The following prerequisites must be satisfied in order to be commissioned as a security officer in Texas:
– Be a legal resident of the United States
– Be at least 18 years old
– Have a clean criminal record
– Possess at least a high school diploma or an equivalent
– Finish the necessary training program
The relevant training course must be finished next. Texas stipulates that training must last at least 40 hours and cover subjects like:
– Texas rules and regulations
– Emergency procedures
– Ethics and professionalism
– Use of force and guns
– Conflict resolution and communication The instruction must be given by a certified instructor in a training establishment that has received state approval.
Step 3: Submit a License Application You can submit an application for a license with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) after completing the training. Fingerprints must be submitted, a background check must be successful, and there is a cost. Your license, which is good for two years, will be given to you once your application has been accepted.
Can Security Personnel Touch You? When it’s necessary to defend themselves or others from attack, security guards have the legal right to use physical force. The amount of force, however, must be reasonable and appropriate for the threat. Use of excessive or unnecessary force may lead to legal action on both the civil and criminal levels. Security personnel are typically taught to employ verbal orders, physical presence, and non-lethal force alternatives (such as pepper spray, batons) before using physical force.
You have the power to detain someone who is allegedly shoplifting as a security guard, but only in specific circumstances. If security personnel have reason to believe that a person committed larceny, they are permitted by Texas law to detain the suspect. The confinement must take place in a private setting and be of a reasonable length of time. Law enforcement must also be notified right after following the detention by the security guard. Criminal charges may be brought when an individual is detained without a reason and/or excessive force is used. Does Walmart Security Have Permission to Touch?
Security guards working for Walmart are permitted to use physical force if it’s necessary to defend themselves or others from harm. However, they must adhere to state rules and regulations and use force that is appropriate and proportionate, just like all other security personnel. Before using physical force, Walmart security guards are taught to use non-lethal alternatives like handcuffs, physical restraint, and verbal orders. The use of needless or excessive force may lead to legal action on both the civil and criminal levels.
In conclusion, completing particular training and receiving a state license are requirements for becoming a commissioned security officer in Texas. When necessary, security personnel must adhere to state laws and regulations and use justifiable force. Under certain circumstances, security guards have the right to detain a suspect in a theft and are allowed to use force to defend themselves or others.