Security Guards

Everything on Security Dogma for security officers in one place: how to get licensed in your state, how to build a career, the gear that holds up on a real post, and free forms for every shift. Written by someone who has worked armed and unarmed posts, executive protection, nightclub doors and loss prevention, and checked against official sources.

Start here

• How to Become a Security Guard — Training, licensing, background checks and how to land your first post.
• Security Guard Training in 2027 — What is changing in guard training and what to prepare for.
• Security Guard License Requirements by State (A–Z) — All 50 states: training hours, fees, exams and regulators.
• Security Guard Equipment List: 20 Essentials — What to carry on every post, and what needs permission first.

Licensing & training

Every state sets its own rules, and armed work adds another layer. Start with your state, then learn the limits of your authority.

• License requirements by state — Find your state and its regulator.
• Armed vs. unarmed security guards — Training, pay and licensing differences.
• Can security guards detain you? — What the law allows and where the line is.
• De-escalation for security guards — Techniques that keep incidents from becoming fights.
• Security guard jobs with a criminal record — How records affect licensing, state by state.
• All licensing and training guides — The full licensing hub.

Careers

Guard work is a starting point. These guides cover the paths that grow out of it, with pay data and next steps.

• Security careers: every path — From guard to investigator to corporate security.
• How to become a bodyguard — Executive protection training and how to break in.
• How to become a bouncer — Licensing, skills and what the door really involves.
• How to become a loss prevention officer — Retail security, pay and career growth.
• Private investigators — Licensing, equipment and how to become a PI.
• All career guides — The full careers hub.

Gear

Honest picks for what you actually carry on shift, chosen from current best sellers.

• Equipment list: 20 essentials — The full checklist.
• Security technology and AI — Digital tools for the field and the report.
• Two-way radios — Choosing and using radios.
• Body cameras — What to look for and when they help.
• Flashlights — Duty lights compared.
• Boots — Boots for long posts.
• Cold and wet weather gear — Staying warm and dry outside.
• All gear guides — The full gear hub.

Free forms

• Free shift forms — Daily activity report, patrol log and pass-down log.
• Incident report template — A clean template and how to fill it in.
• How to write a daily activity report — Examples and common mistakes.