How to Become a Personal Protection Officer in Texas

Personal protection officers, commonly referred to as bodyguards, are in charge of making sure that their clients are safe and secure. They might shield public figures like politicians, business leaders, and entertainers. There are a few stages you must complete in order to work as a personal protection officer in Texas.

To start with, you must fulfill the minimal standards for Texas licensing of security officers. In order to qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and clear a background check. A training program that has been authorized by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is furthermore required.

In Texas, you can pursue extra training to become a personal protection officer once you have obtained your security officer license. Threat assessment training, defensive strategy classes, and firearms instruction may all be included. Additionally, you might want to think about getting certified by a reputable group, like the International Association of Personal Protection Agents.

Texas permits level 2 security personnel to carry handcuffs, chemical agents (such pepper spray), and batons. However, they are not permitted to carry weapons. Event security, apartment complex security, and shop security are common places where level 2 security guards are employed.

No, in Texas, security guards are not given the same authority as peace officers. Peace officers are sworn law enforcement officials with the authority to make arrests, to carry weapons, and, if necessary, to use physical force. On the other hand, security officers are commoners who work for organizations or people to provide security services. They are subject to the same laws as all other citizens but do not have the same authority as peace officers. In Texas, may a security guard have a felony on their record?

According to the specifics of the felony conviction. People with certain felony convictions aren’t allowed to work as security guards in Texas. Convictions for crimes like murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, and robbery are among them. However, if they can show that they have improved, those with past felony convictions can be qualified to work as security guards. Do Texas security officers carry guns?

If they have the necessary training and licensing, security guards in Texas are permitted to carry guns. Individuals must pass a training program that has been approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety in order to be granted a license to carry a firearm while working as a security guard. In order to graduate from this course with a license, students must pass both a written exam and a shooting competence test. The course includes both classroom instruction and weapons training. In Texas, not all security officers are armed, and it is up to the employer to determine if armed protection is required in a given circumstance.