Quick Answer

Allied Universal can hire people with felony convictions for many security positions, but you must qualify for your state's security guard license, and client sites may add their own requirements.

Allied Universal is one of the largest security services companies in North America, with more than 300,000 employees there and security officers at client sites nationwide. Starting pay ranges from ($14–$19/ hour), with overnight shifts paying ($15–$20/ hour).

Applicants must be eligible for a state security guard license, as requirements vary by state.

Unarmed positions and overnight shifts are the most accessible, with real career advancement potential into supervisory and management roles earning ($19–$28/ hour) or ($55,000–$85,000 per year).

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Allied Universal

3. Hiring Policy

4. Available Jobs

5. Background Check

6. Frequently Asked Questions

7. Application Tips

8. Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

9. Final Thoughts

About Allied Universal

Allied Universal was founded in 2016 through the merger of AlliedBarton and Universal Services, and its company fact sheet lists more than 800,000 employees worldwide. The company provides unarmed and armed security services for office buildings, retail centers, hospitals, residential communities, manufacturing sites, and event venues.

For job seekers with a criminal record, Allied Universal offers meaningful access to steady employment due to its size and diversity of contracts. Unarmed security positions, particularly overnight shifts, are frequently open and often accessible for individuals who meet their state’s licensing requirements.

Security work provides reliable hours, clear duties, and a defined advancement path—from entry-level security officer to supervisory and management positions.

Hiring Policy

Allied Universal's hiring decisions are made within the limits of state licensing regulations and client site requirements.

Hiring Approach:

• Case-by-case review based on state licensing rules

• Separate criteria for unarmed and armed positions

• State security licensing required (eligibility varies)

• Client site requirements may influence eligibility

• Rehabilitation and time since conviction considered

Factors Considered:

• Whether the applicant is eligible for a state security license

• Type of offense (violent or non-violent) and time elapsed

• Relevance of conviction to security work

• Client site restrictions

• Demonstrated reliability and rehabilitation

Most Accessible Positions:

• Unarmed Security Officer

• Overnight/Graveyard Security

• Retail or Residential Site Security

Positions Facing More Scrutiny:

• Armed Security (federal firearm restrictions apply)

• High-security government or financial contracts

State Licensing Note: Security licensing laws differ by state. Some states allow individuals with non-violent convictions to obtain licenses after a waiting period, while violent or sexual offenses face greater restrictions. Always research your state’s rules before applying.

Available Jobs

Security Officer (Unarmed)

($14–$19/ hour)

Performs access control, patrols, and incident reporting. Most accessible entry-level role.

Overnight/Graveyard Security Officer

($15–$20/ hour)

Patrols facilities overnight; higher pay due to shift differential. Easier to fill than daytime roles.

Retail Security Officer

($14–$18/ hour)

Monitors theft prevention and customer safety in retail stores. Focuses on customer interaction.

Residential Security Officer

($14–$18/ hour)

Manages gate access, visitor logs, and patrols for apartments or gated communities.

Security Supervisor

($17–$24/ hour)

Supervises guards, ensures coverage, and reports incidents. Often promoted from within.

Account Manager

($19–$28/ hour or $40,000–$60,000 per year)

Oversees security operations for specific client accounts. Focuses on leadership and client relations.

Operations Manager

($26–$41/ hour or $55,000–$85,000 per year)

Manages multiple client sites and regional operations. Typically achieved after several years of experience.

Background Check

Allied Universal conducts both company and state-required checks as part of the licensing process.

What to Expect:

• State fingerprint-based criminal background check

• Lookback depends on the type of record and state law

• Federal, state, and county record searches

• Drug screening (may be required depending on the role and client site)

• Verification of eligibility for state security guard license

Timeline: Typically 2–4 weeks due to fingerprinting and state review.

Important: Applicants with older non-violent offenses may qualify for state licensing. Recent or violent convictions may require waiting periods or may be restricted by state law.

Application Tips

1. Research your state’s licensing rules first. Confirm if you’re eligible for a security guard license before applying.

   
   

2. Target unarmed positions. These are more accessible than armed roles and widely available.

   
   

3. Apply for overnight shifts. Graveyard security jobs are less competitive and often pay more.

   
   

4. Be honest about your background. Licensing requires fingerprinting, so transparency builds trust.

   
   

5. Apply to multiple sites. Each client site has different restrictions—more applications mean more chances.

   
   

6. Show up professionally. Clean appearance and punctuality are key in the security industry.

7. Highlight reliability. Employers prioritize consistent attendance and dependability.

   
   

8. Emphasize long-term interest. Express your goal to grow into supervisory or management roles.

   
   

9. Mention any relevant experience. Include customer service, military, or overnight work experience.

   
   

10. Stay substance-free. Drug testing is common in security work and may be required by the client site or position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get hired with a felony?

Possibly, if you qualify for your state’s security license and meet the client site’s requirements. Decisions depend on the offense, time passed, and the role.

Do all states allow felons to get security licenses?

No. Some have strict bans, while others allow case-by-case approval after a waiting period.

Which positions are most accessible?

Unarmed and overnight security officer roles are the easiest entry points.

Can I work while on probation or parole?

Yes, if your state licenses you and the client site approves.

Does Allied Universal drug test?

Drug testing is common in security work. Requirements depend on the state, client site, and position, so check the posting.

How long does the hiring process take?

Usually 2–4 weeks, depending on fingerprint and background processing.

Can I be an armed security guard with a felony?

Not typically—federal firearm laws prohibit possession for most felonies.

What if my state denies my license?

You won’t be eligible for security work, but you can pursue non-licensed roles in other industries.

How can I advance my career?

Start unarmed, prove reliability, then pursue supervisor or management roles after 1–3 years.

What are the pay ranges for advancement?

Supervisors earn ($17–$24/ hour); managers earn ($40,000–$60,000/ year); operations managers earn ($55,000–$85,000+/ year).

Similar Companies That Hire People with Felonies

• Securitas – Global security company; similar state licensing rules apply.

• G4S – Now part of Allied Universal.

• ABM Industries – Janitorial and facility services; no state security license required.

• Amazon – Warehouse and logistics jobs with steady pay and benefits.

• XPO Logistics – Freight and warehouse operations; background-friendly roles.

• DHL – Global logistics company offering warehouse and delivery jobs.

• Local security firms – Smaller state-based companies may have flexible policies.

Final Thoughts

Allied Universal provides a strong employment path for individuals rebuilding their lives after incarceration. As one of the largest security employers, with accessible unarmed and overnight roles and real career advancement opportunities, it is worth considering—provided you meet your state’s licensing requirements.

Before applying, research your state’s security guard license rules, then visit Jobs.AUS.com to explore available positions.

Starting in an unarmed or overnight role can open doors to stable, well-paying security careers over time.