What disqualifies you from being a security guard?

In most cases, a felony conviction on a candidate's criminal record will result in an automatic disqualification. A guilty plea to a felony will also greatly reduce your chances of becoming a security guard. This is particularly true if you are applying to be an armed guard and if you are convicted for violent crimes like:

• Assault

• Rape

• Murder

• Fraud

• Arson

In some jurisdictions, becoming a security guard with a misdemeanor is still possible. In general, misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, but a few will stop a candidate from being hired as a security guard.

The definition of a serious misdemeanor isn't as precise as a felony and will vary from agency to agency. In general, whether a misdemeanor or felony, the following convictions will disqualify you as a candidate for a security guard:

• Assault

• Perjury

• Domestic violence

• Theft

• Recklessness

In addition to a background check, most companies require that their security guard applicants undergo a drug test. This is to deter the abuse of drugs, prevent the hiring of employees who use illegal drugs, and provide early identification of possible drug or substance use issues.

Pre-employment drug testing is standard and extremely cost-effective since most drug users will not bother applying at a company conducting pre-employment drug screening. Most companies will also conduct post-accident testing if they have reasonable suspicion of drug use.