Quick Answer
Yes, Allied Universal hires people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis for many security positions.
With over 800,000 employees, Allied Universal is North America’s largest security services company, providing security officers to thousands of 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).
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About Allied Universal
Allied Universal, formed through the merger of AlliedBarton and Universal Services in 2016, employs over 800,000 people and operates in all 50 states. 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 evaluates each applicant individually within the constraints of state licensing regulations.
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. Many states allow individuals with non-violent convictions to obtain licenses after a waiting period of 3–10 years, 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
7–10 year review (varies by state)
Federal, state, and county record searches
Drug screening (pre-employment and random)
Verification of eligibility for state security guard license
Timeline: Typically 2–4 weeks due to fingerprinting and state review.
Important: Applicants with non-violent offenses older than several years often pass state licensing. Recent or violent convictions may require waiting periods or may be restricted by state law.
Application Tips
Research your state’s licensing rules first. Confirm if you’re eligible for a security guard license before applying.
Target unarmed positions. These are more accessible than armed roles and widely available.
Apply for overnight shifts. Graveyard security jobs are less competitive and often pay more.
Be honest about your background. Licensing requires fingerprinting, so transparency builds trust.
Apply to multiple sites. Each client site has different restrictions—more applications mean more chances.
Show up professionally. Clean appearance and punctuality are key in the security industry.
Highlight reliability. Employers prioritize consistent attendance and dependability.
Emphasize long-term interest. Express your goal to grow into supervisory or management roles.
Mention any relevant experience. Include customer service, military, or overnight work experience.
Stay substance-free. Security roles require sobriety; drug testing is standard across all positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get hired with a felony?
Yes, if you qualify for your state’s security license. Allied Universal reviews applicants individually.
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?
Yes. Pre-employment and random drug testing are required.
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 – 200,000+ employees; similar licensing rules; case-by-case evaluation.
G4S – Now part of Allied Universal; follows identical hiring standards.
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. With 800,000+ employees, accessible unarmed and overnight roles, and real career advancement opportunities, it is one of the most inclusive large employers in the security industry—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.
Does Allied Universal Hire Felons in 2026?
Everything You Need to Know
Last Updated: January 2026
G4S Group 4 Securicor
Industry:
Maintenance Trades & Facilities
Pay:
$15.00 – $31.00/hour
Location:
All States
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