How to Start a Security Company

Check with your city or state to find out what certifications and licenses you will need to start a security company., Enroll in an accredited security guard training program., Participate in a physical training boot camp to enhance your physical...

14 Steps 2 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Check with your city or state to find out what certifications and licenses you will need to start a security company.

    Unless you've worked in law enforcement, you will need to gain work experience in the security field before you can start a security company.

    Most jurisdictions require you to have both a security guard's certification and license as well as a private patrol operator's license if you're starting a security company.

    Find out which training courses are accepted by your state.

    Security guard training can be offered by state programs and private trade schools.

    Usually, you'll need to have a clean record and demonstrate adequate experience to qualify for a private patrol operator's license.
  2. Step 2: Enroll in an accredited security guard training program.

    It usually takes between 6 and 8 months to get your certification. , Your local law enforcement agency can tell you which boot camps are acceptable. , A minimum of 12 months is recommended, depending on your country of residence. , Though this is not mandatory, it is helpful to have a sound understanding of criminal law in your jurisdiction so you know how to act and react in every professional situation. , In the United States, this is the Department of Consumer Affairs, but in other countries this may be different. ,,,,, Use mailings, flyers, social networking and face-to-face meetings to advertise your services. , Make sure all contracts are signed and each party understands exactly what his rights and obligations are in order to avoid problems and confusion later.
  3. Step 3: Participate in a physical training boot camp to enhance your physical abilities and reactions.

  4. Step 4: Gain the necessary work experience to apply for your private patrol operator's license.

  5. Step 5: Enroll in a course in criminal law at a local university

  6. Step 6: community college

  7. Step 7: or at an online university.

  8. Step 8: Obtain your private patrol operator's license from the appropriate government department.

  9. Step 9: Register your security company with your local police department.

  10. Step 10: Hire a lawyer to draw up contracts for both employees and clients.

  11. Step 11: Purchase liability insurance for your security company. 

  12. Step 12: Hire employees who meet all legal requirements for security guards.

  13. Step 13: Market your security company to businesses and individuals.

  14. Step 14: Open your security company.

Detailed Guide

Unless you've worked in law enforcement, you will need to gain work experience in the security field before you can start a security company.

Most jurisdictions require you to have both a security guard's certification and license as well as a private patrol operator's license if you're starting a security company.

Find out which training courses are accepted by your state.

Security guard training can be offered by state programs and private trade schools.

Usually, you'll need to have a clean record and demonstrate adequate experience to qualify for a private patrol operator's license.

It usually takes between 6 and 8 months to get your certification. , Your local law enforcement agency can tell you which boot camps are acceptable. , A minimum of 12 months is recommended, depending on your country of residence. , Though this is not mandatory, it is helpful to have a sound understanding of criminal law in your jurisdiction so you know how to act and react in every professional situation. , In the United States, this is the Department of Consumer Affairs, but in other countries this may be different. ,,,,, Use mailings, flyers, social networking and face-to-face meetings to advertise your services. , Make sure all contracts are signed and each party understands exactly what his rights and obligations are in order to avoid problems and confusion later.

About the Author

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Henry Butler

Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in crafts and beyond.

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