Yes. If you have been found guilty of a crime that occurred more than ten years ago, the state of Texas considers you stable and therefore will license you. A sexually violent offense, as outlined by Article 62.001 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, or a conviction for habitation burglary constitutes the only disqualifying offense.
If you’ve got a felony charge that is more than five years old, the state of Texas will permit you to work security and protect people and assets.
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What is the Job of a Security Guard?
A security guard patrols as well as supervises real estate to keep it safe from robbery, and other criminal conducts. A guard controls entry to a commercial enterprise, building, or other public or private areas by enforcing policies and restrictions.
Operating as a security guard is comparable to being a police officer. Most security firms that run background checks totally depend on the conclusions of the State, and if the State declares that the candidate is “OK,” those private security companies will “OK” the candidate. Both commissioned and uncommissioned security guards are regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Eligibility Requirements for Security Guards in Texas
Every security guard in Texas is required to be at least 18 years old. They will need to be in good physical condition and must not have been dismissed from the military dishonorably. They should not have previously been put on trial or accused of criminal offenses or Class A or B infractions. They are not allowed to be reported as sex offenders in any state. They should also be cognitively capable.
Requirements for Commissioned Security Guards in Texas
Individuals should satisfy the qualifications, preparation, as well as competencies required to operate as armed security guards.
According to the licensing body, he or she should be able to make sound decisions. The licensing agency can rule that an individual is incompetent due to a severe psychiatric disorder or condition, even though the affliction is presently in treatment or is being managed with medicines.
A person with a previous health condition might be granted a license if a mental health professional offers a written assurance that the individual can make good moral judgment. An individual can be rejected if they have a substance addiction, a protective order, or an assault weapons prohibition.
Have it in mind that an individual who has been found guilty of two Class B or higher alcohol or substance-related misdemeanors is considered chemically reliant by the licensing agency. Section 1702.163 of the state statute goes into detail about authorization. Training must still be obtained from an authorized institution or instructor.
The Application Process for Security Guards in the State of Texas
The application can be completed online or offline (https://www.dps.texas.gov/rsd/psb/). Candidates would need FBI fingerprint background checks.
The request must be accompanied by a $25 fingerprint fee. Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas (FAST) as well as the authorized vendor, Identogo by MorphoTrust (https://www.dps.texas.gov/rsd/psb/News/PSBWebFingerprintingInstr.htm), are used to accept fingerprints digitally.
The candidate will sign up with Identogo (http://www.identogo.com/FP/texas.aspx). Identogo has digital fingerprinting sites all over Texas (http://www.l1enrollment.com/locations/?st=tx). The Department has made available a “FAST pass” form, which must be taken to the meeting.
If fingerprints have been taken previously, the candidate must provide a duplicate of his or her FAST receipt. A duplicate of any relevant learning qualification will be required by the licensing body.
A non-citizen must show an alien registration card or work permit. A noncommissioned security guard’s amount due, pocket card fee, as well as membership sub charge, total $38, while a commissioned security guard’s amount due, pocket card fee, as well as membership sub charge, total $60.
Conclusion
Most states have strict statutes prohibiting candidates with felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving crimes of moral turpitude from obtaining a guard card. A crime of moral turpitude is one that violates the ethical standards of a community and involves a betrayal of public trust.
It is necessary that you remain honest when applying for a security guard license. If a felony isn’t disclosed but is found on a background check, this constitutes fraud and is punishable by jail time. It is a crime to falsify an application, which could result in being sent back to prison.