Posted: 8/23/2009 8:53:22 AM EDT
| I just got my Level III training completed for armed security and I was wondering if anyone knew of any companies that were hiring. I am trying to find something in the northwest Houston/Katy area. Also does anyone know what I should expect as far as pay when starting out. I do not have any security experience, but I did go to college for criminal justice. I have applied a few places, but no one has responded yet. Any suggestions or advice would be helpfull. |
|
Texas law can cause you a problem. Although you have a certificate of completion from a level 3 academy, you cannot worked armed until you receive your pocket card from the state. You have to be hired by a company before you can apply for the level 3 commission.
That means that a company will have to hire you and work you unarmed until your pocket card arrives. The dilemma is that if they only have armed openings then you are not really useful to them as an unarmed officer. I assume you do not have any military experience either, so expect pay in the $11 per hour range. Check Craigslist for jobs. |
|
Remember and ask if this is apartment complex work........You may not want that work as a new guard. It gets gritty the first night,... and stays that way.
Look for industrial sites like power plants and power company repair depositories near the airports, or bay side loading docks. All of them have armed guards, and 12 hour shifts. Drive up to the shack, and ask who has the contract and whether they have a contact number handy. Then call, and get hired. When you get an interview don't mention the college thing. Just be anxious for work. Nights and weekends are the order of the day, and take a 12$ per hour job and stay in the game with a resume handy looking for the next step up. Always be looking. Always. a 12 hour shift pays 144$ Most asshole starter companies want to pay you contract wages to avoid overtime payout. if that is the case and you have a job ask for 16$ per hour. If you a re a good guard they will pay that much to have you. But KNOW that you are the one who needs to keep all the receipts for any work done. Never trust their estimates. This can be a cut throat industry. Watch your back, LEARN the laws, and for gods sake do not take this work thinking it is a place to retire. Be on time. Never burn a bridge, never take shit from an employer such as " Dont cash that check for a day or two.", "We need you to come in tonight on your day off, or you are fired." There are Govt contracts state-side that pay $25 per hour +, + vacation, and benifits You need 3 years experience as an armed guard or 4years military, and a level 3 card. or Be an x-cop To get on one of those. |