Armed Security Officer

Montgomery County Governmennt•Clarksville, TN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Armed Security Officer protects County facilities, employees, and the public by maintaining a professional armed presence, enforcing County and State laws, deterring threats, and responding decisively to incidents. This role involves providing armed patrol, responding to alarms and emergencies, maintaining certifications, preparing incident reports, operating security systems, serving as a security ambassador, cooperating with law enforcement, and participating in drills and training. Officers must comply with all provisions of the Tennessee Private Protective Services Act of 1987, maintain required armed guard endorsements, and demonstrate proficiency in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and lawful use of force. The position requires coordination with local law enforcement and emergency management partners, as well as positive engagement with the public to promote a safe and secure environment.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age and a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Possess and maintain a valid Tennessee Armed Security Guard/Officer registration card issued by the Private Protective Services Program, including 16 hours of initial firearm training and a minimum score of 70% on a state‑approved course of fire.
Complete a TBI and FBI fingerprint‑based background check (T.C.A. § 62‑35‑116).
Renew armed guard registration every 2 years, including 4 hours of refresher training and firearm re‑qualification.
Maintain endorsements in firearm, OC spray, expandable baton, and CEW/Taser as required by state law and County standards.
Valid Tennessee driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
Certification in First Aid/CPR/AED (American Red Cross, AHA, or equivalent).
Certification in Naloxone (Narcan) administration within 6 months of hire.
Successfully pass a pre‑employment drug screen and subject to random testing.
No felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, or disqualifying criminal history; not prohibited from firearm possession under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).
Officers must comply with all provisions of the Tennessee Private Protective Services Act of 1987 (T.C.A. § 62-35), maintain all required armed guard endorsements and classifications (firearm, OC spray, expandable baton, CEW/Taser), and demonstrate proficiency in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and lawful use of force.
Wear County‑issued uniform, firearm, ammunition, and assigned less‑lethal equipment.
Complete County orientation and site‑specific training within 30 days of hire.
Qualify annually with firearms and less‑lethal tools under County and State standards.
Maintain compliance with Tennessee Private Protective Services Act of 1987 and related rules.
Complete annual legal update training (Tennessee Code, case law, use‑of‑force standards).
Participate in emergency preparedness and evacuation drills annually.
Comply with OSHA/TOSHA workplace safety standards and County risk‑management policies.
Strictly adhere to County policies on ethical conduct, confidentiality, and use of force.
Knowledge of physical security administration, crime prevention, patrol, and records management principles and practices.
Knowledge of state, county, and city ordinances related to public safety.
High standards of safety and professionalism.
Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and make decisions during high-stress situations.
Proficient in maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately.
Ability to interact with staff, officials, external agencies, and the public professionally and effectively.
Able to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Stand or walk for extended periods (8–12 hours) on various surfaces.
Run, jog, and ascend/descend multiple flights of stairs quickly during emergencies.
Lift, drag, or carry up to 50 lbs; restrain or assist individuals in distress.
Perform defensive tactics and firearms training requiring kneeling, prone, and rapid positional changes.
Maintain vision correctable to 20/30 in each eye, with normal color vision and depth perception.
Hearing within normal limits, with or without correction.
Pass County‑mandated annual physical fitness assessment (aligned with regional benchmarks).

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or higher in Criminal Justice or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide armed patrol of interior and exterior areas; detect, document, and mitigate safety or security hazards.
Respond to alarms, emergencies, and calls for service with appropriate action including de-escalation, restraint, or lawful force.
Maintain annual qualification with duty firearm (minimum 70% score) and certifications in OC spray, expandable baton, and CEW/Taser.
Prepare accurate incident reports, daily activity logs, and preserve evidence in compliance with state standards.
Operate CCTV, access-control, and intrusion detection systems; demonstrate proficiency with digital incident reporting software.
Serve as a security ambassador by providing directions, customer service, and professional assistance to staff and the public.
Cooperate with local, state, and federal law‑enforcement agencies; testify in court when necessary.
Participate in security drills, emergency evacuations, and fitness/skills training to maintain readiness.
Control access to buildings using badge and visitor management systems; conduct screening with X‑ray and magnetometer equipment as required.
Perform other related security duties as assigned.