What are two types of security officers?

Security officers are most commonly divided into two main legal and operational types: non-commissioned and commissioned officers.

• Non-Commissioned Officers: These officers do not carry firearms or possess special legal authority to enforce laws. Their primary duties focus on general safety, monitoring premises, conducting patrols, and observing and reporting incidents. They operate under standard private property rules.
• Commissioned Officers: These officers are granted specific legal authority or a commission by a governing body or state agency. They are authorized to carry firearms and undergo advanced training to handle high-risk situations or enforce specific site regulations.

(Note: In many everyday contexts, security roles are also broadly categorized simply as unarmed versus armed.)

A level 2 security officer is an entry-level, unarmed (non-commissioned) security professional who has completed foundational training to monitor properties, control access, and deter crime.

Core Responsibilities

• Access Control: Monitor entrances, check visitor IDs, and manage guest sign-ins at building lobbies or gates.
• Patrols: Conduct routine foot or vehicle checks across premises, parking lots, and facilities to ensure safety.
• Surveillance: Watch CCTV feeds, monitor alarm systems, and report suspicious activities.
• Incident Reporting: Write clear notes and logs regarding safety hazards, property damage, or rule violations.
• Customer Service: Act as a visible, helpful public presence and assist with general inquiries.

Training and Licensing

• Requirements: Candidates generally must be at least 18 years old, pass a fingerprint background check, and hold legal work authorization.
• Training Course: In regions like Texas Security Academy, it requires a short state-approved course (around 4 to 6 hours) covering legal limits, de-escalation, and basic emergency response.
• Weapons Policy: Level 2 officers are unarmed and generally prohibited from carrying firearms, though some jurisdictions or employers may permit non-lethal tools like flashlights or handcuffs.

Common Work Settings

• Office and commercial buildings
• Retail stores and shopping centers
• Residential complexes and gated communities
• Hospitals, schools, and event venues

A non-commissioned security officer is an unarmed security professional who is not authorized to carry a firearm while on duty.

Core Responsibilities

• Observing and reporting suspicious activities or safety hazards.
• Patroling assigned buildings, parking lots, or grounds.
• Controlling access at entry points, front desks, or gates.
• Monitoring surveillance equipment and alarm systems.
• Enforcing rules and providing customer service for visitors or staff.

Training and Qualifications

• Basic licensing: Requires completing entry-level state training courses (such as a Level II training course in some regions) and passing a background check.
• Weapons policy: Unlike commissioned (armed) officers, they do not carry guns, though local laws may permit non-lethal tools like pepper spray or batons.
• Work environments: Commonly deployed at retail stores, schools, corporate offices, residential complexes, and event venues.

Levels 1, 2, and 3 security typically refer to tiered systems used in physical security, maritime operations (MARSEC), or security guard licensing.

Security Guard Licensing (e.g., in Texas)

• Level 1 / Level II: Entry-level or non-commissioned status. Officers are unarmed and focus on basic observation, reporting, property patrols, and access control.
• Level 2: Unarmed support with standard basic training. Guards enforce rules, check IDs, and manage entry points in commercial or retail settings.
• Level 3: Commissioned, advanced officers who are authorized to carry firearms. They complete specialized weapons training and handle higher-risk environments.

Maritime Security Levels (MARSEC / ISPS Code)

• Level 1: Normal, baseline threat level. Minimum appropriate protective security measures are maintained at all times.
• Level 2: Heightened threat level. Additional protective measures are kept in place for a specific period due to an increased risk of an incident.
• Level 3: Exceptional or imminent threat level. Further specific protective measures are deployed for a limited time when an incident is probable or imminent.

To get a Level 2 (Non-Commissioned/Unarmed) security license in Texas, the total cost typically ranges between $95 and $125.

The total cost is broken down into three mandatory parts:

1. State Licensing Fee: $37

Paid directly to the state through the Texas Online Private Security (TOPS) portal when submitting your application.

2. Fingerprinting & Background Check Fee: $28.25

Texas requires all applicants to undergo an FBI and state fingerprint-based background check. This fee is paid directly to the state’s approved vendor, IdentoGO.

3. Level 2 Training Course: $30 to $60

Before applying for the license, you must complete a state-approved training course covering basic security laws, emergency procedures, and report writing. Because the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) allows this course to be taken entirely online, prices vary depending on the school you choose:

• Texas Officer Training: $30
• AEPS Academy: $40
• Go Strapped Training or Defencify Training: $49
• Texas Professional Security Training Academy (TPSTA): $50

Additional Details

• Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old, legally authorized to work in the U.S., and have a clean criminal history (no felonies or serious misdemeanors).
• Employer Affiliation: The physical "pocket card" license will only be issued once you are formally affiliated with a licensed security company in the TOPS system.
• Validity: Once issued, the license is valid for two years. Level 2 officers are exempt from continuing education (CE) requirements, meaning you only pay the $37 renewal fee every two years to keep it active.