About

Throughout my 13 years’ progressive experience in the contract security industry, starting my journey as an entry level security officer and currently finding myself as an operations manager supporting over 400 security officers, supervisors and account managers, I’ve come across one common factor plaguing the majority of the industry – training, or lack thereof. Often, contract security employers hire security officers with no additional training beyond the standard 8-hour training required by state statute. These employers then stick them in a uniform, put them through some basic company-mandated training, and sell their “security services” to their clients. Inevitably, the complaints regarding services provided start rolling in, disciplinary processes begin, and the revolving door of the security industry has taken another victim.

Security Services is a tough industry…

…on both the employees and employers. Profit margins are tight, and clients want highly trained security officers at the lowest cost possible. Man holding a two-way radio One can’t necessarily fault the employer (to an extent), after all, how much training costs can employers absorb before the business is no longer profitable? Even more, I’ve noticed the limited training provided by security employers suffers from being poor quality — with videos looking like they were produced in the early ’90s, to non-interactive online training modules. The way the security industry trains its employees is not designed to produce a highly trained security officer that their clients are asking for.

CT Security Training Center seeks to change this.

We believe security officers deserve more than a rushed orientation and outdated PowerPoint slides. At Connecticut Security Training Center, our programs are built to challenge, engage, and truly prepare officers for the real world. Through scenario-based learning, hands-on application, and modern technology like our AI-powered simulator, we’re setting a new standard — one that reflects what today’s clients actually expect from their security personnel.

Our investment into you doesn’t end at the conclusion of your 8 hour “Guard Card” course. Some instructors are more focused on getting trainees in their classroom to turn a quick profit and rush through the material, showing video after video and not providing the personal touch that a hands-on instructor should. This does a disservice to you and the industry overall when they fail at building you up to be the best possible security professional.

The endless revolving door of undertrained security officers doesn’t just disrupt the mission — it shatters trust, compromises safety, and leaves the public exposed, unprotected, and paying the ultimate price.

When you step back and realize that the average police academy runs for 3–6 months — and that members of the U.S. Armed Forces often train for 6 months to over 2 years — it forces a hard question: how can we justify offering just 8 hours of state-required instruction and expect a security officer to be truly prepared for the demands of the job? Even when on-the-job training is provided, it’s often limited to site-specific walkthroughs — how to log in, where the exits are, how to operate a camera system — but rarely, if ever, does it teach them how to actually be a security officer. What can a security officer do? What can’t they do? We are asking people to protect lives, manage emergencies, de-escalate conflict, and represent the face of safety — all with less training than it takes to operate a coffee machine. That is not just a flaw in the system — it’s a risk we can no longer afford.

Training Time Comparison

U.S. Military: ~1,300 hours (approx. 12 months)

Police Academy: ~720 hours (3–6 months)

Bank Teller: ~240 hours (6 weeks)

Call Center Representative: ~200 hours (5 weeks)

Large Retail: ~40 hours (1 week)

Barista: ~20 hours

Fast Food Crew Member: ~20 hours

Security Officer: 8 hours (CT minimum requirement)

* Training hours shown proportionally to scale based on average estimates.

The answer lies with continuing training. Not just the training where you are forced to read a page of text and answer some questions — but real, thought-provoking, engaging training that is designed to get your mind thinking. To achieve this, we need to start back at the basics, which is what our continuing training program provides. We’re not just fighting ignorance — we’re fighting for lives, for dignity, and for every security officer who was thrown into the fire with nothing but a name tag and a radio.

I’m genuinely excited to work alongside each of you as you take your first, or next step in your security journey. Whether you’re just starting your journey in security, a seasoned professional looking to sharpen your edge, or someone from a completely different background — there’s something here for you. Because at the end of the day, security isn’t just a job — it’s a shared responsibility. Because when the world turns chaotic — when fear takes over and everything breaks down — someone has to step forward and hold the line, so the rest of the world can sleep in peace.

FAQ

What makes your organization qualified?

CT Security Training Center is committed to your development as a security professional. Our mission goes above and beyond the “Guard Card class” — we truly desire to build you into the best possible security professional. Whether your goal is to stay on the security officer level or move into leadership positions, we can help guide you along the way by providing training and resources. All courses are currently taught by our Founder & President, who has over thirteen years of progressive management experience in the security industry, and holds several instructor certifications and educational degrees.

How do I work as an armed security officer?

First, you must be employed by a security company, and that company must register you as being employed with them on a Connecticut DPS 688-C form. All security companies are required to register anyone working in a security capacity immediately upon hire; failure to do so can subject the company to financial penalties. Once your company registers you, you must take an 8-hour “Blue Card Course” (not currently offered by us). This course ranges between $175 and $250, depending on the instructor. You will be required to participate in a live-fire session and successfully pass a range qualification while firing the same weapon you will be carrying on duty. Once you pass, your instructor will sign off on your application (form provided by the instructor), and you are free to submit that along with another fee to the State of CT. You must have a CT Pistol Permit prior to submitting this application. Once approved, the state will mail you a new CT Pistol Permit with a “Class 1” endorsement. This endorsement is your “Blue Card” and permits you to work as an armed security officer.

What ongoing training can you offer me after I finish the CT Guard Card course?

We are very excited and proud to be one of the only (if not the only) security training providers to offer LMS training modules right here on our website! Even more, we offer a truly one of a kind AI training simulator (currently available in-class only) where you can test your skills at de-escalation with an AI bot. Our vision is to expand on these concepts and continue offering more LMS modules and in-person training outside of the basic CT Guard Card course. We will always be available to support you throughout your career in the security industry. If you are ever uncertain about how to handle issues that arise in your workplace, we can offer guidance. Getting in contact with us is as simple as sending us an email or calling during business hours. We answer all emails! We are firm believers that training never truly ends — it is a continuous process to hone the skills you’ve learned, pick up new ones, and learn how to truly make a difference in your workplace and community.