Training Standards for Armed Security Officers in the DFW Area

In the bustling and diverse Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, the role of armed security officers is essential for ensuring the safety of businesses, public spaces, and private properties. Armed security officers must be highly trained, vigilant, and well-prepared to manage a variety of threats, including theft, vandalism, and violent incidents. Their presence acts as a deterrent to criminal activity, and their ability to respond quickly in high-stakes situations is critical.

However, the responsibilities that come with carrying a firearm in a professional setting are immense, and as a result, the training and certification process for armed security officers in the DFW area is thorough and rigorous. This post delves into the training standards that armed security officers must meet, the importance of their qualifications, and how professional security agencies ensure that their officers are prepared for the field.

Legal Requirements for Armed Security Officers in Texas

Before discussing the specific training that armed security officers undergo, it is essential to understand the legal requirements for becoming a licensed security officer in Texas. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) regulates security services through its Private Security Bureau (PSB). Armed security officers are required to meet both the general licensing requirements for security guards and additional qualifications to carry a firearm.

General Licensing Requirements for Security Guards

To work as a security guard in Texas, individuals must first apply for and receive a Level II Non-Commissioned Security Guard License. The requirements include:

• Age and Citizenship: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
• Background Check: Applicants must pass a criminal background check. Felonies and certain misdemeanors, especially those involving violence or theft, may disqualify individuals from obtaining a license.
• Training: Applicants must complete a Level II security training course, which covers basic security principles, ethics, and emergency procedures. This course is typically eight hours long.

Additional Requirements for Armed Security Officers

Armed security officers in Texas must meet stricter requirements than their unarmed counterparts. In addition to the Level II license, they must also obtain a Level III Commissioned Security Officer License, which allows them to carry a firearm while on duty. The requirements for this license include:

• Age and Firearm Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 21 years old and legally eligible to possess a firearm under federal and state law.
• Firearms Training: Armed security officers must complete extensive firearms training, including live-fire exercises on a shooting range.
• Continuing Education: Armed security officers are required to undergo ongoing training to maintain their firearms proficiency and knowledge of security protocols.

The Training Process for Armed Security Officers

The training process for armed security officers in the DFW area is designed to prepare individuals for the challenges they may face in their roles. The training includes both classroom instruction and practical exercises, ensuring that officers are well-versed in security theory and can apply it in real-world situations. Below is a breakdown of the key components of armed security officer training.

1. Level II Training: Basic Security Guard Certification

The first step in becoming an armed security officer is completing the Level II training, which all security guards in Texas must undergo. This basic training covers:

• Legal and Ethical Responsibilities: Security officers must understand the legal boundaries of their authority. The course covers Texas laws governing private security, citizens’ arrests, and the use of force.
• Patrol Techniques: Officers are trained in effective patrolling techniques, including how to observe, report, and handle suspicious activity.
• Emergency Procedures: The training also covers emergency response procedures, such as how to handle medical emergencies, fire safety, and evacuation plans.
• Professional Conduct: Ethical behavior and professional communication are emphasized throughout the course, ensuring that officers maintain a high standard of integrity on the job.

2. Level III Training: Commissioned Security Officer Certification

To become an armed security officer, individuals must advance to Level III training, which focuses on firearms proficiency and defensive tactics. This course typically lasts 40 hours and includes:

• Firearms Safety and Handling: One of the most critical aspects of armed security training is learning how to safely handle and operate a firearm. Officers are taught how to load, unload, and store firearms properly, as well as how to clean and maintain their weapons.
• Use of Force: Officers must understand the legal and ethical implications of using force, especially deadly force. This portion of the training focuses on when it is appropriate to draw and fire a weapon, as well as how to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations.
• Marksmanship and Live-Fire Drills: Officers must demonstrate proficiency with their firearms through live-fire drills on a shooting range. These exercises test the officers’ ability to accurately shoot under pressure, at various distances, and in different scenarios, such as low-light conditions.
• Defensive Tactics: Armed security officers are trained in non-lethal defensive tactics, such as how to restrain individuals using handcuffs and how to defend themselves using less-than-lethal weapons, like batons or pepper spray.
• Situational Awareness: Officers are trained to be constantly aware of their surroundings, identifying potential threats before they escalate into dangerous situations. This training also includes how to assess risks and prevent incidents from occurring in the first place.

3. Additional Specialized Training

Depending on the industry or location where armed security officers are deployed, they may need to undergo additional specialized training. Some areas that require further expertise include:

• Bank and ATM Security: Officers working in banking environments may receive additional training on how to respond to armed robberies or prevent ATM thefts.
• VIP and Executive Protection: Officers tasked with providing personal protection for high-profile individuals must undergo training in defensive driving, crowd control, and how to neutralize threats in a public setting.
• High-Risk Security Environments: Officers stationed in high-risk areas, such as construction sites, oil fields, or government buildings, may require training in advanced tactics to handle potential security breaches or terrorist threats.

Continuing Education and Recertification

The training doesn’t stop once an officer receives their certification. Armed security officers in Texas are required to complete ongoing education to ensure they remain up to date with evolving security practices and laws. Continuing education is essential for maintaining their Level III license and firearms proficiency.

Firearm Requalification

Armed security officers must regularly requalify with their firearms by completing live-fire shooting tests. This ensures that their marksmanship skills remain sharp and that they are prepared to handle their weapons responsibly in the field.

Advanced Security Courses

Many security agencies encourage or require their officers to pursue advanced security courses, including active shooter response training, crisis management, and defensive tactics. This ongoing education helps officers stay prepared for various threats and challenges that may arise in their professional duties.

The Role of Security Agencies in Ensuring High Standards

Reputable security agencies in the DFW area, such as AAA Security Guard Services, prioritize the training and development of their armed officers. These agencies understand the critical role that armed security officers play in protecting businesses, individuals, and assets, and they invest in comprehensive training programs to meet industry standards.

Agency-Led Training Programs

Many agencies offer in-house training programs that go beyond the state-mandated requirements. These programs often include additional defensive tactics, customer service training, and simulations of real-world security scenarios to prepare officers for the challenges they will face on the job.

Background Checks and Vetting

Agencies also conduct thorough background checks and psychological assessments to ensure that only qualified and trustworthy individuals are entrusted with the responsibility of carrying a firearm in a professional capacity. This vetting process helps reduce the risk of hiring individuals who may not be suited for armed security work.

Contact Us Today

Ensuring the safety and security of your property, business, or event requires a team of highly trained professionals. At AAA Security Guard Services, we pride ourselves on providing the DFW area with well-trained and experienced armed security officers who are prepared to handle any situation.

Our officers undergo rigorous training to meet and exceed the state’s requirements, ensuring that they are fully equipped to provide top-notch security services. Whether you need security for a corporate event, commercial property, or personal protection, we have the expertise to deliver reliable solutions.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can meet your specific security needs.

Telephone: +1 817–677–8803
Email: info@aaaguards.com

Office Locations:

• 320 Decker Dr #11, Irving, TX 75062
• 1901 Central Dr. Unit 400, Bedford, TX 76021
• 405 TX-121 Building A Suite A250, Lewisville, TX 75057
• 4500 Mercantile Plaza Suite 300, Fort Worth, TX 76137
• 5050 Quorum Dr. Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75254
• 700 Milam St #1300, Houston, TX 77002

Visit our website at aaaguards.com to learn more about our services and how we can provide the security solutions you need.