Security, discerned.
Security guard licensing, careers & gear — from someone who’s worked the job
Straight answers on getting licensed, building a security career and choosing gear that holds up on shift. Written from years on the door, on protection details and in loss prevention — and checked against official sources.
Find what you need
One goal: helping you do the job well, stay on the right side of the rules, and keep your own home safe.
Licensing & Training
State requirements, mandatory training, detention law, use of force and de-escalation.
Security Careers
Become a security guard, bouncer, loss prevention officer or bodyguard — the honest version.
Security Guard Gear
Radios, body cameras and the gear that’s actually worth carrying on shift.
Home & Personal Safety
Security cameras, door and window security, home safes and personal safety devices, from a pro.
Equipment List: 20 Essentials
The full checklist of security guard gear, from the five items you cannot skip to what needs permission.
Most-read guides
- 01LicensingCalifornia Guard Card Requirements: Training, Fees & How to Apply→
- 02LicensingCan Security Guards Detain You? What the Law Actually Allows→
- 03LicensingDe-escalation for Security Guards: Techniques That Actually Work→
- 04CareersHow to Become a Security Guard: Steps, Requirements & Pay→
- 05CareersHow to Become a Bodyguard (Executive Protection Agent)→
- 06ResourcesSecurity Guard Incident Report Template: How to Write One→
Meet the author
Written by someone who’s done the job
I’m Yair Arad. My career started in the military and moved into private security: armed and unarmed posts, executive protection, nightclub and venue security, and loss prevention. Since 2016 I’ve also worked in IT operations, enforcing security controls and compliance. Security Dogma is where I share what actually works on the ground — not textbook theory.
New to security? Start here.
The step-by-step guide to becoming a security guard: requirements, training, getting hired and what the job is really like.