Guard Card

[Just-in]

Just got laid off yesterday desperately looking for work. Is obtaining a guard card and finding a job as a security guard on an armored car or something of that nature worth the effort now a day?

I've always had an intrest in public service. My education background is in Fire Technology. I've worked as a seasonal FF a few years back and had an intrest in law enforcement as well. As a matter of fact all the placement tests I took in highschool put me in that field. Prison warden, FBI agent, Officer etc. Said I'm an analytical thinker and whatnot but I know with the state of our economy with no formal training or military my chances are slim.

Any Input?
Thanks

[gunrun45]

Obtaining a guard card and firearms card will take you about 1-2 weeks as offered by most training sites in CA. Inital outlay will be about $500-$1000 depending on other training (CPR, baton, OC) you might want to pick up also. Depending on where you live, the jobs available vary greatly and thus your ability to recoupe your inital outlay of funds.

Check online to find armored car companies in your area that might be hiring if that is what interests you. Somehow riding around in a car full of money in the middle of a recession doesn't float my boat though...

Good luck.

PS You will NOT be considered a member of law enforcement by sworn officers or anyone else in the "public" sector. As a previous Police Officer, I can tell you that good security guards are few and far apart. There are many others who keep the stigma of security guards alive and well...

[Just-in]

First off sorry if it came across That I implied I would be viewed as a member of law enforcement. I don't. I'm curious if it's a decent way to get some experience, or at least at this time a job. Fire and ems is my background and where my experience lies but jobs aren't exactly plentiful minus teaching and volunteer or seasonal and I missed applying for cal fire this season... I was employed untlasagna few days ago. and it seemed, well it is that my friends who went the law enforcement route are employed or have better odds than myself. One worked security for a few years at an upscale shopping center so it came to mind.

[Ron-Solo]

Military service will get you more brownie points with LE than private security. Armored car work is underpaid and overly risky in my opinion.

Good luck to you!

[Garand1911]

some armored car co's might pay for you to get your guard/gun card.

the risk is somewhat high, with no back up, and the pay is low, but usually lots of OT.

try looking at USAjobs.com

[Just-in]

Thanks

[Big D]

having worked in both industries let me give you my dos centavos. First off It took me something like 8 months to get my firearms card after getting my guard card.
As far as working in armed transport something to consider, you will probably need a comercial driver's licence, this will open you up to stricter penalties on your driving record both on duty and off. You may know this already due to your wildland experience. just something to consider.
whenever I talk to someone considering a career in LE I tell them to stay away from private security. It will give you very few benefits in getting hired with a PD and it will open you up to quite a few disadvantages.

[Just-in]

Sounds like I best figure something else out, thanks.

[Mr. Joshua]

I've been doing some security work as a part time job.

I got my Livescan done for my guard card and exposed firearm permit on the same day. Sent the apps out on the same day as well. App's were sent out the first week of January. I received the guard card seven weeks later, and the exposed firearm permit the following week. So turn around time for both was under two months.

[Just-in]

Hows the search gone finding work?

[winnre]

I got my guard card and worked security for a band. They had low turnout and it was embarrassing to work for them, so I quit. The next month they released their first album and before you knew it everyone heard of Huey Lewis and the News. :>

[Just-in]

Who?

[Hump0311]

Just read your post if you need something quick and in a hurry try this Universal Protection Service.

Pros:

They are constantly hiring.
The cost to get your guard card is relatively low compared to other companies or school's where you can obtain it.
They have about 14 branches in cali so it's a good change there is one close to you.

Con's:

It's unarmed only. I read that you wanted to do armed and it will cost you more to get your firearm permit unless you find a company that will pay for it most don't.

The pay can vary depending on where you get posted from $10-$14 so you wont know how much your going to make until you get assigned a post.

[CaptMike]

I have worked both fields (Security and LEO), and believe me, Security is only good for desperate times. the only one that makes money is the company owners. that being said, If you really want to do it TEMPORARILY, I would suggest you look for a "Regional Occupational Program" in your area. they are all over the state and offer classes for really low prices in comparison to some of the companies that charge a large amount for the same certifications. here is the place I went to many years ago:

http://www.janiscavanaugh.com/2009spring/09PSS_Spring_Schedule.pdf

this place is in Southern Cal, so it is out of the way for you, but just showing you as an example of what an ROP will probably charge. good luck

[Just-in]

Thanks for the advice.
Yeah ROP programs are useful I took my first fire science class in Highschool through ROP I'll have to see what they are offering for summer semester.