New Jersey Unarmed Security Guards Licensing Requirements

State Security Licensing Authorities: New Jersey

New Jersey Unarmed Security Guards Licensing Requirements

The unarmed security guard licensing is overseen by the New Jersey State Police, Private Detective Unit where permanent licenses are issued. The requirements for these licenses are mandated by the Security Registration Act, N.J.S.A. US: 19A-1 through 45:19A-12. These requirements include being at least 18 years of age and not over 65 years of age, providing current and valid photo identification with a valid expiration date. The applicant must be legal to work in the United States and successfully completed the required amount of New Jersey State certified training. There are other qualifications that will need to be meant prior to obtaining a security license in the state:

• Certified training for the required amount of hours completely successfully
• Submit to fingerprinting
• The applicant will not have a serious criminal convictions
• There will be an FBI style background check done prior to licensing

Training at a state certified facility would prepare the applicant to work within the security sector where firearms are not a requirement. The training prepares them to detain suspects in manners that are professional and does not cause a disturbance. The amount of training hours in New Jersey is twenty-four hours of security education that will include:

• Professional conduct
• Ethics
• The limit of force that can be used according to the New Jersey Attorney General
• Detention of suspects
• First aid including emergency CPR
• Terrorism awareness

The education in the training course is designed to prepare the New Jersey unarmed security guard with the confidence to work in the security sector with professionalism. This training includes understanding the legal limitations of the unarmed security guard in New Jersey. The student will also learn to properly write reports and proper interaction with official authorities. Classes will include emergency techniques to be used for medical emergencies until emergency medical technicians arrive and fire safety.
This training prepares the applicant to work within certain security sectors that can include:

• The unarmed security guard is qualified to work at schools and colleges
• Libraries
• Retail stores
• Museums and art galleries
• Malls
• Apartments and hotels
• Casinos
• Office buildings
• Parking structures

These are some of the employment opportunities for the licensed unarmed guard in New Jersey, which the certified training has prepared the applicant. When working in a setting such as a casino or office building, the duties can include the use of cameras to monitor activities within the building. The unarmed security guard can also be employed in buildings that have alarm security systems.

The license is good for a period of two years, with a required refresher certified course taken yearly to keep the unarmed security guard license current. The training and license renewal must be done prior to the expiration date of the current security license.  When this yearly training is not completed the unarmed security guard license will not be valid or renewed, disabling the applicant to continue working in the security sector.

New Jersey Armed Security Guard Licensing Requirements

The state of New Jersey requires anyone seeking employment in the security sector as a licensed armed security guard must successfully complete all the required steps prior to having a license issued under the New Jersey State Police, Private Detective Unit and the Security Officer Registration Act, N.J.S.A. US: 19A-1 to 45:19A-12. In order to be issued an armed security license in the state all requirements; both personal and training must be completed prior to being issued a permanent license in the state.

The first of the requirements is that applicants must be at least 18 years of age when applying for their New Jersey armed security guard license. The applicant obtaining a New Jersey armed security license will be required to renew it every two years as long as they are employed in the security sector. The New Jersey State Police, Private Detective Unit will issue the permanent armed security guard license within 90 days from the date the applicant applied and is employed as an armed security guard. New Jersey requires that applicants take eight hours of certified training each year to keep their security license current and able to be renewed. The other requirements are:

• Applicants must submit to fingerprinting
• There will be a criminal history background check conducted
• The applicant will submit a valid photo ID that includes a valid expiration date.
• The applicant must attend a twenty-four hour course at a certified training facility

The Security Officer Registration Act requires holding an armed security guard license and this includes 24 hours of education at a New Jersey state certified training center. This training prepares the applicant to work in different industries, which can include interaction with police departments, fire departments and other official agencies.  The education training will include:

• Ethics
• Report writing
• First aid training
• Prevention and deterrence
• New Jersey critical infrastructure awareness
• Terrorism awareness
• Use of force policy according to New Jersey Attorney General
• Firearms training, marksmanship and target training

The armed security guard will also train in firearms for forty-seven hours; this training will include seven hours of education on the use of force. The applicant will qualify during weapons training at the range to obtain the New Jersey armed security guard license. Weapon training will include teaching the applicant use of force methods and detention of criminals.

The required training prepares the applicant to handle situations that can arise when working in the security sector. The armed security guard in New Jersey will find their function is to deter or defuse situations while dealing with the public in a safe manner. The armed security guard will find employment in several industries including:

• The banking and finance industry
• Museums
• Art galleries
• Retail stores and malls
• Apartments and hotels
• Government buildings and properties
• Industrial and nuclear plants
• Private security
• Armored vehicles
• Airports

The New Jersey armed security guard will find employment in other industries that require the protection of the armed guard, which can include schools, colleges and private industries.