Security Guard License Requirements in Alaska
Alaska licenses security guards and armed security guards. Both must meet training and general eligibility requirements.
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Select an Alaska Security Guard Topic:
- Find Security Training Near You
- Requirements for Unarmed Security Guards
- Requirements for Armed Security Guards
- Security Guard Application Process
- Security Agent/ Manager Requirements and Licensing Process
- State Civil Service
- Licensing Departments and Additional Information
Requirements for Unarmed Security Guards
Security guards must be at least 18 years of age http://www.labor.state.ak.us/research/dlo/security.htm. They may be citizens or resident aliens of the United States. They must be mentally stable and free of addictions. An individual will be disqualified on the basis of a felony conviction.
The security guard must be covered under a bond or an insurance policy: either his or her own or that of an employer (http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/folioproxy.asp?url=http://wwwjnu01.legis.state.ak.us/cgi-bin/folioisa.dll/stattx08/query=[JUMP:%27AS1865400%27]/doc/{@1}/hits_only?firsthit).
The security guard is to receive eight hours of pre-assignment training, focused on job duties, and 40 hours of in-service training (http://www.touchngo.com/lglcntr/akstats/aac/title13/chapter060/section110.htm). The latter must be completed within 180 of employment. The following topics are to be covered:
- Laws pertaining to arrest
- Laws pertaining to search and seizure
- Patrol techniques
- First aid
- Fire prevention
The unarmed security guard will need eight hours of refresher training each year.
Requirements for Armed Security Guards
In order to be licensed as an armed security guard, an individual must have eight hours of pre-service training. Training is to be provided by an approved instructor. It must cover the following:
- Compliance with federal and state laws and regulations
- Handling of firearms
- Firearm safety and maintenance
Training can be provided by a security guard agency employee provided that the employee holds national certification as an instructor through a recognized national certifying body. Training may instead be obtained through an instructor who has been certified by a governmental law enforcement agency.
The prospective security guard must demonstrate competence with the particular type of firearm that he or she will be using on the job. Competency must be maintained. Alaska requires armed security guards to requalify on an annual basis.
An individual is disqualified from licensing as an armed security guard if he or she has ever been disqualified from firearm possession (for example, as a probation condition). The Department of Public Safety has provided a list of frequently asked questions about firearms prohibitions (https://dps.alaska.gov/statewide/r-i/permitslicensing/firearm-faq).
The Application Process
Alaska requires a fingerprint-based national criminal background check. This step should be carried out in advance. The fingerprint card is to be included in the application package. The Department of Public Safety has provided a list of organizations that provide fingerprinting services (https://dps.alaska.gov/statewide/r-i/permitslicensing/securityguard); the list is not exhaustive.
License applications are also available from the website of the Department of Public Safety (https://dps.alaska.gov/statewide/r-i/permitslicensing/securityguard).
On the form, the applicant will provide five years of employment and residence history. He or she will list three references; at least one is to be an Alaska resident.
The licensing agency will require a recent photograph (taken within the previous 30 days). It is to show the applicant from waist up.
Applicants will need to demonstrate evidence of insurance.
Armed guard applicants will need to submit a copy of their firearms certification/ qualification.
The applicant will attest to having read the applicable laws and regulations. These incude18.65.400–18.65.490 of Alaska Statute and 13 AAC 60.010–60.900 of Alaska Administrative Code.
Both the security guard and the manager or qualified agent will sign the application form. The manager will attest that ‘reasonable’ attempts have been made to determine the applicant’s qualifications. The application requires notarization.
The licensing reserves the right to contact former employers.
There are two associated fees: one for fingerprinting and one for application/ licensing. The application fee is $50. The background check is $49.75.
The security guard is employed on a temporary basis pending license approval. He or she will receive a state-issued identification card following approval.
The renewal period is two years. The renewal fee is currently $50.
The Department of Public Safety requires notification of status changes. A security guard who has changed agency will need to again provide evidence of insurance. A unarmed security guard who seeks armed status will provide a copy of the firearms qualification/ certification.
Security Agent/ Manager Requirements and Licensing Process
A security agency will need a manager or qualified agent who is a security guard. If the manager does not currently hold security guard status in Alaska, he or she will submit a license application and supporting documentation at the time of company application. The agency will demonstrate proof of insurance.
State Civil Service
Requirements for Civil Service may be different than those for private security services. The Division of Personnel and Labor Relations lists two levels of expertise: Security Guard I and Security Guard II (http://agency.governmentjobs.com/Alaska/default.cfm?action=agencyspecs). One difference between the two is that the latter exercises considerable independent judgment. Both require high school graduation or GED; many positions require the worker to obtain security clearance. Security Guard II requires two years of work experience (with at least one in security or a related field such as law enforcement).
Additional Information
Information about security guard licensing is available from the Department of Public Safety (https://dps.alaska.gov/statewide/r-i/permitslicensing/securityguard). The licensing agency can be reached by telephone at (907) 269-0393.