Skip To Main Content

Armed Security Guards

In compliance with House Bill 3, all Northwest ISD elementary schools will feature armed security guards to protect students and staff.

Armed security guards are exclusively on school grounds for protection, including monitoring external entries. These guards will also work with the school to maintain a positive and welcoming environment.

While these guards are in the building for protection, they differ from school resource officers in that they do not hold and cannot enforce any law enforcement responsibilities. Additionally, armed security guards are not employed to enforce district policy such as student discipline.

Northwest ISD contracts with four firms for security guards: Jet Security, L&P Global Security, National Security & Protection Systems, and D&L Entertainment Services. As with SROs and security hardware across the district, armed security guards are overseen by Northwest ISD safety and security leaders.

Qualification Requirements

All armed security guards at elementary schools will meet training requirements set by the state as part of House Bill 3 passed by the Texas Legislature in 2023. These requirements include, but are not limited to:

  • Level III Training for Commissioned Security Officers: This training, set by the Texas Department of Public Safety, includes a minimum of 45 hours and a test obtained through a Level III Training School, taught by a licensed Level III instructor.
  • School Safety Handgun Training: This training must be obtained through a qualified handgun instructor. Through this training, security guards will be instructed about appropriate actions for the protection of students and how to interact with first responders.

Northwest ISD Standards

In addition to requirements set by the state, Northwest ISD has implemented its own series of standards to maintain a highly effective armed security guard staff. 

  • Background Checks: All armed security guards have completed and passed an FBI background check, including fingerprint validation.
  • District Safety and Security Training: In addition to the state's required training, our armed security guards have been trained by district safety and security staff in standard response protocols, door exterior checks, safety intruder assessments, scenario-based problem-solving and more.
  • Door Checks: Following door-check training, armed security guards are expected to check exterior doors a minimum of three times per day.
  • Observe and Report: Armed security staff are expected to observe for and report any suspicious or irregular activity to either the district's safety and security call center or a campus administrator.