Armed Security Licenses for Retired Law Enforcement

by Tina Amo
Some employers prefer to hire former police officers as security guards.

Some employers prefer to hire former police officers as security guards.

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The previous training held by retired law enforcement officers makes a second career as an armed guard a logical choice. Because of their experience, it is easier for these individuals to get such a job. Some states require a license for armed security guards. Other states require either a certificate or registration. The process of obtaining a license is not complex, especially for individuals who have trained as law enforcement officers. However, the requirements and procedures in each state vary.

Eligibility Requirements

The requirements to become an armed security guard vary by state. Generally, an applicant must be a minimum of 18 or 21 years, a US citizen or permanent resident, be of good moral character and mentally stable. In addition, you must not have been convicted of any felony or a misdemeanor involving a shooting, theft, assault and battery, or controlled drugs, and you must not have an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Some states require applicants to have a high school diploma or a GED. Some employers prefer to hire individuals who have a two- or four-year degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Training for the Job

The training necessary to become an armed guard includes entry-level instruction for unarmed guards and a firearms training course. The length of the program varies by state but typically takes a few weeks. Most states waive some of the requirements for retired law enforcement officers. For instance, law enforcement officers are exempt from training in Oklahoma and New York. Your state might require complete training if you have been retired for 10 years or more.

Obtaining a State License

Individuals who have successfully completed a training program can apply for a license from the state's regulating agency, where this is required. Candidates typically submit the application, a certificate of completion from an approved training provider, a firearms certification and the processing fee. Retired law enforcement officers might be able to submit additional documents and skip the training. In New York for example, applicants who have been retired for less than 10 years must submit a letter of recommendation from their department and proof of having completed a basic course for police officers that includes firearms training.

Staying Current

An armed guard license is valid for a period of time, which varies by state. In most states, security guards must renew their license every two years. The qualifications for renewal also vary. Some states, such as Tennessee, have guards take a refresher course of a few hours while others, such as Arizona, have them repeat some of the steps necessary for an initial license, such as completing a firearms training course.

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