Unarmed Security Guard Requirements For Mississippi

Security Guard & Officer Legal Requirements In Mississippi

Here on SecurityGuardTraining.io we want to provide you with all of the information you need to successfully become an Unarmed security guard in the state of Mississippi!

Security Guards Receive a Warm Welcome in Mississippi

It is hot outside and the sun is beating down with merciless fury. The humidity feels like someone has left the shower running. Tempers are short and nerves are on edge. As a security guard in Mississippi, it is your job to make sure that boiling tempers don't lead to property theft, vandalism, or assaults. It is not an easy job in a state where the property crime rate is among the highest in the nation with roughly 30 property crimes occurring each year per 1,000 residents. However, that high crime rate means job security for security for security professionals.

Becoming a security guard in Mississippi is relatively easy to do. Only Hattiesburg and Biloxi have special licensing requirements in place for security professionals. For cities and townships throughout the rest of the state, individual employers set the credentials and training they want their security professionals to possess. Employers often require drug screening as well as background checks. They will also look for specific training and employment experience. Many employers are looking for security professionals who have experience or training operating metal detectors and x-ray equipment.

The state is a large transportation hub and both manufactured goods and agricultural products routinely course through the state's ports and waterways. And, while many will hire employees with a minimum of a high school diploma, more and more are requiring a minimum of an Associates Degree. Security guards need to have a driver's license, solid communication skills, be in good physical condition, and have the ability to stand and walk patrols throughout their shift. For security professionals who also have training in crisis intervention, CPR, and disaster response, the prospects are even brighter. This is important because tornadoes and floods are common throughout the state and knowing how to protect lives and property when electricity, water, and other modern conveniences fail is a critical skill that employers place considerable value upon.

Mississippi's economy is diverse and growing. Nissan North America in Canton is the state's largest private sector employer, followed by RPM Pizza in Gulfport. These are followed by Ashley Furniture in Ecru and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in Choctaw. If you are looking to get into a career protecting manufacturing or casino facilities, these employers have plenty of opportunities ready and waiting for you to fill. Other good employers include the University of Mississippi, Baptist Health System, and the North Mississippi Health Center. Each offer plenty of opportunities to protect lives and property each and every day of the year. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for security professionals in Mississippi is roughly $24,000 per year. Top performing security guards, and those with specialized training can make over $35,000. Because the crime rate in the state continues to climb, this means that demand for security professionals is high. This creates a situation where those seeking to advance their careers will have plenty of opportunities to do so. A sharp eye for detail, a dedication to the profession, and a willingness to step up to make sure that property is secure and people are safe will take an individual all the way to the top. Indeed, security companies within the state are eager to retain a reliable and experienced base of professional employees.

Living the state is quite affordable. The average home sells for about $125,000 which is roughly 1/2 of the national average. This means that the state is a great place to a foothold on your future. Similarly, groceries, healthcare, transportation, and daily living expenses are also lower than the national average. The only exception is utilities which are slightly higher throughout the state. However, you can cut this down by carefully monitoring your gas, water, and electricity usage. If you do that, you will find that Mississippi is a state where you can live comfortably and enjoy the financial fruits of your labors.

There are roughly 9 security guards per 1,000 residents in the state. This is one of the highest ratios in the nation. Most of these individuals are employed in Jacksonville, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Southhaven, and Biloxi. These are the state's largest cities and it is no surprise that where there are people and property, there are jobs that need to be filled. If you are looking for career stability, moving to these larger cities is sure to provide the opportunities that you are searching for. There are plenty of opportunities within these cities for individuals willing to pound the pavement and shine flashlights into the darkened corners others aren't looking into. 

The weather throughout the state varies by the season. In the cold winter months, daytime temperatures are in the 50's and 60's. At night, they can drop down into the high 30's and low 40's. However, things really heat up in the summer with the thermometer climbing into the 80's and 90's during the day before finally cooling into the high 70's at night. These temperatures can feel much hotter, and much colder because of the inherent humidity of the state. This means that security professionals need to pay close attention to staying hydrated and out of the sun as much as possible. While you won't have to worry about shoveling snow, you will have to be cognizant of sunburns and heat exposure.

Of course, you won't be working every day of the week. When you take off the uniform and the badge, it will be time to let your hair down and have some fun. Mississippi is a state where you will find plenty of fishing, some of the best blues and jazz in the nation, and quite a few points of interest to visit. There is the Elvis Museum, Vicksburg National Military Park, and more seashore to explore than you can possibly count. Wherever you go, and whatever you do, you will find plenty of people to meet and become friends with because Mississippi is a state where roots run deep and southern hospitality is very much alive and well. You can even build your own raft and head out to the famous Mississippi River for a day of fun in the sun that Mark Twain would whole heartedly, and most genuinely approve of. Just be sure you pack the iced tea and lemonade because no southern outing would be complete without them. Just watch out for the gators and sharks that can sometimes be seen swimming in those seemingly tranquil waters.  

   

Minimum Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old
High school diploma, G.E.D or equivalent certificate

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