What disqualifies you from being a security guard?

Security guards play a critical role in safeguarding people and property. They are responsible for monitoring and maintaining the safety of individuals, businesses, and public facilities. The job requires physical and mental fitness, as well as a high level of integrity and trustworthiness. Security guards must undergo a rigorous background check and training before being licensed to work. However, some factors may disqualify you from being a security guard. In this article, we will discuss these factors in detail.

What are the qualifications to become a security guard?

Before we delve into the disqualifiers, let’s first discuss the qualifications to become a security guard. The basic requirements vary depending on the state or country you live in, but these are the common ones:

Age

Most states require security guards to be at least 18 years old. Some states even require them to be 21 years old for armed security guard positions.

Educational Background

Some states require a high school diploma or equivalent, while others do not have any educational requirements.

Criminal Background Check

A background check is mandatory to ensure that the applicant has not been convicted of any crimes, especially those involving violence, theft, or fraud.

Training

Training requirements vary by state, but most require security guards to complete a training program approved by the state’s licensing authority.

Licensing

After completing the training program, security guards must obtain a license from the state’s licensing authority before they can work as a security guard.

What disqualifies you from being a security guard?

Even if you meet the basic qualifications, some factors could disqualify you from being a security guard. Here are some of them:

Criminal Record

The most common disqualifier is a criminal record. If you have been convicted of a crime, especially those involving violence, theft, or fraud, it is unlikely that you will get hired as a security guard. Even if you have been convicted of a minor offense, such as a traffic violation, it could still affect your chances of becoming a security guard.

Drug Use

Drug use is another common disqualifier. Most security guard companies conduct drug tests before hiring employees. If you fail the drug test, your application may be rejected. If you have a history of drug use, even if it was in the past, it could still affect your chances of being hired as a security guard.

Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues can also disqualify you from becoming a security guard. Some states require security guards to pass a mental health evaluation before they can be licensed. If you have a history of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, it could affect your chances of becoming a security guard.

Financial Issues

Financial issues can also disqualify you from becoming a security guard. Some states require security guards to have a good credit history. If you have a history of financial problems, such as bankruptcy or unpaid debts, it could affect your chances of becoming a security guard.

Poor Driving Record

If you are applying for a security guard position that requires driving, a poor driving record could disqualify you. Security guard companies often require their employees to have a clean driving record. If you have a history of traffic violations or accidents, it could affect your chances of being hired as a security guard.

Can a felony disqualify you from being a security guard?

Yes, a felony conviction can disqualify you from being a security guard in most cases. The severity of the crime and the length of time since the conviction will be taken into consideration. Some states may have different rules, so it is essential to check with your state’s licensing authority.

Can a DUI disqualify you from being a security guard?

It depends on the state and the employer. Some states and employers may consider a DUI conviction as a disqualifying factor, while others may not. However, a DUI conviction could still affect your chances of being hired as a security guard.

Can a misdemeanor disqualify you from being a security guard?

It depends on the type of misdemeanor. If it is a minor misdemeanor, such as a traffic violation, it may not disqualify you. However, if it is a misdemeanor involving violence, theft, fraud, or drugs, it is likely to disqualify you from becoming a security guard.

Can a bankruptcy disqualify you from being a security guard?

Bankruptcy may disqualify you from becoming a security guard if your prospective employer requires security guards to have a good credit history. However, not all employers require a good credit history, so it depends on the job requirements.

Can a bad credit score disqualify you from being a security guard?

It depends on the employer. Some employers require their security guards to have a good credit score, while others do not. A bad credit score could affect your chances of being hired as a security guard, but it may not disqualify you entirely.

Can a security clearance disqualify you from being a security guard?

No, having a security clearance does not disqualify you from being a security guard. In fact, having a security clearance could be an advantage if you are applying for a security guard position that requires working in a government facility or with sensitive information.

Can mental health issues disqualify you from being a security guard?

It depends on the state and the employer. Some states require security guards to pass a mental health evaluation before being licensed. If you have a history of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, it could affect your chances of becoming a security guard. However, it is not an automatic disqualifier, and it depends on the severity and the nature of the mental health issues.

Can drug use disqualify you from being a security guard?

Yes, drug use is a common disqualifier for security guard positions. Most employers conduct drug tests before hiring employees, and if you fail the drug test, your application may be rejected. If you have a history of drug use, even if it was in the past, it could still affect your chances of being hired as a security guard.

Can a green card disqualify you from being a security guard?

No, having a green card does not disqualify you from being a security guard. However, you must be authorized to work in the country where you are applying for a security guard position. Some employers may require security guards to be citizens or permanent residents, while others may not have such requirements.

Can a disability disqualify you from being a security guard?

No, having a disability does not automatically disqualify you from being a security guard. However, you must be physically and mentally fit to perform your duties as a security guard. Some disabilities may affect your ability to perform certain tasks, such as patrolling or responding to emergencies, which could affect your chances of being hired.

Can being overweight disqualify you from being a security guard?

No, being overweight does not automatically disqualify you from being a security guard. However, you must be physically fit to perform your duties as a security guard. If your weight affects your ability to perform tasks such as running, climbing, or lifting, it could affect your chances of being hired.

Can being short disqualify you from being a security guard?

No, being short does not automatically disqualify you from being a security guard. However, you must be physically fit to perform your duties as a security guard. If your height affects your ability to perform tasks such as patrolling or observing, it could affect your chances of being hired.

Can being a former military disqualify you from being a security guard?

No, being a former military does not disqualify you from being a security guard. In fact, being a former military could be an advantage if you are applying for a security guard position that requires strong physical and mental fitness and discipline.

Can being a former police officer disqualify you from being a security guard?

No, being a former police officer does not disqualify you from being a security guard. In fact, being a former police officer could be an advantage if you are applying for a security guard position that requires strong investigative skills, law enforcement experience, and firearms training.

Can tattoos disqualify you from being a security guard?

It depends on the employer’s policy. Some employers have policies that prohibit visible tattoos or piercings, while others do not. If you have tattoos or piercings that are deemed offensive or unprofessional, it could affect your chances of being hired as a security guard.

Can being a smoker disqualify you from being a security guard?

It depends on the employer’s policy. Some employers have policies that prohibit smoking, while others do not. However, smoking could affect your ability to perform tasks that require physical fitness, such as patrolling or responding to emergencies, which could affect your chances of being hired.

Conclusion

Being a security guard requires physical and mental fitness, integrity, and trustworthiness. Some factors may disqualify you from becoming a security guard, such as criminal record, drug use, mental health issues, financial problems, poor driving record, and offensive tattoos or piercings. However, each case is different, and it is essential to check with your state’s licensing authority and the employer’s policies.