Kansas offers many work opportunities for security guards.
If you want to get into this profession, check out the requirements that we bring you in this guide.
Article Table of Contents
Security Guard Description and Requirements
Security guards are hired to protect a designated area and ensure no intruders trespass.
Some of the most common daily duties include:
- Working together with law enforcement to report any suspicious incidents
- Ensure that the laws are respected on your employer’s property
- Keep an eye on TV cameras and alarms
- Patrol a designated area
- Write reports about what you found during your checkups
- Interview witnesses in the case of criminal activity
A security guard should also have some skills, which include:
- Solid communication skills
- Ability to decide fast
- Empathy skills with the customers
- Know how to use a gun if needed
- Knowledge of public safety
- Know the laws and regulations in Kansas
- Work well alone but also in a team
Training Required for Security Guards in Kansas
This state does not require security guards to be licensed.
However, employers might ask for certification.
Every county has its own laws and regulations regarding licensing for security guards.
If you want to develop your skills and get higher chances for a good job, you first need to train.
Many schools offer short term programs for security guards.
Another option is to pursue a higher degree in a university.
Like this, you can substitute some years of experience for your degree.
In such a case, finishing the program would take a couple of years.
In the short term program, you will attend theory classes and practice hours.
The theory classes will include the next subjects:
- Employer policies/ orientation
- Post orders
- Officer safety
- Evacuation procedures
- Access control
- Trespass
- Advanced arrests, search and seizure
- Laws and regulations
- First aid and CPR
- Workplace violence
- Handling difficult people
- Crowd control
- Preserving incidence scenes
- Driver safety
- Chemical agents
- Courtroom demeanor
- Supervision
- Radio procedures
- Parking and traffic control
- School security guard training
- Executive protection
- Firearms training
- Firearms re-qualification
- Baton training
- Fire safety
- Air taser or stun gun
- Public relations
- Observation and documentation
- Communication
- Legal aspects and liability
How to Apply for a Security Guard Certification
After you complete your training, you have to register and be issued a permit.
You will also have to meet the below criteria:
- Be 18 years old
- Passing a drug test, which is required by most employers
- A background check which may include your driving experience
- A high-school diploma or equivalent
- EMT certification
- Training diploma signed by your supervisor
- Pay the registration fee
In Wichita, Lenexa, and Lawrence, you also have to take an exam.
The exam features the following subjects:
- Laws
- Regulations
- Use of force (including verbal force)
- Ethics
- Emergency services/ first response
- Communication/ report writing
- Asset protection/ safety/ fire
- National Terrorism Advisory System
In these counties, you must have a clean criminal record.
You will need to meet additional criteria if you want to use a firearm for which a special permit is needed.
The requirements are:
- High school transcript
- Copy of high school diploma or college degree
- At least 21 years of age
- Application fee
- Clean background record
- No addictions
If you have a firearm license in another state, you will have to provide more details about it.
How to Work in the Public Sector in Kansas
In Topeka, you can easily become a Capitol Area Guard.
You will need to show your high school diploma.
If you want to be a Safety & Security Officer, you need to show proof of:
- High school diploma
- Passing a drug test
- Driver’s license
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
This position will allow you to work in schools and campuses.
Salaries for Security Guards in Kansas
The job requirements in this state are quite strict, so salaries are also higher.
Generally, if you have some years and experience and a firearm permit, you will earn a higher salary.
How much you will earn also varies depending on the location you live in.
This means that in the larger communities you may earn better wages.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Wichita | $39,233 |
Overland Park | $39,852 |
Kansas City | $39,995 |
Olathe | $39,744 |
Topeka | $38,088 |
Lawrence | $38,692 |
Shawnee | $39,852 |
Manhattan | $37,681 |
Lenexa | $39,852 |
Salina | $38,825 |
Regional Salary in Kansas
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lawrence, KS | 120 | $31,030 | $14.92 | $42,170 | $19,080 |
Manhattan, KS | 80 | $28,380 | $13.64 | $41,480 | $17,680 |
Topeka, KS | 490 | $37,200 | $17.88 | $53,910 | $28,570 |
Wichita, KS | 1,250 | $35,140 | $16.9 | $47,720 | $23,870 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Info About Security Guards in Kansas
In this state, the job duties a security guard has varies depending on the job and area.
In Elwood, you may be required to show proof of a DD-214 before you are hired.
If you carry a firearm, you would also need to have a psychological assessment.
Some other job duties in this area include some physical skills.
You will also have to prove you can lift at least 40 lbs of weight.
In Topeka, you need to be 21 years olf at the minimum.
If you have previous experience, you have higher chances of getting hired in this region.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Security Guard