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Pennsylvania Security Guard Licensing Infomation

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United Federation LEOS-PBA PA | Pennsylvania
United Federation LEOS-PBA PA | Pennsylvania 
United Federation LEOS-PBA PA | Pennsylvania 
PENNSYLVANIA UNARMED SECURITY GUARDS LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

State Security Licensing Authorities: Pennsylvania

PENNSYLVANIA UNARMED SECURITY GUARDS LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

The person that will apply for an unarmed security guard license in the state of Pennsylvania will need to fulfill the requirements of the state. These requirements when completed, the fingerprints and background check is done, the person is then able to apply for a Pennsylvania unarmed security license. Unarmed security guards in the state of Pennsylvania do not require the same amount of insurance as the armed security guard. The qualifications that will need to be met include being at least 18 years of age. The other qualifications that will need to be met are:

  • The applicant will be a U.S. citizen or legally be able to work in the United States

  • Applicants will have a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate

  • A valid photo identification is needed and will be submitted to the Clerk of Courts

  • The applicant will submit to fingerprints that will be filed with the Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository

  • Applicants will submit to a criminal background check that will be done by the Clerk of Courts and the District Attorneys Office

 

The other requirements to qualify for the unarmed security guard license in the state of Pennsylvania is the 40 hour training course to be taken at a state certified training center. This is a classroom environment, which will prepare the person to work in the security sector competently and safely. Training will include teaching the unarmed security guard medical emergency CPR and to communicate with medical emergency technicians.  The training will include classes in:

  • Legal issues

  • Ethical issues

  • Emergency medical including CPR

  • Fire emergency

  • Crowd control

  • Written reports

 

The person training to become a licensed unarmed security guard will meet the qualifications to apply for the license after successfully completing the 40 hours of training. This person will then find work in the security industry at places such as:

  • Retail stores

  • Malls

  • Libraries

  • Parking structures

  • Private and public buildings

  • Schools

  • Colleges

 

The trained Pennsylvania unarmed security guard is able to work in environments that have cameras and alarm systems that need to be monitored. This person is qualified to protect retail stores from theft and shoplifting and protect schools from unauthorized entry. All of the documentation, the fingerprints and proof of training will be submitted to the Clerk of Courts, along with the petition for an unarmed security guard license. The paperwork will then go to the District Attorneys Office where the license will be issued, after review.

The Pennsylvania unarmed security guard license guidelines are included in the Private Detective Act of 1953, as well as the amendments that have been attached to the act. The license when issued after completing the requirements, which are needed to apply for the license, will be valid for two years from the date of issue. This unarmed security guard license will need to be held as long as the person is working in the security sector in the state of Pennsylvania.

United Federation LEOS-PBA PA | Pennsylvania 
PENNSYLVANIA ARMED SECURITY GUARD LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

The state of Pennsylvania requires anyone applying for an armed security guard license to meet the qualification standards set by the state and comply with the Private Detective Act of 1953 including the amendments that have been made. One of the amendments that have been made is that one copy of the application will be filed with the Clerk of Courts.


The other requirements to qualify for the Pennsylvania security guard license for the armed guard will be to attend training classes for 40 hours, attend firearm’s classes and the other requirements are:

  • The applicant must be at least 18 years of age

  • The person applying will have a high school diploma or equivalency exam

  • The applicant will provide valid photo identification

  • Applicants are either a U.S. citizen or are allowed to work in the United States

  • The applicant will submit to fingerprinting that will be filed with the Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository

  • Background checks well be conducted by the District Attorneys Office and the Clerk of Courts

 

The state of Pennsylvania requires the person applying for an armed security guard license to take 40 hours of training at a certified training facility. There is also a requirement for firearm’s training and range time. The classroom training will include education to help the person perform their duties as a licensed armed security guard with confidence and safety. Legal issues that can arise are covered in the training classroom and other types of training.

  • Legal and ethical issues

  • Emergency medical care

  • Emergency fire care

  • Use of force

  • Detaining suspects

  • Written reports

 

The training in the classroom for firearms will include the legal issues and there is mandatory time spent at the range. In the state of Pennsylvania the armed security guard in training is required to comply with the Lethal Weapons Training Act. The armed security guard will train with a 38-caliber gun, shooting 50 rounds and train using a shotgun. The range training will include marksman and target training to ensure the armed guard that will be license has experience with weapons. This provides a safe environment for the person or public, the applicant is providing protection.  The certification for firearms is valid for five years, with yearly eight-hour refresher courses taken.


The employment that the Pennsylvania armed security guard is qualified for in the security sector is both in private settings and in public settings.

  • Armed security guards are employed in airports, bus stations and train stations.

  • Federal and state offices

  • Apartment complexes and hotels

  • Retail stores and malls

  • Public parks and venues open to the public

  • Private offices

  • Personal security

  • Armored vehicles

 

These are some of the types of locations that the unarmed security guard will find employment, as well as other locations. The license when issued will be renewable every two years for the security guard. The firearms license, which is separate in the state of Pennsylvania, will be renewable every five years.

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