Corporate Security

Security Guard Training: How to Get Certified and Level Up Your Security Services Today

Security guards are crime prevention specialists with the tenth fastest-growing job position in the United States. Similar to people who work in law enforcement, such as police officers, you’ll need to undergo proper training to do the job.

There are plenty of ways to break into this high-demand industry. Online, in-person, and specialized security guard training programs offer flexible pathways for those who wish to work in public safety.

Whether you’re an aspiring security guard or a seasoned professional who just wants to update your credentials, here’s what you need to do to become certified and level up your security skills.

How to Get Proper Security Guard Training

Every state has different licensing and certification requirements for security officers, but most states are consistent when it comes to standard requirements.

To start, you must meet basic eligibility requirements, such as:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Having a high school diploma or GED
• Having a clean criminal record with no felonies or violent convictions

If you meet the basic requirements, most states will also require you to:

• Pass a background check
• Complete a security guard training course(s)
• Pass a written test
• Apply for the security license or required certification in your state

Register for Security Guard Training Classes

So, what’s the first step to becoming a security guard?

The answer is registering for a training course. However, keep in mind that state training requirements can vary.

Some states don’t require you to take an official course to work as an unarmed security guard. Instead, you can be hired by a professional security company and undergo an on-the-job training course for security guards. As long as your employer has a valid state security license, they can oversee your certification.

By contrast, other states will expect you to take an 8-hour pre-assignment training course. This provides a general introduction to what you need to know to work in security.

Certain states may require unarmed guards to complete anywhere from 16 to 40 hours of education. Some may even mandate additional on-the-job training or continuing education every year.

To work as an armed security guard, you’ll need firearms training from a certified instructor. Most states will also require you to take firearms safety and operation classes.

Learn more about your state’s training requirements by visiting your state.gov website. You can also review this quick guide to security guard license requirements in all 50 states.

Online Security Guard Training Courses

Some states, such as California, require you to take 40 hours of security guard training. Expect to take courses in:

• The powers of arrest
• The liability and legal aspects of working as a guard
• Weapons of mass destruction and terrorism awareness
• Observation and documentation of incidents

If you live in a state that allows you to get your certification from an online security guard training school, it’s worth looking into one of the following options:

• National Investigative Training Academy
• Top Gun Security Training
• Academy of Personal Protection and Security
• AEGIS Security & Investigations

In-Person Courses

You can find a list of in-person security training programs here.

If you’re looking to become a licensed and certified armed guard, you’ll also need to enroll in an in-person firearms training program. That applies even if you do your unarmed training online.

Related: How to Get Your California Guard Card

What Type of Hard and Soft Skills Do Security Guards Need?

Like most jobs, people who want to work in public safety or private security will need a mix of hard (technical) skills and soft (interpersonal) skills to do the job well.

Hard Skills for Security Guards

Here are the technical skills every security officer needs to have:

• Observational skills: The key responsibilities of a security guard include knowing how to detect potential threats and suspicious activity, always maintaining situational awareness, and documenting incidents and events based on those observations.
• Technical expertise: Technical expertise is a must-have for guards who maintain or monitor surveillance systems, CCTV cameras, security alarm systems, metal detectors, and access control systems.
• First aid and CPR skills: Security guards must jump into action in emergency situations, so it’s important to know how to perform CPR, how to use an AED defibrillator device, and other basic life-saving measures.
• Firearms expertise: For armed guards licensed to carry a weapon, firearms expertise isn’t only a necessary skill — it’s required by law.
• Crowd control skills: Security officers must know use of force regulations, how to manage large crowds, and how to assist with emergency evacuation procedures in different scenarios and locations.
• Physical skills: Security professionals must maintain physical fitness as well as learn how to use defensive techniques to protect themselves and others.

Soft Skills for Security Guards

Because security guards need to be able to detect and deescalate threats, it’s important to have certain interpersonal or “soft” skills to perform the job well.

Key soft skills for security officers include:

• Communication skills: High-quality speaking, writing, and listening skills are essential for conflict resolution and de-escalating situations.
• Problem-solving skills: It’s important for security professionals to know how to pivot during a dangerous incident and quickly turn their attention to and from security breaches and emergency situations.
• Teamwork skills: Most security guards work in teams, so they need to know how to work and communicate effectively with other security personnel. Teamwork is also necessary to understand and comply with the chain of command.

You Might Like: What Are the Different Types of Security Guards?

How Security Companies Can Level Up Existing Guards

If you run a professional security company, you already know you need guards with up-to-date skills and knowledge of the latest security advancements.

To build strong teams, reduce turnover, and encourage employees to advance their careers in the security industry, make sure you’re giving your guards opportunities to undergo specialized training.

Specialized training for security guards includes, but is not limited to:

• Firearms handling
• K9 handling
• CCTV monitoring
• Fire watch protection
• Bodyguard services

The more specialized guards you have on your team, the more poised you’ll be to accept clients with more specific security needs. In other words, it’s a great way to win more security contracts.

You can also level your security guards’ skills by creating a mentorship program. Encouraging more experienced security guards to mentor entry-level guards is an excellent way to help novices develop their skill set.

Becoming a security guard can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your state’s licensing requirements.

Proper training is essential — not only for your own safety, but for the safety of the people you’ll be hired to protect. Ongoing training is also necessary if you want to stay at the top of your game and advance your career.

To learn more about the industry and the different types of security guards that you can train to be, visit Security Explorer now.

Up Next: The Ultimate Guide to Hiring Residential Security Guard Services in California

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The Beginner’s Guide to Hiring California Commercial Security Guards

Every type of business in California stands to gain from hiring commercial security guards. Yet the stakes can feel even higher if you’re trying to improve security measures for your commercial building or construction site, where vandalism, trespassing, and other security risks are common.

Don’t hire just any California security guard company to protect your commercial property. Our beginner’s guide to hiring commercial security guards in California explains everything you need to know, from licensing and legal considerations to budgeting and avoiding common pitfalls.

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Security Explorer Industry Report: California Crime Statistics

California’s Business Crime Report 2024: Insights into Burglaries, Shoplifting, and Retail Crime

California’s businesses, a cornerstone of the state’s thriving economy, face grave security challenges. In 2023, statewide retail crime reached its highest levels in two decades, with approximately 213,000 reported incidents encompassing shoplifting, commercial robberies, and commercial burglaries.

This surge places California distinctly above national averages, with overall property crime rates — including burglary and larceny-theft independently — exceeding national figures throughout 2023, only dipping below the national average for larceny-theft in December.

In the past year, a high-profile series of  “flash mob” robberies targeted stores, including Nordstrom, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Nike, and Versace, which further increased anxieties about retail crime in the region.

These alarming trends underscore the urgent need for businesses to prioritize and enhance their security measures. The wider retail crime landscape is a complex interplay of factors, including regional variations in crime, economic conditions, recent legislative measures, and law enforcement initiatives.

This report examines these developments in detail, offering business owners and security professionals a comprehensive analysis of current trends and actionable recommendations to protect California businesses.

Trends in Commercial Burglaries and Shoplifting in California

Property crime data paints a nuanced picture, with a rate of 2,294 per 100,000 California residents in 2023. This represents a marginal 0.8% decrease from 2022 and sits just 0.3% below 2019 levels. Of all reported property crimes, larceny thefts dominated at 63%, followed by auto thefts at 22%, and burglaries at 15%.

To better understand the unique nature of California’s retail crime problem, we can compare the Council of Criminal Justice’s study of 38 cities (the median population of the studied cities was 533,000) with the Crime in California 2023 report by the California Department of Justice and the Crime Trends in California report Public Policy Institute of California.

• Total larceny theft rates in the 38 metropolitan areas fell by 4% from 2022 to 2023, but decreased by only 3% in California.
• Non-residential burglaries across the sample cities decreased 7% from the previous year but remained 3% above pre-pandemic levels. While California had an 8.3% decrease in commercial burglaries, its rate of such crimes remained 6.8% above the state’s pre-pandemic levels. This suggests that while some progress has been made, businesses are still more vulnerable to burglary than they were before 2020.
• Most alarmingly, while shoplifting incidents in the cities rose by a large 22% from the previous year, California’s figures increased even further — up 39.9% from the previous year, and still 29.3% higher than in 2019. This is a significant and growing concern for retailers across the state.

Keep in mind that crime rates are generally higher in urban areas, and while this holds true in California, too, the state’s data accounts for urban, suburban, and rural areas. Despite that, commercial crime rates have seen less improvement and shoplifting rates have increased more in California than in the major urban cities studied.

Why Have Retail Crime Trends in California Persisted?

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan points to a “cycle of serious addiction and retail theft and unsheltered homelessness” that has contributed to this problem. This assessment is supported by a unique 2022 report from the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. This report found that individuals currently experiencing homelessness had 175 times higher rates of felony robbery charges compared to the non-homeless population.

In addition, Mayor Matt Mahan notes that after the pandemic, there were instances where individuals were “arrested or cited over 15, 20, 25 times in a period of 24 months.” He attributes such behavior to a “culture of lack of accountability” that emerged during the pandemic era.

Some have also linked the increase in property crimes, particularly shoplifting, to Proposition 47, passed in 2014. This proposition reclassified certain theft offenses under $950 from felonies to misdemeanors. It has been argued that this change, intended to reduce incarceration, has decreased the perceived risk for offenders.

According to the Public Policy Institute of California, evidence suggests that the increase in retail theft due to pandemic responses by the criminal justice system was greater than the increase due to Prop 47.

The Rise of Organized Retail Crime (ORC)

While opportunistic theft poses a significant challenge, the rise of organized retail crime (ORC) presents a deeper threat to California businesses.

As defined by the California Department of Justice, ORC involves organized criminal rings that steal property with the intent to resell it, distribute it, or return it for value. These are not isolated incidents of theft. They are coordinated and sophisticated operations often planned weeks or months in advance.

ORC takes many forms, from targeted thefts of specific high-value items to brazen “smash-and-grab” attacks on retail stores. These incidents can result in significant financial losses for businesses, damage to property, and even threats to the safety of employees and customers. The stolen merchandise is often resold online, making it difficult to trace and recover.

The California Highway Patrol’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF), established in 2019, has been instrumental in combating this growing problem. Here are some key results of their efforts:

• In the first five months of 2024, the ORCTF made 636 arrests and recovered 216,754 stolen items valued at nearly $5.7 million. This represents a 167% increase in arrests, a 525% increase in recovered stolen goods, and a 140% increase in the value of those goods compared to the same period in 2023.
• The task force’s effectiveness continued through 2024. In July, the ORCTF conducted 128 investigations, leading to the arrests of 167 suspects, more than double the previous month. In August 2024, the ORCTF made 171 arrests and recovered $547,000 worth of stolen property. By September 12th, they had recovered a total of stolen goods valued at over $7.2 million.
• Since the inception of the task force, it has led to the arrest of over 3,000 suspects and the recovery of stolen goods valued at over $45 million.

The geographic distribution of ORC activity is particularly concentrated in California’s urban centers. According to the 2023 National Retail Federation Security Survey, Los Angeles and San Francisco/Oakland are the top two metro areas nationwide affected by organized retail crime, with Sacramento also among the most impacted cities.

The Department of Justice has continued to intensify its response to ORC through better collaboration with law enforcement partners, brick-and-mortar retailers, and online marketplaces. Attorney General Bonta and the DOJ have specifically urged big box retailers to implement early reporting protocols and increase investment in security and surveillance technology, recognizing the critical role of prevention and early detection.

Regional Analysis: Security Challenges Across California

While California faces a statewide surge in business crime, the challenges are not distributed evenly. Understanding these regional variations is crucial for businesses to assess their risk and implement targeted security measures.

Between 2019 and 2023, retail theft — encompassing both shoplifting and commercial burglaries — increased in 11 of the state’s 15 most populous counties while generally decreasing in smaller counties. Four counties accounted for 91% of the statewide increase: Sacramento (70% increase), Alameda (65%), San Mateo (41%), and Los Angeles (40%).

The broader property crime landscape shows similar geographic variations. Among the 15 largest counties, six recorded increases from 2022: Alameda (28.0%), San Joaquin (10.2%), Contra Costa (7.7%), San Bernardino (6.6%), Los Angeles (4.7%), and Orange County (1.0%).

Fortunately, overall property crime did decrease in 46 counties in 2023, including 9 of the 15 largest counties.

Regional variation in commercial burglaries, shoplifting, and other retail theft is often due to a complex mix of factors. These include local economic conditions, law enforcement resource shortages, and population density.

For example, the Sacramento Police Department (where retail theft has increased by 70%) reported staff shortages in 2024. Such shortages tend to impact retail theft more than other, more violent crimes. Sgt. Amar Gandhi, spokesperson for the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, noted, “When you’ve got a crime against personal safety, those are going to take precedence over a property crime.”

Greater poverty and population density can also lead to higher commercial theft crimes. As noted earlier, there is a link between homelessness and crime, which makes regions like Los Angeles County more vulnerable. Los Angeles is also among the major hubs in the supply chain, making it a frequent target for Organized Theft Groups (OTGs).

Legislative Responses and Law Enforcement Initiatives

The California Highway Patrol established the Organized Retail Crime Task Forces in 2019. However, these were initially three regional task forces, covering areas with the most urgent need for action. This included the greater Bay Area (Golden Gate Division), Los Angeles region (Southern Division), and Orange/San Diego counties (Border Division).

Following a series of smash-and-grab incidents, the California Retailers Association worked with Governor Newsom to expand the program to five divisions for statewide coverage. The ORTC undertakes collaborative efforts with retailers and our law enforcement partners, and, as detailed earlier, has proved to be an invaluable resource in the fight against retail crime.

With commercial robberies and theft still posing a threat, California invested $267 million in local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in late 2023, leading to over 10,000 arrests for retail theft, motor vehicle theft, and cargo theft offenses.

The state further strengthened its response with 10 new California Organized Retail Crime (ORC) bills signed into law on August 16, 2024, effective January 1, 2025. These are designed to enhance property theft detection, prosecution, and deterrence capabilities. Key provisions include:

• Prosecutors can aggregate the value of stolen goods across multiple thefts to reach the felony threshold, eliminating a loophole that criminals previously exploited.
• A new felony that targets the boosters who resell stolen products.
• Video evidence and sworn witness statements are admissible for probable cause.
• Local law enforcement cannot bring a nuisance action against a business solely for reporting retail crime (unless the report is knowingly false.)
• Stricter penalties for convicted offenders.

Most recently, Proposition 36, overwhelmingly voted for in November 2024, targets repeat offenders by enabling felony charges after two misdemeanor theft convictions. It maintains options for treatment instead of jail for those struggling with drugs or mental health issues.

While the full impact of these legislative and enforcement efforts remains to be seen, they demonstrate the state’s commitment to creating a safer environment for businesses and consumers.

Recommendations for Enhancing Business Security

While the legislative and law enforcement initiatives discussed in the previous section provide a framework for combating retail crime, individual businesses should take proactive steps to protect themselves. Here are some actionable recommendations:

1. Implement Advanced Security Technologies

Invest in a layered security system that integrates technology to deter theft, control access, and provide real-time monitoring.

• Surveillance Systems: High-quality cameras with clear imaging, wide coverage, and remote monitoring capabilities. Consider facial recognition to help effectively identify offenders.
• Access Control: Restrict access to sensitive areas using keycard systems, biometric scanners, or security personnel. Utilize time-delay safes or lockboxes for high-value items and cash.
• Alarm Systems: Install comprehensive alarm systems with sensors for doors, windows, and motion, monitored by a reputable security company. Consider advanced sensors for glass breaks, vibrations, or heat signature changes.
• Inventory Tracking: Implement inventory tracking systems to monitor stock levels and quickly identify potential losses. Consider RFID tagging for high-value items.

2. Employee Training and Awareness

Empower your employees to be the first line of defense against theft, ensure their own safety, and stay prepared to respond to emergencies.

• Theft Prevention: Train employees on how to identify and deter shoplifters, recognize suspicious behavior, and report any concerns promptly.
• Emergency Response: Develop clear emergency response protocols for robberies and conduct regular drills to ensure preparedness.

3. Collaboration and Community Engagement

Crime doesn’t exist in isolation — so security shouldn’t either. To create a safer business environment, build strong partnerships with law enforcement and the community.

Partnerships such as the Coalition of LE and Retailers (CLEAR) play an important role in training and education programs, information sharing, and collaboration.

Key recommendations

• Share information with law enforcement about crime trends and suspicious activity.
• Participate in community policing programs.
• Register your security cameras with the police department.
• Get to know your neighboring businesses and look out for one another.

Proactive Measures for a Secure Business Environment in California

This comprehensive analysis of California’s business security landscape in 2024 reveals significant challenges and hope in evolving responses.

Property crime remains a persistent concern, with retail theft reaching historic highs of 213,000 reported incidents. However, coordinated efforts show promising results, as evidenced by the ORCTF’s recovery of over $45 million worth of stolen goods since 2019.

The state’s multifaceted response, which combines expanded task forces and substantial funding ($267 million), demonstrates a sincere commitment to safeguarding businesses. The recent legislative changes, including new video evidence and witness rules, provide additional tools for businesses, law enforcement, and prosecutors to combat organized retail crime.

As criminal tactics evolve, businesses must continuously assess and adapt their security measures. Regular security audits, updated threat assessments, and implementation of emerging technologies will help stay ahead of new threats. The DOJ has directly encouraged retailers to invest in such security and surveillance technology.

We strongly encourage businesses to partner with security professionals to develop and maintain customized security plans that address their specific risks, location challenges, and operational needs. Use Security Explorer’s free database of the top California security companies to find a reputable security firm in your area.

With the combined efforts of legislative bodies, law enforcement agencies, business owners, retailers, employees, and security professionals today, California will be ready for a safer tomorrow.

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Six Reasons to Hire Private Event Security

Private events – think galas, conferences, and wedding receptions – are exclusive by design.

But it’s much harder to keep them that way without a security plan.

Whether you’re a planner or a host, the sheer responsibility of planning an event can also put a lot on your plate. That’s all the more reason to hire a private event security team to handle security on your behalf.

Security companies are experts in identifying and finding solutions to potential security risks, such as party crashers or disruptive guests.

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The Ultimate Event Security Checklist

As an event planner, you’re juggling countless details, reserving the perfect venue, coordinating with vendors for catering and entertainment, managing décor, and arranging parking and check-in logistics.

But there’s one crucial element that must remain top of mind: security.

Security should be a priority in event management, as it ensures the safety of guests, staff, and the venue itself. Planning for it, however, can be complex and requires careful attention to detail.

No matter the type or size of your gathering, here’s a comprehensive event security checklist to help you organize a safe and successful event.

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5 Reasons Why You Need Shopping Center Security

Retail outlets draw a lot of traffic. If you own or run a mall, you want your customers to feel safe while shopping. You also want your retailers to feel like their employees and inventory are protected.

Hiring security guards who have the proper training to defend a shopping center — typically large, maze-like buildings — is the most essential step you can take to secure your mall.

But how do you find the best security guards, and what kind of expertise and skills do they need to have?

Here’s a rundown of how your shopping center can benefit from security guards. We’ll also explore what type of training and skills to look for in potential security guard hires.

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Hiring a Dispensary Security Guard: Everything You Need to Know

The legal cannabis industry in the United States is booming. If you’re an entrepreneur, you already know that opening a cannabis dispensary can be a fantastic business opportunity.

It can also present security risks. For one, many dispensaries are cash-only businesses because payment processors often refuse to work with cannabis sellers. Cash-only businesses are more vulnerable to burglary, theft, and other crimes. Thankfully, hiring a dispensary security guard can solve the problem.

If you’re thinking about opening a dispensary or already run one, learn why hiring 24/7 security protection is the best way to protect your dispensary’s customers, employees, goods, and cash. We’ll also explain where and how to find reputable security guards, and explore how to get the most from their services.

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Restaurant Security Guards

Patrons of high-end restaurants want exceptional food, exceptional wine, and exceptional service. They also want to dine in a location that’s safe and free from distractions.

From stolen crystal and china to intoxicated and unruly customers, physical altercations, and guests who dine and dash, even the most upscale restaurants can fall prey to criminal activity.

Strong security measures protect your restaurant’s clientele and keep them coming back. Below, we provide a rundown of everything you need to know before you hire a high-end restaurant security guard.

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Hospital Security Best Practices

Hospitals and healthcare facilities face security risks unlike any other industry. The concern is so great that in 2016, the American Hospital Association created the Hospital Against Violence (HAV) initiative to improve hospital security, reduce violence, and make medical centers a safer place to work.

Some of the more unusual threats to hospitals include drug thefts, cybersecurity attacks, workplace violence, and even infant abductions. It’s more important than ever that hospitals take proactive steps to prevent these security breaches before they occur.

Hospital owners and managers can implement a variety of security measures to ensure their facility is a safe place for patients, staff, and visitors alike.

Here’s how to make your hospital as secure as possible.

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Full Guide to CCTV Monitoring

There are now more than 70 million CCTV cameras in the United States.

Video surveillance has become central to everyday operations — and for good reason.

CCTV monitoring can’t stop all criminal activity, but it’s among the best tools for deterring and investigating crime. Installing a proper CCTV camera system should be at the top of your priority list if you’re not already using them to protect your business or private property.

Read our full guide to CCTV security monitoring before you buy a system and attempt to install it yourself. This guide looks into the key reasons why you need one, as well as how to choose and properly install the best system.

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