Protective Security

How do I enroll in PLT?

If hired, you will automatically be enrolled.

Who participates in PLT?

All newly hired protectors.

How long is the PLT Program?

Protectors are engaged in the PLT program for 2 years, graduating from the training academies and gaining promotions along the way. Here is more information on PLT.

Are Protectors required to stay in the PLT program for their 2 years of employment?

No. Protectors may self-drop from PLT at any time following their initial six months at GDBA – choosing to forgo the final two academies – the Professional Excellence and Professional Leadership Academies, PEA and PLA respectfully. If a protector forgoes these academies, they are not eligible for subsequent promotions. They are however, still eligible for merit-based earnings increases and bonuses. Finally, there are no contracts for any fixed period of employment at GDBA, and protectors who wish to resign from GDBA can do so at any time.

Does my participation in the PLT program mean I am guaranteed employment?

No. The PLT program does not alter your status as an “at-will” employee in any way.

I do not have a security, law enforcement, or military background. Can I still be hired as a protector?

Yes. GDBA hires candidates from a variety of backgrounds with a broad range of experiences.

Are there more senior level positions available within the Protective Security Division at GDBA that start with higher earnings?

Yes. Candidates with 7+ years of combined experience in executive protection and corporate security OR candidates who have served as a Commissioned Officer or Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (E-6+) in the military are considered for advanced leadership positions and higher earnings through the “Team Leader Track”. These Protectors are expected to complete the PLT program within the first six months of employment.

How will I be promoted?

Promotions at GDBA are based upon a number of tangible and intangible factors and are primarily merit based.

New Protectors within the 2-Year Professional Leadership Track (PLT) are given a clearly laid out track with set promotional benchmarks.
Within that training, a protector may be eligible for early, merit-based promotion to positions up to a position as a Team Leader. Upon completion of the PLT program, protectors are eligible for promotion to any senior leader position at GDBA, including Senior Team Leader and Regional Director. Base earnings – published internally at GDBA for all Protectors to see -- increase with each promotion.

Note: Protectors hired and placed on the aforementioned “Team Leader Track” are eligible for promotion to Senior Team Leader and Regional Director after six months of employment at GDBA and completion of the accelerated PLT Program.

What are the typical hours for a new hire?

A typical workweek for Protector is five, 8-hour shifts, totaling 40 hours.

Do you hire part-time employees?

Generally, no. GDBA may hire part-time law enforcement officers in certain cities.

How long is the probationary period?

All GDBA employees have an 16-week probationary period, within which they will attend and must successfully complete the Advanced Protection Skills Academy which is one of four academies within the 2 Year Professional Leadership Track (PLT) and consists, in part, of on the job training at your assigned protection detail location.

What variables determine a Protector’s earnings?

There’s a difference between your base earnings listed on your employment contract and your actual earnings at year’s end. Many variables affect a Protector’s earnings, including:

• Moving to a new Region
• Performance During the Hiring Process
• Overtime (both Predictable and Unpredictable)
• Merit-based Raises and Bonuses
• Special Assignments & Per Diem Pay
• Newly Added Skills (e.g. CCW permit)

If hired, what benefits will I receive?

GDBA offers the following benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401K Retirement Plan
• Air Evacuation Coverage (during international travel)

Most coverage begins after an employee has been employed for 30 days. The 401K retirement plan goes into effect the month following an associate’s first 30 days of employment. This listing is not intended to alter or modify any benefit program.

What other Long-Term Advantages are associated with a career at GDBA?

Merit-based Raises and Bonuses Protectors who contribute exceptional service can gain numerous merit-based raises and/or bonuses at any time.

Annual Training Bonuses GDBA provides additional bonuses for Protectors who obtain Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) licensing, those who obtain Concealed Weapons Permits, and those who complete our Advanced Water Rescue Training. There is also an annual allowance for firearms training /
ammunition or gym membership.

I am interested in working at GDBA, but I am not presently authorized to work in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, or Australia. Will GDBA sponsor my visa to any of these countries?

No. GDBA does not sponsor any work visas. To be eligible for our selection process, candidates must first acquire authorization to work in the country in which they wish to be employed. The selection process will require candidates to show proof of authorization before they can move forward.

Can GDBA protectors who work in California and are GI Bill® eligible receive income in addition to their GDBA earnings with no additional workload?

Yes. The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CSAAVE) has evaluated and approved GDBA’s Professional Leadership Track (PLT), a 2‐year training program within our larger training division, as an official On‐The‐Job Training Program in California.

What this means for many GDBA Protectors and their families: Eligible veterans and dependents at GDBA can now utilize their GI Bill® for additional income, i.e. drawing upon the Basic Allowance Housing (or BAH) offered by the GI Bill®. Moreover, these employees can draw this benefit without adding any further responsibilities (e.g. college coursework) outside of their normal GDBA duties.

Note: Our introductory 12-day Essential Protection Skills Training Academy (EPS) is not GI Bill® approved.

Who is eligible? U.S. military veterans and dependents who are GI Bill® eligible and willing to live in California while they work as a full‐time GDBA protector.

This short GDBA video also explains this veteran benefit.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at
https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

What kinds of protection details could I get assigned to?

The two most common types of details are Residential Protection or At-Risk Commercial Site Protection.

Residential Protection Assignments:

• Private, often high net-worth and recognizable Protectee(s)
• Provide protective and static security at fixed location, usually a Protectee’s home
• Responsible for maintaining security at the property, including the Protectee and their family
• Access control, emergency medical response, perimeter checks, monitoring early warning detection systems,
  responding to Protectee concerns
• Movements off the property are referred to as field details, including secure transport for the Protectee and family, event security, or domestic/international travel
• More covert operation than commercial site protection

At-Risk Commercial:

• Typically Fortune 500 company or organization that seeks to deter criminal activity
• Provide protective and physical security in commercial or corporate environments
• Responsible for maintaining security at the site, including personnel
• Identifiable; therefore, wider range of security requests and tasks and more daily interaction with the public
• Security management and policy, documenting activity, access control, threat assessment and intelligence gathering
• Provide close protection during special events and appearances
• More overt operation than residential site protection

Is it possible to laterally transfer to another detail or city?

Yes. GDBA gives priority to internal applicants for transfers. Transfer will be dependent upon your performance and the position available.

Where will I be working?

If you’re invited to the 12-day Essential Protection Skills Training Academy, before your arrival, your recruiter will confirm the region you’re being considered for. In phase-2 of the academy, you will sit down with a panel of directors who will have your academy scores and interview you for various positions. GDBA cannot guarantee any specific assignments until actual hire.

How is the shift schedule decided?

Typically, schedules are set a month in advance.; However, many scheduling changes can occur because of the nature of the work. Since we protect our clients whenever and wherever they need us, our schedules can often change to meet client needs.

There are mechanisms in place to submit day off requests.

Do I wear a suit every day?

It depends and for most protectors, no. Your daily attire will depend on each environment and each client’s needs and preferences. There are sites that require protectors to wear a suit every day, while at other sites, protectors are dressed less conspicuously and more casually.

Will I need to obtain a state-issued Guard and Firearm Permit before I attend the 12-Day Essential Protection Skills (EPS) Training Academy

No. State permits are not required to participate in our selection process. All employees, however, must obtain appropriate and necessary permits for the state where they will be working.

For California-based employees, GDBA’s 12-day EPS Training Academy covers training requirements needed to acquire BSIS’s Guard Card and 40 caliber Exposed Carry Permit. At the academy we also conduct live-scan and help submit your paperwork. You will be responsible for fees and timely processing by the state.

For non-California employees, Each state may have different licensing and testing requirements to permit you to work as an armed or unarmed security officer. You will need to start the process as soon as you’re hired and in many instances, GDBA is not authorized to start assigning you to a detail until you are properly licensed by the state. Most states will require that you are affiliated with a security agency. GDBA will help to facilitate the process and reimburse many of the expenses. When an Protector’s employment with GDBA ends however, the license is no longer valid.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. Protectors are required to provide protective coverage whenever and wherever our clients need us, including international protective details.

If you do not have one, once employed, you will be asked to apply for a passport.

Is it OK to use public transportation?

It depends. In cities like San Francisco and New York City, it is much more acceptable.

Since details may require you drive the Protectee, you will be required to have a valid driver’s license, even if you use public transportation and do not own a car.

Do I have to attend all 12 days of the Essential Protection Skills (EPS)
Training Academy before GDBA hires me?

Yes.

I do not have enough vacation or time off accrued. Should I quit my job to attend the academy?

GDBA does not recommend that any candidate quit their current job to attend the 12-day Academy as employment is not guaranteed. It is at the discretion of the candidate to determine how to best handle arrangements with their current employer.

Do I have to stay overnight at EPS if I am local?

Yes. We do not allow candidates to return home, even if they are local. It is mandatory to spend all 12 days and nights at the training facility. This experience not only allows for full-immersion learning but also builds camaraderie among candidates.

Do I have to pay to participate in the EPS Training Academy?

No. Candidates who successfully complete the initial elements of our selection process may be invited to attend our Academy. Invitations are coupled with a training Scholarship that covers the cost of the Academy course, including all material expenses, ground transportation during the eleven days, transportation to and from the airport, continental breakfasts, and lodging – all of this is paid for by GDBA. An invitation to the Academy expresses GDBA’s sincere interest in investing in a candidate’s training and consideration for employment. Attending EPS, however, does not guarantee employment with our firm.

How should I prepare for the Academy training?

If you are invited and accept the invitation, GDBA will provide you with a packing list and a reading list. No outside training or preparation is required. Prior to attending EPS, we recommend that candidates read The Gift of Fear and Just 2 Seconds.

What should I bring with me to the Academy?

If you are invited and accept the invitation, GDBA will provide you with a detailed packing list.

How long is the selection process?

Depending on a candidate’s availability, the selection process prior to gaining an invitation to our 12-day EPS Training Academy is 3-7 business days. See our Selection Timeline.

I have used nicotine in the past. Does that make me ineligible?

No. Past use is not a problem. Our no-nicotine policy applies only to current use. All candidates and employees must submit to random, ongoing nicotine screenings throughout employment with GDBA.

I have used illegal drugs in the past. Does that make me ineligible?

No. GDBA’s background investigation looks at every candidate holistically and considers all circumstances governing a candidate’s behavior prior to joining our firm. Use of any narcotics while an employee of GDBA may result in suspension or termination.

What is GDBA’s advice for candidates undergoing the background investigation?

It is important to be 100% honest and truthful. Above all, the purpose of GDBA’s background investigation is to determine if the candidate can be trusted. By answering all questions truthfully, especially the hard questions about past mistakes, candidates can prove they are trustworthy professionals.

To be hired as a GDBA Protector do I need to pass the Physical Readiness Test?

Yes. See PRT standards here. The PRT is conducted at the 12-day EPS Training Academy prior to a candidate’s eligibility for employment.

Can I go to college while working?

Yes. We have some associates who are both full-time protectors and full-time college students. These Protectors typically take a combination of ‘brick and mortar’ and online college classes (thus enabling them to take advantage of all of their Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits). Day-off requests and schedule adjustments for education will be considered after an employee’s initial 16-week probationary period.

More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Can I still be involved in the Reserves/National Guard while working?

Yes. GDBA does its best to accommodate Protectors’ drill obligations. Since all Reservists/National Guardsmen are made aware of their drill schedule ahead of time, we ask our employees to communicate these schedules to their supervisors and plan in advance for expected absences. (Many of our associates, including senior leadership, are in the Reserves / National Guard.)

Note: The California National Guard awarded GDBA leadership the National Guard’s Employer Patriot Award in June 2018 for supporting our associates in the CA National Guard.

If I’m hired, when do I have to report?

Ideally, new Protectors should start immediately upon hire. However, Protectors who need to relocate will be given at least 2 to 3 weeks before they’re expected to report for work. That date should be determined during your Recruiter Interview and during phase II of the 12-day EPS Training Academy.

When requesting a start date, you should factor in all considerations, such as:

• Time it takes to relocate
• Time it takes to acquire a state driver’s license
• Time it takes to register your vehicle and purchase state insurance
• Time it takes to submit and process your Security Officer License applications

Where should I direct my questions?

Please email your questions to
careers@gdba.com.