Unarmed Security Guard

A security guard/officer is an individual employed by a contract security company or a proprietary security organization to protect persons and/or property from criminal activities. If an individual maintains an armed guard registration, it is not necessary to also be registered as an "unarmed" guard.

Applicants for unarmed guard registration may work on a complete application while it is being processed but must have paid the application fee and keep a copy of their complete application on their person while they’re working.  If their application is denied by our office, they can no longer work in that capacity until another complete application has been submitted and the application shows open/processing. Armed guards must wait until they receive their registration card prior to working.

Requirements

Licensing Requirements

1. Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

2. Be a citizen of the United States or a resident alien.

3. If convicted in any jurisdiction of any of the crimes listed, you must have completed serving a sentence or court-ordered probation at least five (5) years prior to application.

a. Any felony, or

b. Any misdemeanor involving

- Shooting a firearm or other weapon,

- Shoplifting,

- Assault and battery or other act of violence against persons or property,

- Crimes involving the sale, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances, controlled substance analogues, drugs, or narcotics,

- Theft of property, or

- Theft of services 

4. Successful completion of a background check through IdentoGO. For information, including locations, scheduling, and guidance for out-of-state applicants, visit https://www.identogo.com. The Agency ORI # is TN920120Z.

Training Requirements

1. Four (4) hours of training covering orientation, legal powers and limitations of security guard, emergency procedures, and general duties.

Additional Training Requirements

1. To carry a baton, a stun gun, or chemical spray, at least four (4) hours of training shall be completed through a state-certified trainer for each less-than-lethal device.

2. If working at a location that has on-premises consumption of alcohol, a security guard/officer must complete training in de-escalation, safe restraint, first aid, and CPR within fifteen (15) days of assignment to the location.

3. Applicants with training such as law enforcement or correctional officer in-service completed within one (1) year of application are encouraged to review Tenn. Code Annotated 62-35-118(d) for additional information on potential training exemptions.  Evidence of training may be submitted along with an application for review.
 

Application & Fees

Complete the “Initial Unarmed Guard Registration Application” online at core.tn.gov. The fee for an initial application is $95.