Are there any security guard companies that hire felons? Typically, security guard companies require candidates to have a clean criminal background.
However, there are some security companies willing to hire felons on a case-by-case basis.
Whether you’ll be eligible for employment as a security guard depends very much on the type of offense you committed, how much time has passed since your conviction, your state laws, and the type of security guard position you’re applying for.
What Type Of Security Work Can A Felon Do?
While there are many types of security guard positions, there are 2 main classifications that you need to know about.
Level III Security Guards That Carry Guns
Security guards authorized to carry guns are called armed security guards. Armed security guards must undergo basic security guard training, pass an exam, and complete firearms training to obtain a Class G Security License.
Unless you’ve had your civil rights and firearms rights restored, your felony will make it impossible to work as an armed security guard.
Level II Security Guards That Don’t Carry Guns
Security guards working without guns are called unarmed security guards. These security guards only need a Class D Security License, which is issued after completing security guard training and passing the exam.
As a former felon, you may be able to work as an unarmed security guard.
These security guard licenses are commonly known as Guard Cards. In some states, a minimum number of years (5, 7, or 10 years) must have passed since you completed your sentence or probation before you’re eligible for a Guard Card.
In other states, having a felony makes you ineligible for licensing, no matter how much time has passed since your conviction.
Most states will not issue security guard licenses to former felons convicted of crimes of moral turpitude, which include but aren’t limited to:
- Murder
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Robbery
- Kidnapping
- Arson
- Child Abuse
- Perjury
- Fraud
Security guard job descriptions will usually state which type of license the employer expects you to already hold or be eligible to obtain.
You Need To Pass Two Criminal Background Checks To Work As A Security Guard
As you no doubt already know, the majority of employers carry out background checks on candidates before they hire them.
Security guard companies are no different, and they base their acceptance and disqualification criteria on company policy and state law.
When a security guard company hires felons, they do so after a careful evaluation of a candidate’s criminal background and their conduct since the offense took place.
The second background check you’ll need to pass before you can work as a security guard is the background check for your Guard Card.
Guard Cards are issued by your state licensing body after you’ve completed all necessary training and passed state and federal background checks. This background check will involve a fingerprint scan.
You have to pay a fee when you submit your licensing application, so it’s essential to check your state’s Guard Card eligibility requirements before you apply.
There’s one other important qualifying criterion you should know about. To be considered for a Guard Card, you must have a high school diploma or GED.
National Security Guard Companies That Hire Felons
When you’re looking for a job with a security guard company, remember that the company is hiring for a specific role at one of their client locations.
When the position is for an armed security guard, you won’t be eligible to apply. Instead, look at their job openings in your area for unarmed security guards.
Security guard companies may also be unable to hire you for a role if the client specifically prohibits former felons.
Most security guard companies specifically state you must have a clean criminal record, so they definitely won’t hire former felons, but we’ve found two companies hiring nationally who will consider applicants with a felony on their criminal background.
Allied Universal Security
Allied Universal is one of the largest providers of security guard services, and in recent years, many national employers, including G4S and U.S. Security Associates, have been acquired by the company.
Allied Universal provides security guards to businesses and organizations across the United States. Security guard jobs that former felons can apply for at Allied Universal include:
- Lobby Ambassadors
- Access Control Officers
- Vehicle & Bike Patrols
- School Security Guards
- Dispatchers
- Site Supervisors
- Unarmed Security Guards
Applications from former felons are considered on a case-by-case basis, and you’ll need to pass a background check and drug test.
Job listings at Allied Universal state that “Allied Universal will consider qualified applications with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable laws”.
You should have good communication skills, be able to use a computer, be at least 18 years old, and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions require a driver’s license, and others require you to be able to stand or walk around for long periods.
Go to the careers page on their website at https://jobs.aus.com/security-professional-positions and use the green “Search Now” button to look for security guard positions in your area.
Securitas
Securitas provides on-site guarding, mobile guarding, and remote guarding to its clients. The company is ideal for individuals new to the security industry because they provide full training.
Having previous experience in a customer service role (food service, retail, or hospitality) will be helpful.
When you apply for a security guard job with Securitas, your application will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and your criminal history will not necessarily disqualify you.
Securitas takes the following approach to criminal background checks.
- Your criminal background will receive an individual review.
- The nature and gravity of your felony offense will be considered.
- The age of your offense will be taken into account.
- Your background will be evaluated in relation to the job you’ve applied for.
- You will have an opportunity to explain the entries on your background report.
To find jobs in your area, go to the Securitas website at https://www.securitasinc.com/ and click on “Join The Securitas Team” to go to the job search page.
All applicants must be able to pass a drug test.
A Certificate Of Rehabilitation May Help You Get Your Guard Card
A Certificate of Rehabilitation (where available) is an alternative to having your record sealed or expunged, and is sometimes available soon after sentencing and for a broader range of offenses.
Depending on your state, the certificate may be called a Certificate of Good Conduct or a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities.
These certificates serve as proof that the court is satisfied you’re a reformed character who doesn’t pose a threat to the public.
In the following states, the security guard licensing body will not reject your application for occupational licensing solely on the grounds of your felony if you have a Certificate of Rehabilitation.
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- Washington
Contact a legal aid organization or lawyer in your state to find out more.
Security Guards That Hire Felons Summary
While there aren’t many national security guard companies that hire felons, two of the largest security companies in the United States, Allied Universal and Securitas, will consider your application for unarmed security guard positions and review your background on a case-by-case basis.
Before you apply for any security guard jobs, you must make sure you’re eligible for security guard licensing, and those licensing requirements vary from state to state.
In some states, a Certificate of Rehabilitation may help you obtain your Guard Card, but the licensing board will still conduct a thorough review of your record, and there are no guarantees you’ll be approved.
Some states won’t allow former felons to become security guards,s no matter how much time has passed since the offense took place, while others may require a minimum period to elapse before you’ll be eligible.