Armed Security Guard

Core Responsibilities

• Access Control & Gatekeeping: Monitoring entry and exit points to ensure only residents and authorized guests enter, verifying IDs and managing visitor logs.
• Active Patrolling: Conducting regular, often randomized foot or vehicle patrols of the perimeter, hallways, parking garages, and common areas to deter criminal activity like theft or vandalism.
• Emergency Response: Serving as the first responder to high‑risk incidents, including active threats, burglaries in progress, or violent disputes.
• Surveillance Monitoring: Overseeing CCTV feeds and alarm systems to identify suspicious behavior before it escalates.
• Conflict De‑escalation: Defusing tense situations between residents or unauthorized visitors using professional communication techniques, with the firearm as a strictly last‑resort measure.
• Reporting: Maintaining detailed daily activity logs and filing formal incident reports for any security breaches or safety hazards.

Residential‑Specific Duties

• Resident Assistance: Walking residents to their vehicles at night or assisting with emergency lockouts.
• Package Management: Overseeing high‑value delivery security in some buildings.
• Rule Enforcement: Ensuring building policies (noise, smoking, parking) are followed to maintain order.

Mandatory NJ Qualifications

• Armed SORA License (Red Card): Requires a 24‑hour training course and a clean criminal background.
• NJ Permit to Carry: A separate, high‑level permit; must demonstrate proficiency and pass a “Permit to Carry a Handgun” (PTC) qualification.
• Firearms ID Card (FID): Required to lawfully purchase and possess the handgun used for duty.
• Psychological Exam: New Jersey law often requires armed guards to pass a psychological evaluation to ensure fitness for duty.
• Age & Background: Must be at least 18 (some companies require 21+) and have no disqualifying criminal record (felonies or certain misdemeanors).

Important Note: In New Jersey, having an Armed SORA card does not automatically allow you to carry a gun. You must also possess a valid NJ Permit to Carry a Handgun and meet your employer’s specific liability insurance requirements.