Security guards are an essential part of keeping us safe in our daily lives. They work in varied locations, from banks to apartment complexes to schools, and are the public's first defenders in many dangerous situations. Security guards must be highly trained to protect both people and property and must be able to handle tasks that range from giving customer service to providing life-or-death emergency responses.
If you are a security guard, you know that your license gives you legitimacy and allows you to work legally in many situations. You may even have a specialized license to carry a firearm as part of your duties. If either of these licenses is jeopardized by a complaint or an allegation of wrongdoing, your career could be in danger. At the Lento Law Firm, our team of experienced license defense professionals has helped security professionals across the nation protect their licenses during a disciplinary investigation. If you are being investigated or believe your license may be in trouble, call the Lento Law Firm today.
Security Guard Licenses Protect You and the Public
The licensing, certification, or registration requirements for security guards vary depending on where you live. For instance, security guards are licensed by the Department of Excise and License in the city of Denver, while security guards in Florida report to the Department of Agriculture. Your city, state, or county may have specific requirements you must follow in order to work there.
In some places, security guards may be required to take multiple hours of training classes. Some require security guards to go through training with local law enforcement agencies, while others may require weapons or defense training, specialized guard training, or instruction on communication skills and procedures. If you plan to work security for a more dangerous employer, like an armored car company, you may be required to get clearance to carry a gun or take courses in defensive driving.
While every state's licensing procedures differ, many require security guards to be at least a certain age, have no felony convictions, or have no mental or psychological issues.
Threats to Your Security Guard License
Security guards often work in a gray area that is outside of law enforcement but still deals with potentially dangerous people. If you work security at a bar or club, you may be required to stop physical fights between patrons, some of whom may be armed. If you are a security guard at a bank or shopping center, you may be called upon to stop a robbery or theft. In some cases, you might be the first line of defense against an active shooter. The decisions that security guards make can often mean the difference between a contained incident and a tragedy.
When something happens at your place of employment, be it a fight or a shooting, or another event where a person is injured, your place of employment, your employer, and your security guard license will all come under scrutiny. The decisions you made in the heat of the moment will often be analyzed by people who have never worked in your position.
It can be difficult to defend yourself when you feel like you are under attack. At the Lento Law Firm, our knowledgeable, license defense professionals can help security guards in any state defend their license and career after an incident or investigation.
Disciplinary Procedures Against Your Security Guard License
There are several reasons why a security guard might be subject to disciplinary proceedings. Some of the most common include:
- Theft of items from their employer or place of business
- Sexual harassment or stalking of customers, tenants, or coworkers
- Felony convictions for something unrelated to their position
- Failure to pay child support
- Excessive force or aggression against patrons or customers
- Negligence or leaving their post unguarded
- Using drugs or alcohol or sleeping on the job
When a licensing board or agency receives a complaint against a security guard, they will review it and decide if it merits an investigation. If it does, the licensing agency will open an inquiry to look into the matter. They may review documents and security footage, talk to witnesses, and collect any other evidence. After the investigation, there will be a hearing where you will have the opportunity to present your side of the story and any evidence in your favor. After the hearing, the agency will decide what punishment (if any) your situation merits. Disciplinary actions can range from fines or mandatory training classes to license suspensions or revocations.
In many cases, your state licensing agency may send you a consent order before the hearing. This order or decree allows you to admit to the allegations and accept the punishment assigned in the document. Once you sign this order, there are very few ways to have it revoked. Always speak with an attorney before signing a consent order, and be sure you understand all of its terms.
Get Help Defending Your License
As a security guard, you have a stressful job that can sometimes require making difficult decisions. If your license is in danger because of a complaint against you, it can make it hard to focus on what is important. At the Lento Law Firm, our team of experienced license defense professionals has worked with security guards around the country who are facing investigations from their state's licensing agency.
Having an attorney on your side can be an invaluable help in keeping your license. Our team at the Lento Law Firm can help you put together a strong defense, and will work with your state's licensing agency to pursue a resolution wherever possible. Contact us online today or by calling 888.535.3686 and learn more about how we can help you defend your security guard license from disciplinary actions.
