Does Allied Universal Hire Felons? Hiring Policy

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), nearly 77 million adults in the U.S. have a criminal record, which equals about 1 in 3 Americans. For those with felonies, finding steady employment can be especially tough — many industries still hesitate to hire people with convictions, even years after they’ve served their sentence.

With over 800,000 employees worldwide, Allied Universal offers a wide range of jobs, from security guards and monitoring agents to administrative staff. Because of the nature of security work, their hiring practices are strict, but not impossible for people with records.

Allied Universal at a Glance

Before answering whether they hire felons, it helps to know who Allied Universal is and what kind of jobs they offer.

• Industry: Security and facility services
• Founded: 1957
• Headquarters: Santa Ana, California
• Employees: 800,000+ globally
• Services: Security guards, monitoring, risk advisory, janitorial, technology-driven security solutions

Common Roles at Allied Universal

• Security Guard / Security Officer
• Armed Security Officer (requires firearm license)
• Corporate Security Supervisor
• Patrol Officer
• Monitoring Center Operator
• Customer Service roles

The level of responsibility in these roles greatly affects whether someone with a felony can be hired.

Does Allied Universal Hire Felons?

Yes, Allied Universal does hire felons — but not in all cases.

The company follows a case-by-case approach when evaluating applicants with criminal records. Here’s what they consider:

1. Nature of the Felony
   • Violent felonies (e.g., assault, robbery, homicide) are very unlikely to be approved.
   • Theft, fraud, or security-related crimes are often disqualifying, since trust is key in security work.
   • Non-violent, older convictions may be considered, especially if unrelated to security duties.
2. Time Since Conviction
   • A felony from 10 years ago carries less weight than one from last year.
   • Many reports suggest Allied Universal looks more favorably at applicants if at least 7 years have passed.
3. State Laws & Licensing Requirements
   • Some states legally prohibit felons from working as security guards.
   • In states with “Ban the Box” or Fair Chance hiring laws, applicants may have better odds.
4. Position Applied For
   • Entry-level unarmed guard roles are easier to get than armed or corporate roles.
   • Jobs requiring government contracts or firearm licenses usually exclude felons.

So while felons can be hired, the decision depends heavily on background checks, role, and state rules.

Learn More: Does Waffle House Hire Felons?

Allied Universal’s Background Check Process

To understand their hiring policy, you need to know what they look for during a background check. Allied Universal uses third-party background screening companies.

What They Check

1. Criminal History – Felonies, misdemeanors, pending charges.
2. Employment Verification – Past jobs, roles, and performance.
3. Education Verification – Especially for higher-level positions.
4. Drug Screening – Typically required before final hiring.
5. Fingerprinting – Required in some states for security licenses.

How Long It Takes

• On average: 3–10 business days.
• Some states with stricter fingerprint checks may take up to 2 weeks.

Disqualifiers

• Felonies involving violence, weapons, theft, fraud, or drugs.
• Recent convictions (within the past 5–7 years).
• False information on the application.

Factors That Influence Hiring a Felon at Allied Universal

✅ Positive Factors

• Conviction is older than 7–10 years
• Non-violent offense
• Clean record since release
• Professional references
• Certifications or training in security, customer service, or safety

❌ Negative Factors

• Multiple convictions
• Violent or theft-related crimes
• Active probation or parole
• Lying about past convictions

Real Applicant Experiences

Many applicants share their hiring experiences on sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Reddit. Here are some summarized insights:

• Case 1 (Texas): A man with a 12-year-old drug felony was hired as an unarmed security guard.
• Case 2 (California): An applicant with a recent burglary charge was denied after background check.
• Case 3 (Florida): A woman with a non-violent felony from 8 years ago was approved for a monitoring center role.

Felons are hired, but mostly for non-sensitive roles and when the conviction is old.

Comparison With Other Security Companies

To put Allied Universal’s stance in perspective, here’s how it stacks up against competitors:

Allied Universal is more open than Securitas, but slightly stricter than GardaWorld.

Tips for Felons Applying to Allied Universal

1. Be Honest on the Application
   • Lying is an automatic disqualifier.
2. Focus on Rehabilitation
   • Highlight programs, volunteer work, or training since conviction.
3. Get Security Certifications
   • Example: Guard Card (California), SIA License (UK).
   • These show commitment to compliance.
4. Apply for Unarmed Roles First
   • Easier entry point than armed or government-contracted positions.
5. Consider Record Expungement
   • Some states allow felonies to be sealed after a set number of years.

Legal Protections for Applicants with Records

1. Ban the Box Laws
   • In 37 states, employers can’t ask about criminal history on the first application.
2. EEOC Guidelines
   • Employers must consider the nature of the crime, time passed, and job relevance before rejecting someone.
3. State Security Licensing Rules
   • Each state has its own rules for security guards. Example:
     • California: Some felonies disqualify guard licenses.
     • Texas: 10-year wait period for certain crimes.
     • New York: Must apply for a “Certificate of Relief” in some cases.

Final Thought

Allied Universal does hire felons, but it’s not guaranteed for everyone. Your chances depend on the type of conviction, how much time has passed, and the role you’re applying for. While violent or theft-related felonies often close doors, non-violent and older convictions may still leave room for opportunity. If you’re honest, show proof of rehabilitation, and apply for the right roles, Allied Universal could be a real path to rebuilding your career.

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