Unarmed Security Guard Requirements For Texas

Security Guard & Officer Legal Requirements In Texas

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 Texas!

Taking a Stand in the Lone Star State

It is a hot and dusty day as the wind blows across the state. From Galveston to Amarillo, the weather forecast is for heat, heat, and more heat. Fortunately, your building is air conditioned which makes it easier for you to get comfortable and stay focused as you review the entry/exit logs, and make sure that everything is in order as you settle into your day. Like most days, today will be filled with routine id checks, inspections of deliveries, and from time to time, you might even give out some directions to a couple of lost tourists making their way to the sights and attractions nearby.

The crime rate throughout the state varies considerably based on the size of the city, demographics, and a wide variety of factors. Statewide, the property crime rate is 30 per 1,000 residents, and the violent crime rate is 4 per 1,000 residents. These are slightly higher than the national rate which is 26 property crimes per 1,000 residents, and 3.8 violent crimes per 1,000 residents. Because of the many variances from community to community, the need for security guards can vary significantly. Thus, it's best to check on the specific rates of the city you are looking at so that you have a better idea of what to expect when you start the job.

The State of Texas requires security guards to obtain a license prior to starting work. Each license is valid for two years from the date of issue. In order to secure a license, individuals must have a Texas driver's license, they must be at least 18 years old, and they have to pass a criminal background check. Applicants must also provide a social security number and submit their fingerprints for their records. Individuals also have to complete security guard training that includes coursework in the law and ethics, incident reporting, First Aid, CPR, crowd control, and emergency response. Once the classes are completed and the license obtained, it's a good idea to continue pursuing educational opportunities because the more skills you put under your belt, the more you will stand out to potential employers in this highly competitive state.        

Texas' star is rising, and the economy is definitely picking up. This means there are plenty of opportunities for security guards to pursue as they seek to make their home in the most independent state in the nation. Indeed, Texas' political and economic leaders are using the state's business friendly reputation to attracts lots of new industries. Currently, the state's largest employers include Texas A&M University, Shell Deepwater, Dell, Dairy Queen, Lockheed Martin, Texas Instruments, and Dow Chemical. These solid companies have lots of people and trade secrets to keep safe and they are eager to hire professionals who know how to lock things down tight. Of course, there are plenty of emerging industries and cities in the northern part of the state are busy attracting green energy companies that are changing the way Texans view the energy market. While "Texas Tea" is still a good bet for a career path in Texas, eco-friendly businesses are becoming popular throughout the state, and this means many new security jobs in these emerging industries. 

The average starting salaries in Texas range from $19,000 up to about $25,000 depending on where you decide to live and the importance of the property and people you will be protecting. As you move up the ladder into security management, salaries climb into the $40,000 to $50,00 range. Thus, the sooner you start your career, the sooner you can begin building a path towards making the big bucks.  

Overall, the cost of living in Texas is considerably lower than elsewhere. Groceries, healthcare, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses all come in lower than the national average. Where you will really save is housing which is about 80% of the national average which means you can get a lot of house for not a lot of money. Plus, the state doesn't have an income tax which means that you will put more in your pocket with each paycheck you earn. 

The options for where you will decide to live are as vast as the Texas sky. Houston is the state's largest city with over 2.3 million residents. It's followed by San Antonio and Dallas that are each roughly 1.4 million. Then there's Austin and Fort Worth which both weigh in at about 900,000 residents. After these mega cities, there are a host of mid-sized cities to pick from. Corpus Christi, Plano, Laredo, Lubbock and Garland each have between 250,000 and 300,000 residents. Of course, if you are looking for something a bit smaller, then take a look at Galveston, Grapevine, DeSoto, or Port Arthur which have about 50,000 residents. The smaller size of these cities gives them more of a hometown appeal, however, whatever city you choose, you will find plenty of Texas charm to welcome you when you arrive.  

The state's climate is diverse and varies considerably from one end of the state to the other. In the east, it's hot and humid, and in the west, it's dry and humid. The western part of the state is a desert climate, while the area around Houston is more subtropical. That said, it can rain and snow throughout the state, but the good news is that it rarely sticks around long enough to cause any problems. But, when it does, you will want to buckle down because thunderstorms, hail storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes can cause havoc when they come to town.

Texas has plenty to offer whether you enjoy the great outdoors, sports, or history and culture. You can stroll the ramparts of the Alamo in San Antonio, or enjoy a peaceful evening on the city's famed river walk. If you want to head to the ballpark, you can cheer on the Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, or Dallas Cowboys as they take on the competition. If you love history, you can reflect on JFK at Dealey Plaza, or visit the Space Center where America's space program is still making history. When you want to cut loose, you can party on South Padre Island or cool off deep within the Natural Bridge Caverns. The state also hosts some of the best hunting and sport fishing opportunities in the world. Finally, don't neglect all the BBQ, rodeos, and amazing cultural events that you will find hosted throughout the state each and every month of the year. In fact, your biggest problem when living in Texas won't be finding something to do, it will be finding time to do all the fun and interesting things that you come across. Whatever you decide, you can bet you will have a great time and meet plenty of interesting people when you head out the door.      

Minimum Requirements

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

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