For first time, MCC offers security guard training, certification

MESA, Arizona -- Feb. 1, 2022 -- Mesa Community College Administration of Justice Studies is offering a free, one-day training to earn an Arizona Department of Public Safety unarmed security guard license from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26 at the college's Southern and Dobson campus, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa.

Free and open to students and the public, the event will be held in Room SC11E on the southwest side of the campus. A free catered lunch will be available to participants.

“Anyone who is 18 or older and wants to obtain a ‘guard card’ or needs to take the refresher to maintain a security guard license is invited to the class,” says Bootsie Martinez R., MCC Administration of Justice Studies faculty. Martinez, a DPS-certified trainer who also has a security guard license, is the class instructor.

Arizona DPS electronic fingerprinting service will also be offered onsite. “Fingerprint clearance cards are required for security guard positions, so this is a convenience we’re offering to participants,” adds Martinez. She also points out that a criminal history check is carried out via the fingerprinting process. However, if participants apply to a company with more rigorous requirements, they may be subjected to a separate background check by the company. The cost for the Arizona DPS licensing fee, including fingerprinting, is $80.25. A Visa or Mastercard credit card in the attendee’s name is required to pay the fee to DPS online during the class.

As an added benefit, Martinez says that several recruiters for companies, including Allied-Universal, Anderson Security and IPSA Security Services, will be onsite and prepared to hire on-the-spot. “The reality is that anyone who applies for a guard card on Saturday can go looking for a job on Monday. Based on past performance, DPS has been processing applications in a matter of days and mailing the licenses out very quickly. It’s a very in-demand credential.” Wages for security guards vary by client and the challenge of the job, but she says unarmed security officers can easily make well above minimum wage.

Martinez also points out that students might consider taking the class as such jobs come with benefits and often tuition reimbursement that allows them to earn while they learn.

This is the first time MCC is hosting an event of this kind and Martinez hopes to offer the class each semester. “We want to support our students and the community. Working in security is a terrific training ground for people who are interested in careers in criminal justice,” she explains. “Security is more than just standing a foot post. It may include organized retail crime investigations, assignments to transit, utilities, zoos, and museums, just to name a few.”

To RSVP for the class, visit tinyurl.com/GuardCardRegistration and fill out a brief form. For more information contact Martinez at Bootsie.Martinez@mesacc.edu, or call the MCC Administration of Justice Studies Department at 480-461-7341.

# # #

Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses, additional locations and a combination of online formats. Through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, MCC is transforming how it champions student success, college completion, university transfer and career attainment and advancement. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution and nearly 50% of its students are the first in their families to attend college. Its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized tribes of Arizona as well as out-of-state tribes. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The diverse student body includes more than 300 international students from 55 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to successfully transfer to a university or compete in the workforce. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) -- hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.


Source Details

Publication Date: 
Tuesday, February 1, 2022