Licensing

• Most states require that the city or state issue a license to a security guard before he starts work. The classes the guards take for licensing vary by location, but can include property rights, emergency procedures and information on how to detain a criminal. Additional training on specific procedures that pertain to the company where the guard is employed may also take place.
  
  

Use of Force

• State differ in what types of force they approve for security guards to use in the line of work. A guard must learn which methods are allowed in his state before being allowed to work.
  
  

Handguns

• In some cases, a security guard may be required to carry a handgun. The guard is usually required to take a class on firearm safety and pass a background check before being licensed to carry a firearm.