Security officer training is offered at select Georgia technical colleges. Most training for armed security guards is conducted by private training companies. The majority of classes are offered in metro Atlanta, but courses are available throughout the state. Some programs run the course of a week, either during the day or at night. Others are offered on a series of weekends. As of 2010, fees range from about $700 to nearly $2,000, depending upon the facility.
Basic security training covers a wide range of topics, including crowd management and suspect apprehension and detainment. Trainees are taught the legal and functional process of using handcuffs and other restraint devices. Training also focuses on the legal and ethical issues surrounding work as an armed security guard. Prospective guards learn to fill out standard written reports, including incident reports and call logs. Trainees also receive emergency medical training including cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Armed security guards receive at least 16 hours of training in the use of firearms. This includes class time as well as mandatory practice on a live shooting range. Range work includes the principles of marksmanship and target practice. Trainees are taught to work with different holster and weapon types and are taught lethal and non-lethal shooting strategies. The firearms program addresses moral and legal issues of discharging a lethal weapon.
Armed security guards in Georgia receive training on non-lethal methods of subduing suspects. Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray training refers to law-enforcement strength pepper spray and includes information about the different types of OC spray and appropriate usage. Stun gun and taser training describes rules for safe carrying and deployment of these weapons and explains the effects of the weapon on a suspect. Most programs include a personal experience with both OC spray and a stun gun or taser. Prospective guards are also taught techniques for using an ASP baton (the brand of baton or "nightstick" carried by most security guards and law enforcement personnel.) Legal ramifications of non-lethal weapon usage are also discussed.
The goal of training is to earn Georgia Armed Security Guard License. To be certified, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age, must have a high school diploma or GED and must pass a criminal background check. Applicants must submit fingerprints and photo identification. Further, they must complete a training class approved by Georgia. Certifications are valid for two years but require annual additional training to renew.