Security Guard Qualifications: Why Hiring Just Anyone Isn’t Good Enough

The owner of the property where you were hurt claims that there was a security guard working at the time of your attack. You may have even noticed a person in uniform who appeared to be a security guard, but you may be wondering why that person didn’t prevent your attack.

Was the Security Guard Qualified?

Some states, such as Wisconsin, require that security guards who work for private security agencies have certain qualifications. For example, the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services requires private security workers who work for private security agencies to file applications and receive permits before working. This applies only to those who work for security agencies and not those who are hired directly by a property owner.

The minimum qualifications for a security guard employer by a private security agency include:

• Completing an application.
• Getting fingerprinted.
• Having a criminal history check, including FBI information.
• Answering questions about convictions and pending criminal charges.
• A firearm permit, if the security guard will be carrying a gun.

While these qualifications do not apply to security guards hired directly by property owners, that does not mean that a property owner can hire just anyone for this important job. A property owner could be liable for negligent security if you were attacked while an unqualified or untrained security guard was on duty.

How to Find Out More About the Security Guard

You deserve answers to your questions about whether inadequate security on the property led to your attack and your injuries. However, the property owner may be unwilling to answer your questions unless he is forced to do so. Accordingly, it is important to consider whether you may have a negligent security claim and, if so, to take immediate steps to protect your rights.

You may be able to get the answers that you seek through the legal discovery process. To find out more about how to protect your rights, please read our FREE report, Negligent Security: What You Need to Know About It.