Continuing Education

Basic Security and Firearms Education & Training

 


About Security Guards

Security guards, also called security officers, patrol and inspect property to protect against fire, theft, vandalism, terrorism and illegal activity. They protect their employer's property, enforce laws on the property, deter criminal activity and other problems. These workers may be armed. They use various forms of telecommunications to call for assistance from police, fire or emergency medical services. Security guards write comprehensive reports outlining their observations and activities during their assigned shift. They also may interview witnesses or victims, prepare case reports and testify in court. 

All security officers must show good judgment and common sense, follow directions, testify accurately in court and follow company policy and guidelines. In an emergency, they must be able to take charge and direct others to safety. In larger organizations, a security manager might oversee a group of security officers. In smaller organizations, however, a single worker may be responsible for all security. 

License and certification 

Illinois law require that guards be licensed. To be licensed as a guard, individuals must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check and complete classroom training in such subjects as property rights, emergency procedures and detention of suspected criminals. Drug testing often is required and may be ongoing and random. Guards who carry weapons must be licensed by the appropriate government authority and some receive further certification as special police officers, allowing them to make limited types of arrests while on duty. Armed guard positions also have more stringent background checks and entry requirements than those of unarmed guards. 

Job prospects 

Job opportunities for security guards should be favorable because of growing demand for these workers and the need to replace experienced workers who leave the occupation. In addition to full-time job opportunities, the limited training requirements and flexible hours attract many people seeking part-time or second jobs. However, competition is expected for higher paying positions that require longer periods of training; these positions usually are found at facilities that require a high level of security, such as nuclear power plants or weapons installations. Applicants with prior experience in the gaming industry should enjoy the best prospects for jobs as gaming surveillance officers. 

Salary Estimates

Median annual wages of security guards were $23,460 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $19,150 and $30,100. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $16,680 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $39,360. Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of security guards were:
  • General medical and surgical hospitals $29,020
  • Elementary and secondary schools 27,980
  • Local government 27,660
  • Traveler accommodation 25,660
  • Investigation and security services 22,170
Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators had median annual wages of $28,850 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $23,000 and $37,690. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $19,290 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $48,310.

The Triton College School of Continuing Education course meets the requirements of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation as outlined in the Detective Act. It covers security fundamentals for new officers and provides a review for experienced employees who want to earn state certification. This course, along with PERC-Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC application and fee not included in course fee) is needed for employees of private security agencies.

Topics include:

  • security code of ethics
  • public and human relations
  • Illinois Criminal Code (related to protection of persons and property)
  • fire and accident prevention; fire safety
  • patrol procedures
  • liability issues
  • use of force and handling hostile individuals
  • arrest and control techniques
  • laws regarding arrest, search and seizure
  • report writing
  • the law on private security and reporting to law enforcement agencies

Spring 2013

Course No. PSA E02 001
Saturdays,  January 26, 2013 - February 9, 2013
8 a.m - 3:45 p.m 

Course No. PSA E02 002
Saturdays,  April 6, 2013 - April 20, 2013
8 a.m - 3:45 p.m

Summer 2013

Course No. PSA E02 001
Tuesdays,  July 2, 2013 - July 13, 2013
8 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Fall 2013
Course No. PSA E02 001
Saturdays,  September 7, 2013 - September 21, 2013
8 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Course No. PSA E02 002
Saturdays,  October 26 - November 9, 2013
8 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

20-hour Firearms

Armed officers in Illinois need 40 hours of instruction in order to be certified by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to carry a firearm in the line of duty. After completing a 20-hours basic course, students enroll in this 20-hour firearms class to become state certified. Two days of classroom instruction and a written examination are followed by another day on the live fire range for final qualification.

A current Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID) is a prerequisite to receive firearms training at Triton College. Your FOID card must be presented to the firearms instructor at the beginning of the first day of class. Out-of-state students are exempt from this requirement.

Topics include:

  • legal use of firearms
  • liability while armed
  • search/seizure/arrest
  • ethics of firearm use
  • procedures while armed
  • firearms safety and maintenance
  • use of deadly force

Spring 2013

Course No. PSA E25 001 
Saturdays,  February 16, 2013 - March 2, 2013 
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., first day
8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. second day
9 a.m. - 5 p.m., third day at the range 

Course No. PSA E25 002 
Saturdays,  April 27, 2013 - May 11, 2013 
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., first day
8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. second day
9 a.m. - 5 p.m., third day at the range 

 
Summer 2013 

Course No. PSA E25 001
Tuesdays,  July 23, 2013 - July 30, 2013
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., first day
8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. second day
9 a.m. - 5 p.m., third day at the range

 

Fall 2013

Course No. PSA E25 001
Saturdays,  September 28, 2013 - October 12, 2013
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., first day
8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. second day
9 a.m. - 5 p.m., third day at the range 

Course No. PSA E25 002
Saturdays,  November 16, 2013 - November 30, 2013  
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., first day
8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. second day
9 a.m. - 5 p.m., third day at the range 

To register for these classes please click HERE.

For more information call Triton College Continuing Education at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3500.