisation of IEDs)  Post Blast Investigation (PBI)  Rescue of hostages in kidnap situations

NSG is specially equipped and trained to deal with specific situations and is therefore, to be used only in exceptional situations. The Force is not designed to undertake the functions of the State Police Forces or other Military Forces of the Union of India. The motto of NSG is - One for All, All for One.

How to Join in NSG Requirements for Deputation to NSG

A candidate cannot enter directly to National Security Guard force. Since NSG is a deputation force, there is no direct recruitment. The recruitment for NSG Commandos are generally done from existing defence forces. So in order to be eligible to become a National Security Guard, one has to be a soldier or a member/ trainee of a military or para-military force. Only those with excellent performances are considered for NSG. Besides, they should not have any red-ink entry, no criminal record and have no punishment record in the last three years of service.

Ranks in the NSG range from junior commissioned officer to team commander. Aspirants for Entry-level positions are required to be less than 30 years old and should have a minimum of 2 years in the defence service. There are also several physical and psychological tests to assess suitability in NSG.

Ranks in the Army and Central Police organisations from which the NSG candidates are deputed are given below:

Army JCO Junior Commissioned Officer NCO Non Commissioned Officer OR Other Ranks CE* Certificate Education ACR* Annual Confidential Report Central Police Organisations (CPOs) SO Subordinate Officer UO Under Officer Insp Inspector Sub Insp Sub Inspector Consts Constables

Qualitative Requirements (QRs) for Deputation to NSG

Sr. Rank / Designation Ranger Administrative Remarks No. Group Group 1. Age Factor (in years) a Sepoys / Consts Below 30 Below 35 (No restriction in case b NCOs / UOs Below 38 Below 40 of security aide) c JCOs / SOs (i) Insp Below 43 Below 43 (ii) Sub Insp Below 40 Below 40 d Officers

(i) Team Commander Below 38 Below 38

(ii) SquadronCommander Below 42 Below 42

Below 47 Below 47 (iii) Group Commander

2. Service Experience Factor (in terms of minimum years of service) a Sepoys / Consts 2 5 (As NCO / UO for b NCOs / UOs 1 3 (as NCO direct appointees and c JCOs / SOs 1 / UO) no restriction for d Officers No 3 (as JCOs / promotees)

restriction SOs) (As JCOs / SOs for

No restriction direct appointees and

no restriction promotees)

3 Education Factor th rd th rd a Sepoys / Consts 8 / 3 CE 6 / 3 CE th rd th rd b NCOs / UOs 8 / 3 CE 6 / 3 CE

c JCOs / SOs 10th/ 1st CE 10th/ 1st CE

4 Physical Standards a Serving officers & No restriction JCOs / SOs As laid down in the recruitment rules in respective b OR Para-Military / Police Organisations without any

condonation

5 Health Factor Medical Category 'A' for all categories and ranks

6 Training Factor Preference will be given to those who have done

professional / technical training courses in recognized training institutions

7 Service Factor a Punishment Punishment free record for three years and no b General ACR major punishment during entire service

Categorization : not below 'good'

SALARY

A Security Guard can earn a salary of between 16000 to 24000 depending on education and experience. Security Guards can expect an average compensation ofTwenty Six Thousand Four Hundred dollars every year. Security Guards are paid the highest in Louisiana, where they earn an average job salary of approximating$40120.