Recently, Governor Cuomo announced the DMV will allow virtual training for young drivers so they can move forward with getting their driver’s license. The five-hour driving course is mandatory if you want to obtain your driver’s license in New York State. 

Training is also mandatory if want to obtain/maintain registration as security guard in New York State but at this time, New York State Security Guard Training Schools (which are overseen by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services) can't offer virtual training.

In order to become a security guard in New York State, one must initially take twenty-four hours of training; Eight hours prior to becoming registered as a security guard and sixteen hours within ninety days of being hired as a security guard. Afterward, one must take an eight hour course every year.

In April, Security Guard Training Schools were deemed essential businesses but many training schools saw a steep decline in their class sizes due to COVID 19. Even though training schools were open, folks were apprehensive about in-person classes and therefore didn't sign up for training. In some cases, those who needed training due to job requirements or some other need, had to travel to other locations because there were no training offerings in their areas. For example, a person traveled over 70 miles from North Syracuse, New York to Rochester, New York because he needed training for a job opportunity and there were no course offerings in his area.

Many people have lost jobs due to COVID 19 and some of those people are looking for a career change. Allowing security guard training schools to provide virtual training would be a great help to those who are in need of training by making it more convenient for them to obtain the training they need while promoting social distancing.

If driving schools can offer virtual training then security guard training schools should be able to do the same.