Does Allied Universal Drug Test?

Drug Testing by Position

Allied Universal's Drug Testing Policy

Allied Universal is the largest security services company in North America, with over 300,000 employees providing security at corporate offices, hospitals, retail stores, residential communities, government buildings, and critical infrastructure. The company requires pre-employment drug testing for the vast majority of its security positions. Security officers must be alert, observant, and capable of responding to emergencies — any impairment directly undermines the core purpose of their role. Drug testing is also required by many of Allied Universal's client contracts, as businesses and institutions expect their security providers to maintain drug-free workforces.

Armed Security — Stricter Requirements

Allied Universal's armed security officers face even stricter drug testing requirements. Armed guards carry firearms and are authorized to use force to protect life and property. Pre-employment drug testing is mandatory, and armed officers may be subject to random drug testing throughout their employment. State licensing requirements for armed security often include drug testing as a condition of obtaining and maintaining a firearms permit. A positive drug test for an armed security officer can result in loss of their guard card/license in addition to termination.

Client-Specific Additional Requirements

Many of Allied Universal's client sites have additional drug testing requirements beyond the company's baseline policy. Government facilities and military installations require drug testing per federal regulations. Healthcare facilities require drug testing for all security staff. Financial institutions and data centers often require testing. Some clients require random drug testing for all security personnel assigned to their sites. When you are hired for a specific client site, you may need to meet both Allied Universal's requirements and the client's requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Allied Universal drug test all security guards?

Yes. Allied Universal drug tests the vast majority of security officers and guards as part of the hiring process. This includes unarmed security officers, armed guards, patrol officers, and security supervisors. Pre-employment urine testing is standard across the company.

What type of drug test does Allied Universal use?

Allied Universal primarily uses urine drug tests for pre-employment screening. The test is conducted at a third-party collection site. The standard panel tests for marijuana (THC), cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and PCP. Some client sites may require expanded panels.

Does Allied Universal test for marijuana?

Yes. Allied Universal includes marijuana (THC) in its drug testing panels for security positions. Security officers must be alert and unimpaired at all times, and the company maintains THC testing regardless of state marijuana laws. Armed security positions have particularly strict requirements.

Does Allied Universal do random drug tests?

Armed security officers may be subject to random drug testing. Some client sites also require random testing for all assigned security personnel. Unarmed security officers are subject to post-accident and reasonable-suspicion testing but may not be randomly tested unless the client contract requires it.

Does Allied Universal hire people with criminal records?

Allied Universal evaluates candidates on a case-by-case basis. State security guard licensing requirements vary — some states prohibit people with certain felony convictions from obtaining a guard card. The specific eligibility depends on the state, the nature of the conviction, and how long ago it occurred. Armed security positions have stricter background requirements than unarmed positions.