Maryland lawmakers push increased training requirements for security guards

MARYLAND – “We need our first responders to have the best training and to be prepared to handle any and all situations,” Maryland Senator Jill P. Carter said.

Maryland Lawmakers recently introducing Senate Bill 760, which would require all security guards statewide to be licensed. “Alot of these security officers are hired by private companies and there is no standardized training currently,” Senator Carter said.

Under the bill, The Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission would establish training standards for personnel in areas like use of force and de-escalation tactics.
It’s something Atlantic Tactical Firearm Trainers in Salisbury tells me is already an essential part of their courses.

ATFT provides firearm academy to both civilians and law enforcement agencies in a safe environment with instructors who have nearly a century of combined experience. “If you don’t have individuals that are properly trained in de-escalation, it can cause a situation could be resolved very quickly and easily to escalate into something that could be very volatile,” Otwell said.

ATFT Co-Owner Timothy Otwell says their training simulator is similar to ones used by law enforcement agencies across the country and could cost upwards of $100,000.

He adds that could be a concern for some businesses. “It’s one of those things that you have to weigh the greater good versus the costs. Yet, most of the individuals I believe seeking this career would seek out that kind of training,” Otwell said.

Bill Sponsor Senator Jill Carter says the increased training standards won’t just help with job performance. “I also that it could be a steppingstone in some ways to law enforcement or other top security jobs. I also think it will give us the general public a great sense of comfortable and safety to know that our first responders that are security officers will train,”

Atlantic Tactical Firearm Training tells me the simulator has allowed them to go above and beyond what most facilities can to ensure guards have the training they need.

The bill passed through the Senate and now heads to the house for consideration.