Does Securitas Hire Felons?
Last updated:
Securitas has strict background requirements for security guard positions due to licensing requirements and client contracts.
Securitas rarely hires people with felony records for security guard positions. As one of the largest security companies in the world, Securitas is subject to state security guard licensing requirements that often prohibit people with felony convictions from obtaining a security guard license. Most states require security guards to pass background checks, and many states specifically disqualify felony convictions within certain timeframes (typically 7-10 years, with some states having permanent disqualification for certain offenses). Non-security administrative and support positions may have more flexibility, but security guard roles — which are the vast majority of Securitas positions — are very restrictive for people with records.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Guard (Unarmed) | Rarely | Yes — plus state licensing | State licensing typically prohibits felony convictions. Requirements vary by state. |
| Security Guard (Armed) | No | Yes — plus state licensing + firearms | Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms. Armed guard positions are off-limits. |
| Security Supervisor | Rarely | Yes — comprehensive | Requires guard license plus supervisory background check. |
| Administrative / Office | Sometimes | Yes | Non-security office roles. More flexibility but still require background checks. |
| Control Room / Monitoring | Rarely | Yes | Surveillance monitoring. May or may not require guard license depending on state. |
Securitas Hiring for People with Records
Securitas is one of the largest security companies in the world, and the vast majority of its positions are security guard roles. Security guard positions require state licensing in most states, and these licensing requirements frequently include background checks that disqualify people with felony convictions. Armed security positions are categorically unavailable to people with felony convictions due to federal firearms laws. Some states allow people with older felony convictions (typically 7-10+ years old) to obtain unarmed security guard licenses, but this varies significantly by state.
State Licensing Requirements
Each state has its own security guard licensing requirements. California requires a BSIS Guard Card and conducts a criminal background check. New York requires a state security guard license with background check. Texas requires a Level II or Level III license through DPS. Florida requires a Class D or Class G license. Most states have specific disqualifying offenses and timeframes. Research your state's requirements before applying — if you cannot obtain a guard license, Securitas cannot hire you for security positions.
What Disqualifies You
For armed security: any felony conviction is permanently disqualifying due to federal firearms law (18 U.S.C. 922(g)). For unarmed security: disqualification depends on state licensing laws. Common disqualifying offenses include violent felonies, sex offenses, theft/burglary, and drug felonies. Timeframes for disqualification vary by state from 5 years to permanent. Additionally, individual client contracts may have requirements stricter than state minimums.
Alternatives if You Can't Get a Guard License
If your felony record prevents you from obtaining a security guard license, consider these alternatives: facility services companies (ISS, ABM) hire for janitorial and maintenance roles that sometimes work alongside security. Some states allow people to work as 'monitors' or 'concierge' positions that don't require a guard license. Check your state's specific laws about what security-related activities require licensing and which don't.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Research your state's security guard licensing requirements BEFORE applying to Securitas.
- 2.If your state allows felons to get a guard license after a waiting period, confirm your eligibility first.
- 3.Non-security administrative positions may have more flexibility — check for office roles.
- 4.If you cannot get a guard license, consider facility services companies as an alternative.
- 5.Armed security positions are permanently off-limits to anyone with a felony conviction.
- 6.Some states offer provisional or restricted licenses — research your state's options.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Securitas hire felons?
- Securitas rarely hires people with felony records for security positions because most states require security guard licenses that disqualify felony convictions. Non-security administrative roles may have more flexibility.
- Can a felon be a security guard?
- It depends on your state's licensing laws. Some states permanently disqualify felons from security guard licenses. Others allow licensing after a waiting period (typically 7-10 years). Armed security is permanently off-limits due to federal firearms law.
- Does Securitas do background checks?
- Yes, Securitas conducts thorough background checks on all applicants. Security positions also require state licensing which includes its own background check.
- Does Securitas drug test?
- Yes, Securitas typically requires pre-employment drug testing for security positions.
- How much does Securitas pay?
- Unarmed security guards earn $12-$18/hour. Armed guards earn $15-$25/hour. Supervisors earn $16-$24/hour. Pay varies significantly by location and client contract.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Securitas Careers
Official career page.
- Your State Security Guard License Requirements
State-by-state guide to security guard licensing.
Related Resources on This Site
Also about this company
- Drug TestingDoes Securitas drug test?
Similar companies
Helpful guides
- TransportationInsurance After Felony
- Background ChecksHow long do background checks take?
- Criminal LawBail bonds -- how bail works, calculator, and your options
- RightsCan a felon be a cop?