How to get started as a Security Officer in California

Security Officer Application Fee

$50.00

On-Line Convenience Fee

$1.00

TOTAL – $51.00

Step 3 – Once you have submitted your fees, your application, and your background is cleared (FBI), your name will appear on the BSIS website.

You can verify the Bureau’s approval by checking “Verify a License” at http://www.bsis.ca.gov/online_services/verify_license.shtml.

You should receive your actual “permit” in 10-14 days.

Step 4 – Complete your required 8 hours of training. This training is outlined below:

POWER TO ARREST COURSE OUTLINE

The Power to Arrest Course consists of four (4) hours of training in both of the following two (2) subjects:

Objective: To familiarize and instruct the individual on the training topics delineated at Business and Professions Code section 7583.7, including, without limitation, legal aspects, techniques, liability, and company requirements relating to the arrest of an individual. The training will utilize the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Power to Arrest Training Manual and may include lecture, discussion, exercises and role-playing.

1. Overview of Power to Arrest Manual and subject matter.
2. Definition of arrest and discussion on the implications to the subject, the guard and the company.
3. Lecture/discussion on escalation and de-escalation techniques in the use of force.
4. Lecture/discussion in the use of restraint techniques and their implications.
5. Discussion of trespass laws and implications of enforcement.
6. Completion of the Power to Arrest Training Manual Test with 100% score in accordance with the Manual’s Administering Instructions.

Objective: To familiarize and instruct the individual on the subject matter and observation skills required to identify and report precursor activities to a terrorist event, react appropriately, report the occurrence of a terrorist event, and remain safe while helping control the scene after a terrorist event. The training will utilize the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Weapons of Mass Destruction & Terrorism Awareness for Security Professionals course consisting of a Digital Video Disk (DVD), Student Workbook and Facilitator Manual.

1. Introduction and overview of the training.
2. The Role of a Security Officer.
3. The Nature of Terrorism.
4. Weapons of Mass Destruction.
5. Coordinating and Sharing of Critical Information.

NOTE: Many Private Patrol Operators and approved training facilities will process all of this paperwork and provide the initial training for you … for a fee. Security Companies offer this service as a convenient way to hire new Officers and ensure that they have the required paperwork and forms completed before assigning them a post. Consider this option only if you want a “fast track” to a new assignment with that company.

You may apply to be a Security Officer the traditional way if you do not have access to a computer.

Just submit your completed application with the appropriate fees ($50 registration fee) and a Security Guard Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan operator.

The $32 DOJ fingerprint processing fee and a $19 FBI fingerprint processing fee must be paid at the Live Scan site.

Send your application package to the: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002.

Good luck!

P.S. In California, there is a distinct difference between a Uniformed Security Officer and a Proprietary Security Officer. (I will explain the difference in a separate post. Stay tuned!)