[mtbspec]

Hi,

Great forum. I've been lurking on here for quite some time and plan to apply for my CCW soon.

My background: Did 3 years security at a college campus in NY. Was promoted to Field Training Officer as well as Central Command Operator. I just moved to Florida (3 months ago/tampa) and I'm looking at security jobs.
I have few questions:

I'm aware of the license requirements, and would like to consider armed work.

1) Should I try to apply for few jobs and see if a company would sponsor me for D and G license? (as a side note, I applied to one local agency and during interview they stated that they would consider sponsoring me, but in the end did not hire me)(not sure if it was because I don't have my license yet).

2) Should I just go ahead and get a D and G license on my own and then look for a job?

3) With Option # 2 - I can get a Blue D license which would qualify me to work as soon as I finish the course and apply at local DOA office. What about G license? If I mail it in, it will probably take a long time to receive it? I read that it's possible to receive a temp G license, but I would need a psych test and a sponsor. Not sure in detail how that works?

4) For armed security, is it most company policies to provide firearm/uniform/equipment or do you purchase it on your own.

5) For G license - does it matter which caliber I would qualify in? I would prefer 9mm as I plan for that to be my EDC when not working once I get my Concealed Weapons Permit.

Thanks in advance !

 

[Paladin]

I don't have answers to your questions but I did want to say welcome to the forums.

 

[Striker40]

Welcome. I'm sure your questions will be answered shortly, as there are many knowledgeable people on this forum.

 

[Red Dawg]

welcome :drinks

 

[Ryan H]

Most average security companies will go ahead and get you trained and licensed for the "D" aspect of it, and then you can go ahead and get your "G" licence separately. To be quite honest, there aren't a whole lot of "G" contracts out there that are available right now, but you need to be looking around in your specific area. Here in the Panhandle, there isn't much of anything available and the stuff that is, entails a low pay grade (i.e. not worth it).

Class D contracts are considered "entry level" for the most part, and anybody can apply for a class D job while being trained. I was hired, sent to class, received my blue card (temp D licence) after 5 days of class, and was sent to work. Got my licence in the mail a few months later. I kept my eyes open for a few "G" contracts, but none of them were available with the security company I worked for. There were other security companies in the area doing them, but the pay was lower than what I was already making.

You can be OC/Baton/Handcuff trained for a "D" licence if the site and company allows it, and have the chance of a 40 hour a week job with the same or better pay to be honest. I did it for two years and finally decided that the particular career was going nowhere and got into something else. I'm now being trained for assistant manager and making a few more dollars an hour just working at a convenience store, if that says anything.

 

[mtbspec]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I understand the job doesn't pay much in general. This is a steping stone for me, while I finish college and get on with a police dept/sherrifs office.

 

[Ryan H]

While the "stepping stone" idea is good and all, IMO, you aren't gonna be any better off when you get into LEO work. Having done security for so long, and knowing so many others who still do it (for other companies than the one I was working for as well), it really is not a permanent or accomplished type of profession. I worked around a bunch of idiots 8 hours a day to be quite honest. Some of them smoked pot in their vehicles, some of them found a place to hide and went to sleep, and others invited friends onto the properties we were supposed to be patrolling and just "hung out" all night.

The ones who weren't lazy, careless slobs, were the typical Barney Fife, gung-ho security guards (commonly referred to as "Supercops"). These guys are even worse!!

Try calling for backup when you're attempting to escort an intoxicated, angry 230lb body builder off of the property for trespassing, and have nobody show to help you. You later find out that your backup was having sex with the front desk lady in an unoccupied room.

Of course not all security companies are this way, but literally ALL of the ones in the Panama City area are like this. The supervisors are not aware of this activity and when they become aware of it, they deny the accusation. This includes Securitas, Minuteman, and USA Security.

 

[mtbspec]

Wow sounds like a horrible experiences.

I worked at a city college campus, we had our own security force, which was ran very similar to the Police Department. Used same radio codes, responded to 911 calls on campus, part of the force had peace officer status and made arrests, backup was within 30 seconds anywhere you were on campus, it was a really close group. I do understand about inexperienced people, those that came to us and weren't up to par, were gone within 2 weeks because they could not make it through the FTO program.
It might be hard to find a similar job down here but I'm in no rush and will look around until I find someone I'm comfortable working with.

 

[RadTek]

I just want to reiterate the pay thing. Since you're coming from NY, have you looked at what security, even armed pays 'round here?!uke Especially compared to pay scales up that way.

Not trying to discourage, I agree with the whole stepping stone thing, but, better to get that sticker shock out NOW than when you're sitting across the desk from a potential employer.

 

[mtbspec]

Yes, understand the pay. I saw armed around $10/hour Unarmed around $8-9 an hour. Big paycut. But at the same time, a lot lower living expenses compared to NY.

 

[RadTek]

Ok, so long as you're prepared. I've known a few folks move down here and dang near have a heart attack when they see the pay scales here, inspite of the cost of living. :laughing

 

[Devilfrog]

Alot of companies will sponsor you through training, though some will require you to pay for it if you do not stay with the company for a certain amount of time. In the Tampa Bay area there are lots of armed posts available.

When it comes to gear it varies from company to company. I worked for one years ago that provided the gear, weapon (Taurus revolver), and uniform. The company I work for now only provides the uniform and radio, the rest they loan you until you get your own stuff. (Don't forget to write this stuff off on your taxes! ) Personally, I prefer carrying my own firearm so I know its reliable and well taken care of. I've heard nightmare stories about some company guns that I don't want to go through myself.

Good Luck and welcome to the area/ forum. :drinks

 

[mtbspec]

Agree on having own firearm. Wouldn't want to use a loaner that I don't know where it has been or won't go "bang" if needed.

I'm looking at the glock 19, both for armed posts as well as concealed carry.

 

[mtbspec]

Yes, It was a big shock on the pay scale. But at the same time, I needed something new and wanted to get out of NY. So far, liking Florida. A lot slower and calmer than nyc. I feel like I'm almost in the country, yet everything is close by.

 

[Ryan H]

What area of FL did you move to?

 

[mtbspec]

pasco county - 40min from tampa