Hello,
Some of you may read my intro. I am considering transitioning eventually/hopefully into do some kind of EP work. Even if it were advanced work or tiny gigs like residential/property security.

My question on training and the U.S. is the obvious lack of a national standards like, UK. I realize this gives individual states their governance on their security spectrum. My question is I live in NC. I have found a good (IAEPA) intro 4 day course on EP in GA.

However GA & NC both require you to be a PI, which is pretty involved, not only in the licensing, hours and being an associate before obtaining PI license. The GA class effectively does NOT let me use/get a job until being a PI in either state. PLUS you have to go and obtain unarmed sec guard license and armed guard license, like NC.

Now I believe TX and VA are unlike this. They just require armed guard, and no PI. I have found classes in VA(EPI: EP & firearms class) and in TX for security guard training. From what I gather that's all you need. (Please let me know if that is wrong.) So my initial thought is would it be wiser and more economical to do the classes in TX and VA, that after their class I CAN do EP work there.

As it stands now, if I take the GA class. It doesn't help me job wise, but I would learn some of the great skills you guys have and need. I realize that one class does not make a CP operator. I plan on becoming an EP agent with many skills, I can easily pick up my medical certs and driving among others.

In short do you think the knowledge gained by doing the GA course will offer me different perspectives and make me more round, even though after the course, I still can not do EP.

It would seem that if the ISBBA would make a great national standard.

Any friendly advice would help,
James

James, in short, go work for someone else. Let an employer take care of licensing issues, permitting, and bonding until you've established a foothold in the industry.

ESI provides some substantial training, though I'm not sure if any of it counts toward licensing as you've asked.

The first major hurdle you're about to face is relocation. You have to go where the work is and be willing to travel with it. Most of your work will be unarmed, especially at the start. EP work is 100% about prevention through planning. If you have to fire a shot, you probably failed 3 steps prior to the incident anyway.

I wish you the best of luck.

Thanks for the reply Jody. Relocation and travel are not an issue for me. For the last 10yrs of Network Security Training and Consulting, 3/4 of my year was on the road.

You say to get employed by a security company. I have thought about that. RTP/RDU is a major HUB for many Global 500 companies and their are exec's and C-level managers coming in all the time. I think, there would be more gigs available in the DC/VA area.

PLUS the added benefit that VA only need up to armed security guard training(like TX, too). However here at home in NC, they qualifcations to do EP work is high, like obtaining PI status AFTER getting armed guard. So I am thinking of joining a security company in VA or TX, rather than NC.

I have seen ESI's website and their praise in this industry. But my career in IT first has an issue for me. Companies that are successful, have the resources to put together a good website. ESI's website, looks like a teenager made it, not very intuitive and haphazard. IMHO,

But thanks again for the tips, BTW, I have tried googling, Do you know some states that have little to no requirements for EP work. Additionally your comment on being unarmed is unsettling, What about overseas work, is their a requirement/license needed there??

And I agree with you that if you have to resort to firing or for that matter, reacting to a situation, you have failed in your advanced work. Like I stated earlier, I do have a slight speech impediment, but my hearing is fine, and my brain is sharp, and I have always had a high situation awareness that would complement a detail. And I could be used as advanced work or route planning.

Regards,
James

James, the majority of major executives travel OCONUS quite a bit. Nearly all of that work is unarmed. Many still prefer unarmed security at their residences, relying on early detection and mitigation through other means.

If you'll judge a training company based on their website as opposed to the myriad testimonials from their graduates, then you have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

You're talking about training and getting certifications, but fail to understand that based solely on your statement here on the board, you don't have the training or experience to gain an entry level uniformed position. Yet, you'd expect someone to trust you with their life, or the lives of loved ones. Find a mentor in the business and start paying some dues. Stop worrying about accomplishing anything other than getting some good training and experience. Leave the certifications and licensing to the guys who have the business license.

I've given you at least one viable solution. The fact that ESI's website doesn't meet your standard is laughable, but you should still consider formalized training from a reputable provider, including the overseas providers. If you get UK credentials, it holds some credibility in the US and International markets.

Hey Jody,
I didn't mean to piss you off, just doing research and gathering info into a new field. And thanks for the advice most gigs are unarmed, which then confuses me more that some states require armed guard licensing to do EP.

I did provide an initial diffusing comment, "I have seen ESI's website AND their praise in this industry." I DID acknowledge many of you pro's and other training centers, do like ESI and I DID notice the good comments.

And this comment here, "you don't have the training or experience to gain an entry level uniformed position" is a taking a swing at me. Thanks for insult.

"Stop worrying about accomplishing anything other than getting some good training and experience." was the gist of my question, sorry to confuse you on my intentions.

And I did want to do what you suggest, "you should still consider formalized training from a reputable provider'

"The fact that ESI's website doesn't meet your standard is laughable," i is yet another ad hominem attack. You evidently didn't do your advance work on me. My 15 yr career is the internet, firewalls and websites.

The fact you consider yourself a moderator is laughable to some a newbie with various questions. I humbly bow down to your expertise in EP. I was asking for help, not a beat down. I certainly hope your EP skills are better than your internet research and moderating capabilities, seems you need some training and/or therapy.

Good luck, chief,
James

jwb1969 wrote:

Hey Jody, I didn't mean to piss you off, just doing research and gathering info into a new field. And thanks for the advice most gigs are unarmed, which then confuses me more that some states require armed guard licensing to do EP. I did provide an initial diffusing comment, "I have seen ESI's website AND their praise in this industry." I DID acknowledge many of you pro's and other training centers, do like ESI and I DID notice the good comments. And this comment here, "you don't have the training or experience to gain an entry level uniformed position" is a taking a swing at me. Thanks for insult. "Stop worrying about accomplishing anything other than getting some good training and experience." was the gist of my question, sorry to confuse you on my intentions. And I did want to do what you suggest, "you should still consider formalized training from a reputable provider' "The fact that ESI's website doesn't meet your standard is laughable," i is yet another ad hominem attack. You evidently didn't do your advance work on me. My 15 yr career is the internet, firewalls and websites. The fact you consider yourself a moderator is laughable to some a newbie with various questions. I humbly bow down to your expertise in EP. I was asking for help, not a beat down. I certainly hope your EP skills are better than your internet research and moderating capabilities, seems you need some training and/or therapy. Good luck, chief, James

You Sir, (for lack of a better term), are an Ass-Clown, a Fuck-Nut, and a Retard of the highest caliper!

1. You didn’t piss him off with your prior questions…It takes a lot to get under Jody’s skin…He certainly doesn’t need me to cover for him, although I’ve had his six and he’s had mine on several occasions.
2. What the fuck is your major malfunction? Everything he said was spot on…The fact that you took it as an insult CLEARLY demonstrates your lack of respect for others, lack of integrity, and overall lack of professionalism.
3. Anyone that would come into OUR house and respond to a well-respected moderator with disrespect, who only offered good advice, is headed for a quick exit…We don’t tolerate 15 year career internet couch potatoes who lack the fortitude and discretion to keep his cock sucking pie hole shut!

James you didn't piss me off. Far from it, actually. Based on what we know from you on this site, you don't have the training and experience needed. Do you? It wasn't meant to be an insult, just a reality check, so don't get your panties in a bunch over it. 15 years in IT doesn't equate to much in the field or protective services. In retrospect, I'm unsure why you'd even bring up their website, unless you were vacillating on taking training from them or not.

I don't consider myself a moderator, I was appointed that duty by the owner of this forum. I am not an EP "expert" but I've certainly done the job and trained others in how to do it. I don't do advance work on forum members unless they exhibit tendencies of being an assclown.

Thus far, you've only demonstrated that you wear your pride on the outside. That won't serve you well if you get into EP work.

I'm overlooking the comment about needing training or therapy, and will attribute your comment to you having your feelings hurt. It wasn't my intention to take a dig at you, just stating the obvious circumstance that others will no doubt recognize as well.

My moderating capabilities are just fine though, so if you keep going down this road, you'll wear out your welcome soon enough. I certainly hope you don't think of that single post as a beat down.

James, I must concur strongly with the advise given by Jody and chase!! You come to this forum with a question and looking for advice. what is being given to you, for free I might add, is the truth. No attitude is displayed by either Jody or chase, but only by you. The good Lord gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason...therefore, you ask for advice, now shutup and listen to what the BTDT guys are telling you. This forum has a plethora of experience, stories and reality checks. You Sir, have been served and your answers given. Good luck.