text: As used in this chapter, “director” means the Director of Consumer Affairs, unless the context indicates otherwise.

article: 1. General


kind: section

code: BPC

text: The director shall administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1285, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 1995.)

division: 3. PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY

chapter: 11.5. Private Security Services

article: 1. General

path: 3. PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY > 11.5. Private Security Services > 1. General


text: As used in this chapter, “person” includes any individual, firm, company, association, organization, partnership, corporation, and participating tribe.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 484, Sec. 29. (SB 1454) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 1. General


text: As used in this chapter, “bureau” means the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.

article: 1. General


text: As used in this chapter, “chief” means the Chief of the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.

article: 1. General


text: As used in this chapter, “licensee” means a person licensed under this chapter and includes, but is not limited to, private patrol operator and armored contract carrier.

article: 1. General


text:
(a) As used in this chapter, “qualified manager” means the individual under whose direction, control, charge, or management the business of a licensee is operated, who has qualified pursuant to Section 7582.22, and who is in possession of a current and valid qualified manager’s certificate issued pursuant to this chapter.

(b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2025.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 23) and added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 571, Sec. 2. (AB 1244) Effective January 1, 2024. Operative January 1, 2025, by its own provisions.)

article: 1. General


text: As used in this chapter, “employer” means a person who employs an individual for wages or salary, lists the individual on the employer’s payroll records, and withholds all legally required deductions and contributions.

article: 1. General


text: As used in this chapter, “employee” means an individual who works for an employer, is listed on the employer’s payroll records, and is under the employer’s direction and control.

article: 1. General


text: As used in this chapter, “employer-employee” relationship means a relationship in which an individual works for another, the individual’s name appears on the payroll records of the employer, and the employee is under the direction and control of the employer.

article: 1. General


text: As used in this chapter, “firearm permit” includes “firearms permit,” “firearms qualification card,” “firearms qualification,” and “firearms qualification permit.”

article: 1. General


text: Every power and duty granted to or imposed upon the director may be exercised by any other officer or employee of the Department of Consumer Affairs authorized by the director, but the director shall have the supervision of and the responsibility for all powers and duties exercised by these officers and employees.

article: 1. General


text: The director may, in accordance with the State Civil Service Act and subject to the provisions of Section 159.5, appoint and fix the compensation of inspectors, investigators, and other personnel as may be necessary for the enforcement of this chapter.

article: 1. General


text: Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as entitling any person to practice law in this state unless he or she is an active member of the State Bar of California.

article: 1. General


text:
(a) As used in this chapter, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Federally recognized tribe” means a tribe located in this state and included on the list published in the Federal Register pursuant to the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. Sec. 5131) and includes an entity controlled by and established for the benefit of one or more tribes.

(2) “Participating tribe” means a federally recognized tribe that formally applies for licensure from the bureau pursuant to subdivision (b).

(b) The bureau shall license a federally recognized tribe that applies for licensure and is otherwise compliant with the provisions of this chapter for the purpose of engaging in a business regulated by this chapter.

(c) This chapter is not intended to infringe upon or diminish the existing rights, privileges, and immunities of federally recognized tribes as set forth in federal, state, or tribal law, or the jurisdiction of those participating tribes.

(d) This chapter does not confer upon the bureau or director any rights or authority to regulate any activity within the jurisdiction of a participating tribe.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 484, Sec. 30. (SB 1454) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 1. General


citation: BPC § 7581

text:
The director may adopt and enforce reasonable rules, as follows:

(a) Classifying licensees according to the type of business regulated by this chapter in which they are engaged, including, but not limited to, persons employed by any lawful business as security guards or patrolpersons, and armored contract carriers and limiting the field and scope of the operations of a licensee to those in which he or she is classified and qualified to engage.

(b) Fixing the qualifications of licensees and managers, in addition to those prescribed in this chapter, necessary to promote and protect the public welfare.

(c) Carrying out generally the provisions of this chapter, including regulation of the conduct of licensees.

(d) Establishing the qualifications that any person employed by a private patrol operator or any lawful business as a security guard or patrolperson, or employed by an armored contract carrier, must meet as a condition of becoming eligible to carry firearms pursuant to Section 26030 of the Penal Code.

(e) Requiring each uniformed employee of a private patrol operator and each armored vehicle guard, as defined in this chapter, and any other person employed and compensated by a private patrol operator or any lawful business as a security guard or patrolperson and who in the course of this employment carries a deadly weapon to be registered with the bureau upon application on a form prescribed by the director accompanied by the registration fee and by two classifiable sets of fingerprints of the applicant or its equivalent as determined by the director and approved by the Department of Justice, establishing the term of the registration for a period of not less than two nor more than four years, and providing for the renewal thereof upon proper application and payment of the renewal fee. The director may, after opportunity for a hearing, refuse this registration to any person who lacks good moral character, and may impose reasonable additional requirements as are necessary to meet local needs that are not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter.

(f) Establishing procedures whereby the local authorities of any city, county, or city and county may file charges with, or any person in this state, may file a complaint with the director alleging that any licensed private patrol operator, registered security guard, or patrolperson, or anyone who is an applicant for registration or licensure with the bureau, fails to meet standards for registration or licensure, or violates any provision of this chapter, and providing further for the investigation of the charges and a response to the charging or complaining party in the manner described in subdivision (b) of Section 129.

(g) Requiring private patrol operators and any lawful business to maintain detailed records identifying all firearms in their possession or under their control, and the employees or persons authorized to carry or have access to those firearms.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 178, Sec. 3. (SB 1115) Effective January 1, 2011. Operative January 1, 2012, by Sec. 107 of Ch. 178.)

article: 2. Administration

path: 3. PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY > 11.5. Private Security Services > 2. Administration


text:
The Governor shall appoint two private security disciplinary review committees, and may remove any member of a disciplinary review committee for misconduct, incompetency, or neglect of duty. One committee shall meet in the southern portion of the state and the other committee shall meet in the northern portion of the state.

Each disciplinary review committee shall consist of five members. Of the five members, one member shall be actively engaged in the business of a licensed private patrol operator, one member shall be actively engaged in the business of a firearm training facility, one member shall be actively engaged in the business of a registered security guard, and two members shall be public members. None of the public members shall be licensees or registrants or engaged in any business or profession in which any part of the fees, compensation, or revenue thereof, is derived from any licensee.

Each committee shall meet every 60 days or more or less frequently as may be required. The members shall be paid per diem pursuant to Section 103 and shall be reimbursed for actual travel expenses. The members shall be appointed for a term of four years.

article: 2. Administration


text:
(a) Each disciplinary review committee shall perform the following functions as they pertain to private patrol operators, security guards, firearm qualification cardholders, baton permitholders, firearm training facilities, firearm training instructors, baton training facilities, and baton training instructors, as licensed, permitted, certified, or registered by the bureau under this chapter, and proprietary security officers, as registered by the bureau under Chapter 11.4 (commencing with Section 7574):

(1) Affirm, rescind, or modify all appealed decisions that concern administrative fines assessed by the director.

(2) Affirm, rescind, or modify all appealed decisions that concern denials, revocations, or suspensions of a license, certificate, or registration except denials, revocations, or suspensions ordered by the director in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2024.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 13) and added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 287, Sec. 14. (AB 2515) Effective January 1, 2023. Operative January 1, 2024, by its own provisions.)

article: 2. Administration


text:
(a) A private patrol operator, qualified manager of a private patrol operator, security guard, firearm qualification cardholder, baton permitholder, firearm training facility, firearm training instructor, baton training facility, or baton training instructor may request a review by a disciplinary review committee to contest the assessment of an administrative fine or to appeal a denial, revocation, or suspension of a license, certificate, or registration unless the denial, revocation, or suspension is ordered by the director in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(b) A request for a review shall be by written notice to the bureau within 30 days of the issuance of the citation and assessment, denial, revocation, or suspension.

(c) Following a review by a disciplinary review committee, the appellant shall be notified within 30 days, in writing, by regular mail, of the committee’s decision.

(d) If the appellant disagrees with the decision made by a disciplinary review committee, they may request a hearing in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. A request for a hearing following a decision by a disciplinary review committee shall be by written notice to the bureau within 30 days following notice of the committee’s decision.

(e) If the appellant does not request a hearing within 30 days, the review committee’s decision shall become final.

(f) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2024.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 15) and added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 287, Sec. 16. (AB 2515) Effective January 1, 2023. Operative January 1, 2024, by its own provisions.)

article: 2. Administration


text: Except in cases where licensees are required to comply with the provisions of Section 7581.3, where a hearing is held under this chapter to determine whether an application for a license should be granted or to determine the qualifications of a licensee’s manager, the proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the director shall have all of the powers granted therein.

article: 2. Administration


text: The director shall furnish, at least once every two years, one copy of the current licensing law, rules, and regulations to every licensed business governed under this chapter, without charge. The director may charge and collect a fee equivalent to the cost of producing these documents for each additional copy which may be furnished upon request to any licensee or any applicant for licensure and for each copy furnished on request to any other person.

article: 2. Administration


text: It is the intent of the Legislature, consistent with Section 128.5 of the Business and Professions Code, that the bureau shall not maintain a reserve balance of funds greater than the amount necessary to fund operating expenses of the bureau and that the bureau shall periodically review fees pursuant to this chapter to evaluate the appropriateness of each fee and the regulatory costs associated with each fee.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 429, Sec. 31. (SB 547) Effective January 1, 2018.)

article: 2. Administration


citation: BPC § 7582

text: No person shall engage in a business regulated by this chapter; act or assume to act as, or represent himself or herself to be, a licensee unless he or she is licensed under this chapter; and no person shall falsely represent that he or she is employed by a licensee.

path: 3. PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY > 11.5. Private Security Services > 3. Regulation, Licensing, and Registration


text:
(a) A private patrol operator, or operator of a private patrol service, within the meaning of this chapter is a person, other than an armored contract carrier, who, for any consideration whatsoever:

Agrees to furnish, or furnishes, a watchman, guard, patrolperson, or other person to protect persons or property or to prevent the theft, unlawful taking, loss, embezzlement, misappropriation, or concealment of any goods, wares, merchandise, money, bonds, stocks, notes, documents, papers, or property of any kind; or performs the service of a watchman, guard, patrolperson, or other person, for any of these purposes.

(b) (1) A person licensed as a private patrol operator only may not make any investigation or investigations except those that are incidental to the theft, loss, embezzlement, misappropriation, or concealment of any property, or any other thing enumerated in this section that they have been hired or engaged to protect, guard, or watch.

(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any federally recognized tribe performing investigative functions within the jurisdiction of a federally recognized tribe, consistent with federal or tribal law.

(c) An armored contract carrier within the meaning of this chapter is a contract carrier operating armored vehicles pursuant to California Highway Patrol and Public Utilities Commission authority.

(d) An armored vehicle guard within the meaning of this chapter is any person employed by an armored contract carrier who in the course of that employment carries a deadly weapon.

(e) A security guard or security officer, within the meaning of this chapter, is an employee of a private patrol operator, or an employee of a lawful business or public agency who is not exempted pursuant to Section 7582.2, who performs the functions as described in subdivision (a) on or about the premises owned or controlled by the customer of the private patrol operator or by the guard’s employer or in the company of persons being protected.

(f) A street patrolperson, within the meaning of this chapter, is a security guard or security officer employed by a private patrol operator who performs the functions described in subdivision (a) by street patrol service utilizing foot patrol, motor patrol, or other means of transportation in public areas, streets or public thoroughfares in order to serve multiple customers. “Street patrolperson” does not include management or supervisory employees of the private patrol operator moving from one customer location to another to inspect personnel or security guard or security officers.

(g) This section shall not limit the ability of a participating tribe to do either of the following:

(1) Perform for itself any services set forth in subdivision (a).

(2) Perform other investigative functions within the jurisdiction of a federally recognized tribe, consistent with federal or tribal law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 484, Sec. 31. (SB 1454) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 3. Regulation, Licensing, and Registration


text:
This chapter does not apply to the following:

(a) A person who does not meet the requirements to be a proprietary private security officer, as defined in Section 7574.01, and is employed exclusively and regularly by an employer who does not provide contract security services for other entities or persons, in connection with the affairs of the employer only and where there exists an employer-employee relationship if that person at no time carries or uses a deadly weapon in the performance of that person’s duties. For purposes of this subdivision, “deadly weapon” is defined to include an instrument or weapon of the kind commonly known as a blackjack, slungshot, billy, sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles, a dirk, dagger, pistol, revolver, or any other firearm, a knife having a blade longer than five inches, a razor with an unguarded blade, and a metal pipe or bar used or intended to be used as a club.

(b) An officer or employee of the United States or of this state or a political subdivision thereof, while the officer or employee is engaged in the performance of the officer’s or employee’s official duties, including uniformed peace officers employed part time by a public agency pursuant to a written agreement between a chief of police or sheriff and the public agency, provided the part-time employment does not exceed 50 hours in any calendar month.

(c) Patrol special police officers appointed by the police commission of a city, county, or city and county under the express terms of its charter who also under the express terms of the charter (1) are subject to suspension or dismissal after a hearing on charges duly filed with the commission after a fair and impartial trial, (2) must be not less than 18 years of age nor more than 40 years of age, (3) must possess physical qualifications prescribed by the commission, and (4) are designated by the police commission as the owners of a certain beat or territory as may be fixed from time to time by the police commission.

(d) A peace officer of this state or a political subdivision thereof while the peace officer is employed by a private employer to engage in off-duty employment in accordance with Section 1126 of the Government Code. However, nothing herein shall exempt a peace officer who either contracts for the peace officer’s services or the services of others as a private patrol operator or contracts for the peace officer’s services as or is employed as an armed private security officer. For purposes of this subdivision, “armed security officer” means an individual who carries or uses a firearm in the course and scope of that contract or employment.

(e) A retired peace officer of the state or political subdivision thereof when the retired peace officer is employed by a private employer in employment approved by the chief law enforcement officer of the jurisdiction where the employment takes place, provided that the retired officer is in a uniform of a public law enforcement agency, has registered with the bureau on a form approved by the director, and has met any training requirements or their equivalent as established for security personnel under Section 7583.5. This officer may not carry an unloaded and exposed handgun unless the officer is exempted under the provisions of Article 2 (commencing with Section 26361) of Chapter 6 of Division 5 of Title 4 of Part 6 of the Penal Code, may not carry an unloaded firearm that is not a handgun unless the officer is exempted under the provisions of Article 2 (commencing with Section 26405) of Chapter 7 of Division 5 of Title 4 of Part 6 of the Penal Code, and may not carry a loaded or concealed firearm unless the officer is exempted under the provisions of Article 2 (commencing with Section 25450) of Chapter 2 of Division 5 of Title 4 of Part 6 of the Penal Code or Sections 25900 to 25910, inclusive, of the Penal Code or has met the requirements set forth in subdivision (d) of Section 26030 of the Penal Code. However, nothing herein shall exempt the retired peace officer who contracts for the officer’s services or the services of others as a private patrol operator.

(f) A peace officer in official police uniform acting in accordance with subdivisions (c) and (d) of Section 70 of the Penal Code.

(g) An unarmed, uniformed security person employed exclusively and regularly by a motion picture studio facility employer who does not provide contract security services for other entities or persons in connection with the affairs of that employer only and where there exists an employer-employee relationship if that person at no time carries or uses a deadly weapon, as defined in subdivision (a), in the performance of that person’s duties, which may include, but are not limited to, the following business purposes:

(1) The screening and monitoring access of employees of the same employer.

(2) The screening and monitoring access of prearranged and preauthorized invited guests.

(3) The screening and monitoring of vendors and suppliers.

(4) Patrolling the private property facilities for the safety and welfare of all who have been legitimately authorized to have access to the facility.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 484, Sec. 32. (SB 1454) Effective January 1, 2025.)


text:
(a) Unless specifically exempted by Section 7582.2, no person shall engage in the business of private patrol operator, as defined in Section 7582.1, unless that person has applied for and received a license to engage in that business pursuant to this chapter.

(b) Any person who violates any provision of this chapter or who conspires with another person to violate any provision of this chapter relating to private patrol operator licensure, or who knowingly engages a nonexempt unlicensed person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or by imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.

(c) A proceeding to impose the fine specified in subdivision (b) may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General or by any district attorney or city attorney, or with the consent of the district attorney, the city prosecutor in any city or city and county having a full-time city prosecutor for the jurisdiction in which the violation occurred. If the action is brought by the district attorney, the penalty collected shall be paid to the treasurer of the county in which the judgment is entered. If the action is brought by a city attorney or city prosecutor, one-half of the penalty collected shall be paid to the treasurer of the city in which the judgment was entered and one-half to the treasurer of the county in which the judgment was entered. If the action is brought by the Attorney General, all of the penalty collected shall be deposited in the Private Security Services Fund.

(d) Any person who: (1) acts as or represents himself or herself to be a private patrol operator under this chapter when that person is not a licensee under this chapter; (2) falsely represents that he or she is employed by a licensee under this chapter when that person is not employed by a licensee under this chapter; (3) carries a badge, identification card, or business card, indicating that he or she is a licensee under this chapter when that person is not a licensee under this chapter; (4) uses a letterhead or other written or electronically generated materials indicating that he or she is a licensee under this chapter when that person is not a licensee under this chapter; or (5) advertises that he or she is a licensee under this chapter when that person is not a licensee, is guilty of a misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.

(e) A proceeding to impose the fine specified in subdivision (d) may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General or by any district attorney or city attorney, or with the consent of the district attorney, the city prosecutor in any city or city and county having a full-time city prosecutor for the jurisdiction in which the violation occurred. If the action is brought by the district attorney, the penalty collected shall be paid to the treasurer of the county in which the judgment is entered. If the action is brought by a city attorney or city prosecutor, one-half of the penalty collected shall be paid to the treasurer of the city in which the judgment was entered and one-half to the treasurer of the county in which the judgment was entered. If the action is brought by the Attorney General, all of the penalty collected shall be deposited in the Private Security Services Fund.

(f) Any person who is convicted of a violation of the provisions of this section shall not be issued a license under this chapter, within one year following that conviction.

(g) Any person who is convicted of a violation of subdivision (a), (b), or (d) shall not be issued a license for a period of one year following a first conviction and shall not be issued a license for a period of five years following a second or subsequent conviction of subdivision (a), (b), or (d), or any combination of subdivision (a), (b), or (d).

(h) The chief shall gather evidence of violations of this chapter and of any rule or regulation established pursuant to this chapter by persons engaged in the business of private patrol operator who fail to obtain licenses and shall gather evidence of violations and furnish that evidence to prosecuting officers of any county or city for the purpose of prosecuting all violations occurring within their jurisdiction.

(i) The prosecuting officer of any county or city shall prosecute all violations of this chapter occurring within his or her jurisdiction.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 710, Sec. 4.5. Effective January 1, 1997.)


text:
(a) The superior court in and for the county in which any person has engaged or is about to engage in any act which constitutes a violation of Section 7582.3 may, upon a petition filed by the bureau with the approval of the director, issue an injunction or other appropriate order restraining this conduct and may impose a civil fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000). The proceedings under this section shall be governed by Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 525) of Title 7 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, except that there shall be no requirement to allege facts necessary to show or tending to show lack of adequate remedy at law or irreparable injury.

(b) The superior court for the county in which any person has engaged in any act which constitutes a violation of Section 7582.3 may, upon a petition filed by the bureau with the approval of the director, order this person to make restitution to persons injured as a result of the violation.

(c) The court may order a person subject to an injunction or restraining order, provided for in subdivision (a), or subject to an order requiring restitution pursuant to subdivision (b), to reimburse the bureau for expenses incurred by the bureau in its investigation related to its petition.

(d) A proceeding to impose the fine specified in subdivision (a) or to enjoin the unlicensed operation may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction in the name of the people of the State of California by the Attorney General, or by any district attorney or city attorney, or, with the consent of the district attorney, the city prosecutor in any city or city and county having a full-time city prosecutor, for the jurisdiction in which the violation occurred. If the action is brought by the district attorney, the penalty collected shall be paid to the treasurer of the county in which the judgment is entered. If the action is brought by a city attorney or city prosecutor, one-half of the penalty collected shall be paid to the treasurer of the city in which the judgment was entered and one-half to the treasurer of the county in which the judgment was entered. If the action is brought by the Attorney General, all of the penalty collected shall be deposited in the Private Security Services Fund.

(e) The remedy provided for by this section shall be in addition to any other remedy provided for in this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 710, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 1997.)


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person engaging in a business as a private patrol operator who violates Section 7582 is guilty of an infraction subject to the procedures described in Sections 19.6 and 19.7 of the Penal Code under either of the following circumstances:

(1) A complaint or a written notice to appear in court pursuant to Chapter 5c (commencing with Section 853.5) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code is filed in court charging the offense as an infraction unless the defendant, at the time he or she is arraigned, after being advised of his or her rights, elects to have the case proceed as a misdemeanor.

(2) The court, with the consent of the defendant and the prosecution, determines that the offense is an infraction in which event the case shall proceed as if the defendant has been arraigned on an infraction complaint.

(b) This section does not apply to a violation of Section 7582 if the defendant has had his or her license previously revoked or suspended.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a violation of Section 7582, which is an infraction, is punishable by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000). No portion of the fine may be suspended by the court unless as a condition of that suspension the defendant is required to submit proof of a current valid license for the profession of private patrol operator which was the basis for his or her conviction.


text:
(a) The provisions of this chapter shall not prevent the local authorities of any city, county, or city and county, by ordinance and within the exercise of the police power of the city, county, or city and county from imposing local regulations upon any street patrol service or street patrol special officers requiring registration with an agency to be designated by the city, county, or city and county, including in the registration full information as to the identification and employment and subject to the right of the city, county, or city and county to allocate certain portions of the territory in the city, county, or city and county within which the activities of any street patrol service or person shall be confined. Any city, county, or city and county may refuse registration to any person of bad moral character and may impose reasonable additional requirements as are necessary to meet local needs and are not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter.

(b) The provisions of this chapter shall not prevent the local authorities of any city, county, or city and county, by ordinance and within the exercise of the police power of the city, county, or city and county from imposing local regulations upon any employees of a private patrol operator who are unable to furnish evidence of current registration pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 7581.

(c) The provisions of this chapter shall not prevent the local authorities of any city, county, or city and county, by ordinance and within the exercise of the police power of the city, county, or city and county from requiring private patrol operators and their employees to register their name and file a copy of their state identification card with the city, county, or city and county. No fee may be charged and no application may be required by the city, county, or city and county for this registration.

(d) The provisions of this chapter shall not prevent the local authorities in any city, county, or city and county, by ordinance and within the exercise of the police power of the city, county, or city and county from imposing reasonable additional requirements necessary to regulate and control protection dogs according to their local needs and not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter.


text: An application for a license under this chapter shall be on a form prescribed by the director and accompanied by the application fee provided by this chapter.


text:
An application shall be verified and shall include:

(a) The full name and business address of the applicant.

(b) The name under which the applicant intends to do business.

(c) A statement as to the general nature of the business in which the applicant intends to engage.

(d) A statement as to the type of license for which the applicant is applying.

(e) A verified statement of the applicant’s experience qualifications.

(f) (1) If the applicant is an individual, a qualified manager, partner of a partnership, or officer of a corporation designated in subdivision (i), one personal identification form provided by the bureau upon which shall appear a photograph taken within one year immediately preceding the date of the filing of the application together with two legible sets of fingerprints, one set of which shall be forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for purposes of a background check, on a form approved by the Department of Justice, and a personal description of each person, respectively. The identification form shall include residence addresses and employment history for the previous five years and be signed under penalty of perjury.

(2) The bureau may impose a fee not to exceed three dollars ($3) for processing classifiable fingerprint cards submitted by applicants, excluding those submitted into an electronic fingerprint system using electronic fingerprint technology.

(g) In addition, if the applicant for a license is an individual, the application shall list all other names known as or used during the past 10 years and shall state that the applicant is to be personally and actively in charge of the business for which the license is sought, or if any other qualified manager is to be actively in charge of the business, the application shall be subscribed, verified, and signed by the applicant, under penalty of perjury, and if any other person is to be actively in charge of the business, the application shall also be subscribed, verified, and signed by that person under penalty of perjury.

(h) If the applicants for license are copartners, the application shall state the true names and addresses of all partners and the name of the partner to be actively in charge of the business for which the license is sought; and list all other names known as or used during the past 10 years, or if a qualified manager other than a partner is to be actively in charge of the business, then the application shall be subscribed, verified, and signed by all of the partners under penalty of perjury, and if any other person is to be actively in charge of the business, the application shall also be subscribed, verified, and signed by that person, under penalty of perjury, under penalty of perjury by all of the partners and qualified manager, or by all of the partners or the qualified manager.

(i) If the applicant for license is a corporation, the application shall state the true names, and complete residence addresses of the chief executive officer, secretary, chief financial officer, and any other corporate officer who will be active in the business to be licensed. The application shall also state the name and address of the designated person to be actively in charge of the business for which the license is sought. The application shall be subscribed, verified, and signed by a duly authorized officer of the applicant and by the qualified manager thereof, under penalty of perjury.

(j) If the applicant for a license is a participating tribe, the application shall state the names and business addresses of those individuals authorized to submit the application on behalf of the participating tribe, as well as the names and addresses of the designated persons to be actively in charge of the business for which the license is sought. The application shall be subscribed, verified, and signed by an officer of the participating tribe and by the qualified manager thereof, under penalty of perjury.

(k) Any other information, evidence, statements, or documents as may be required by the director.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 484, Sec. 33. (SB 1454) Effective January 1, 2025.)


text:
Before an application for a license or registration is granted, the applicant for a license or his or her manager or the applicant for a security guard registration shall meet all of the following:

(a) Be at least 18 years of age.

(b) Not have committed acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial of a license under Section 480.

(c) Comply with the requirements specified in this chapter for the particular license or registration for which an application is made.

(d) Comply with other qualifications as the director may fix by rule.

(e) In lieu of meeting any other training-related requirements of this section, an applicant may apply for licensure or registration if he or she has completed comparable military training as documented by submission of Verification of Military Experience and Training (V-MET) records.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 405, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1999.)


text: The director may require an applicant or his or her manager, to demonstrate his or her qualifications by a written or oral examination, or a combination of both.


text: Payment of the application fee prescribed by this chapter entitles an applicant or his or her manager to one examination without further charge. If the person fails to pass the examination, he or she shall not be eligible for any subsequent examination except upon payment of the reexamination fee prescribed by this chapter for each subsequent examination.


text:
(a) The chief shall issue a license, the form and content of which shall be determined by the chief in accordance with Section 164. In addition, the chief shall issue a “Certificate of Licensure” to any licensee, upon request and upon the payment of the fee prescribed in this chapter.

(b) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2018.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 32) and added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 429, Sec. 33. (SB 547) Effective January 1, 2018. Section operative July 1, 2018, by its own provisions.)


text:
(a) The license shall at all times be posted in a conspicuous place in the principal place of business of the licensee.

(b) The director may assess a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per violation of subdivision (a).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 607, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2002.)


text: Upon the issuance of a license, a pocket card of the size, design, and content determined by the director shall be issued to each licensee, if an individual, or if the licensee is a person other than an individual, to its manager and to each of its officers and partners. The pocket card is evidence that the licensee is licensed pursuant to this chapter. The card shall contain the signature of the licensee, signature of the chief, and a photograph of the licensee, or bearer of the card, if the licensee is other than an individual. The card shall clearly state that the person is licensed as a private patrol operator or is the manager or officer of the licensee. The applicant may request to be issued an enhanced pocket card that shall be composed of a durable material and may incorporate technologically advanced security features. The bureau may charge a fee sufficient to reimburse the department’s costs for furnishing the enhanced pocket card. The fee charged may not exceed the actual costs for system development, maintenance, and processing necessary to provide this service, and may not exceed six dollars ($6). If the applicant does not request an enhanced card, the department shall issue a standard card at no cost. When a person to whom a card is issued terminates his or her position, office, or association with the licensee, the card shall be surrendered to the licensee and within five days thereafter shall be mailed or delivered by the licensee to the bureau for cancellation. Every person, while engaged in any activity for which registration is required, shall display their valid pocket card as provided by regulation.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 401, Sec. 17. Effective January 1, 1998.)


text: A license issued under this chapter is not assignable.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1285, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 1995.)


text: A licensee shall at all times be legally responsible for the good conduct in the business of each of his or her employees or agents, including his or her manager.


text: Each licensee shall maintain a record containing information relative to his or her employees as may be prescribed by the director.


text:
(a) No licensee shall conduct a business under a fictitious or other business name unless and until he or she has obtained the written authorization of the bureau to do so.

(b) The bureau shall not authorize the use of a fictitious or other business name which is so similar to that of a public officer or agency or of that used by another licensee that the public may be confused or misled thereby.

(c) The authorization shall require, as a condition precedent to the use of any fictitious name, that the licensee comply with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 17900) of Part 3 of Division 7.

(d) A licensee desiring to conduct his or her business under more than one fictitious business name shall obtain the authorization of the bureau in the manner prescribed in this section for the use of each name.

(e) The licensee shall pay a fee of at least seventy-five dollars ($75) that may be increased to an amount not to exceed eighty-two dollars ($82) for each authorization to use an additional fictitious business name and for each change in the use of a fictitious business name. If the original license is issued in a nonfictitious name and authorization is requested to have the license reissued in a fictitious business name, the licensee shall pay a fee of at least seventy-five dollars ($75) that may be increased to an amount not to exceed eighty-two dollars ($82) for the authorization.

(f) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2018.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 34) and added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 429, Sec. 35. (SB 547) Effective January 1, 2018. Section operative July 1, 2018, by its own provisions.)


text: Each licensee shall file with the bureau the complete address of his or her principal place of business including the name and number of the street, or, if the street where the business is located is not numbered, the number of the post office box. The director may require the filing of other information for the purpose of identifying the principal place of business.


text:
(a) A licensee shall notify the bureau within 30 days of any change in its corporate officers or of any addition of a new partner.

(b) Applications, on forms prescribed by the director, shall be submitted by all new officers and partners. The director may suspend or revoke a license issued under this chapter if the director determines that the new officer or partner of a licensee has committed any of the acts constituting grounds to deny an application for a license or to take disciplinary action against a licensee pursuant to Section 7582.24 or 7582.25 respectively.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 568, Sec. 94. Effective January 1, 2001.)


text:
(a) Every advertisement by a licensee soliciting or advertising business shall contain his or her name, address, and license number as they appear in the records of the bureau. For the purpose of this section, “advertisement” includes any business card, stationery, brochure, flyer, circular, newsletter, fax form, printed or published paid advertisement in any media form, or telephone book listing. Every advertisement by a licensee soliciting or advertising the licensee’s business shall contain his or her business name, business address or business telephone number, and license number, as they appear in the records of the bureau.

(b) The director may assess a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per violation of subdivision (a).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 538, Sec. 15. Effective January 1, 2007.)


text:
(a) A licensee shall not advertise or conduct business from any location other than that shown on the records of the bureau as their principal place of business unless they have received a branch office certificate for the location after compliance with the provisions of this chapter and any additional requirements necessary for the protection of the public as the director may by regulation prescribe. A licensee shall notify the bureau in writing within 10 days after closing or changing the location of a branch office.

(b) The director may assess a fine of five hundred dollars ($500) for the first violation of subdivision (a) and one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each violation thereafter.

(c) The branch office certificate shall be posted below the private patrol operator’s license. The qualified manager certificate shall be posted below the branch office certificate.

(d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2025.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 25) and added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 571, Sec. 2. (AB 1244) Effective January 1, 2024. Operative January 1, 2025, by its own provisions.)


text:
(a) The business of each licensee shall be operated under the active direction, control, charge, or management, in this state, of the licensee, if they are qualified, or the person who is qualified to act as the licensee’s manager, if the licensee is not qualified. Any licensee conducting business in this state whose primary office is located outside of this state shall do both of the following:

(1) Maintain an office in this state operated under the active direction, control, charge, or management of a qualified manager.

(2) Maintain at the office in this state all records required under this chapter and under rules adopted by the bureau.

(b) No person shall act as a qualified manager of a licensee until they have complied with both of the following:

(1) Demonstrated their qualifications by a written or oral examination, or a combination of both, if required by the director.

(2) Made a satisfactory showing to the director that they have the qualifications prescribed in Section 7582.8 and that none of the facts stated in Section 7582.24 or 7582.25 exist as to them.

(c) The director shall issue a qualified manager certificate to any person meeting the requirements of this section. The certificate of the qualified manager shall be prominently displayed below the branch office license at the principal place of business. If the principal place of business is outside of this state, then the certificate of the qualified manager shall be posted below the branch office certificate at each branch office.

(d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2025.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 27) and added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 571, Sec. 2. (AB 1244) Effective January 1, 2024. Operative January 1, 2025, by its own provisions.)


text:
(a) In case of the death of a person licensed as an individual, a member of the immediate family of the deceased licensee shall be entitled to continue the business under the same license for 120 days following the death of the licensee, provided that written application for permission is made to the bureau within 30 days following the death of the licensee. At the end of the 120-day period, the license shall be automatically canceled. If no request is received within the 30-day period, the license shall be automatically canceled at the end of that period.

(b) If the manager, who has qualified as provided in Section 7582.22, ceases for any reason whatsoever to be connected with the licensee to whom the license is issued, the licensee shall notify the bureau in writing 30 days from this cessation. If the notice of cessation is filed timely, the license shall remain in force for a period of 90 days after cessation or for an additional period, not to exceed one year, as approved by the director, pending the qualification of another manager as provided in this chapter. After the 90-day period or additional period, as approved by the director, the license shall be automatically suspended, unless the bureau receives written notification that the license is under the active charge of a qualified manager. If the licensee fails to notify the bureau within the 30-day period, his or her license shall be automatically suspended and may be reinstated only upon the filing of an application for reinstatement, payment of the reinstatement fee, and the qualification of a manager as provided in this chapter.

(c) In the case of the death or disassociation of a partner of an entity licensed as a partnership, the licensee shall notify the bureau, in writing, within 30 days from the death or disassociation of the individual. If notice is given, the license shall remain in force for 90 days following the death or disassociation. At the end of this period the license shall be automatically canceled. If the licensee fails to notify the bureau within the 30-day period, the license shall be automatically canceled.

(d) A license extended under this section is subject to all other provisions of this chapter.


text:
After a hearing the director may deny a license unless the applicant makes a showing satisfactory to the director that the applicant, if an individual, has not, or if the applicant is a person other than an individual, that its manager and each of its officers have not:

(a) Committed any act, which, if committed by a licensee, would be a ground for the suspension or revocation of a license under this chapter.

(b) Committed any act constituting dishonesty or fraud.

(c) Committed any act or crime constituting grounds for denial of licensure under Section 480, including illegally using, carrying, or possessing a deadly weapon.

(d) Been refused a license under this chapter or had a license revoked.

(e) Been an officer, partner, or manager of any person who has been refused a license under this chapter or whose license has been revoked.

(f) While unlicensed committed, or aided and abetted the commission of, any act for which a license is required by this chapter.

(g) Knowingly made any false statement in his or her application.


text:
The director may refuse to issue any license provided for in this chapter to any person:

(a) Who has had any license revoked, or whose license is under suspension, or has failed to renew his or her license while it was under suspension.

(b) If any member of any partnership, or any officer or director of any corporation, or any officer or person acting in a managerial capacity of any firm or association has had any license issued to him or her revoked, or whose license is under suspension, or who has failed to renew his or her license while it was under suspension.

(c) If any member of the partnership, or any officer or director of the corporation, or any officer or person acting in a managerial capacity of the firm or association, was either a member of any partnership, or an officer or director of any corporation, or an officer or person acting in a managerial capacity of any firm or association, whose license has been revoked, or whose license is under suspension, or who failed to renew a license while it was under suspension, and while acting as such member, officer, director, or person acting in a managerial capacity participated in any of the prohibited acts for which any such license was revoked or suspended.


text:
(a) Any licensee or officer, director, partner, or manager of a licensee may divulge to any law enforcement officer or district attorney, or his or her representative, any information he or she may acquire as to any criminal offense, but he or she shall not divulge to any other person, except as he or she may be required by law so to do, any information acquired by him or her except at the direction of the employer or client for whom the information was obtained.

(b) No licensee or officer, director, partner, manager, or employee of a licensee shall knowingly make any false report to his or her employer or client for whom information was being obtained.

(c) No written report shall be submitted to a client except by the licensee, qualifying manager, or a person authorized by one or either of them, and the person submitting the report shall exercise diligence in ascertaining whether or not the facts and information in the report are true and correct.

(d) No licensee, or officer, director, partner, manager, or employee of a licensee, shall use a title, or wear a uniform, or use an insignia, or use an identification card, or make any statement with the intent to give an impression that he or she is connected in any way with the federal government, a state government, or any political subdivision of a state government.

(e) No licensee, or officer, director, partner, manager, or employee of a licensee, shall enter any private building or portion thereof, except premises commonly accessible to the public, without the consent of the owner or of the person in legal possession thereof.

(f) No private patrol licensee or officer, director, partner, manager, or employee of a private patrol licensee shall use or wear a badge, except while engaged in guard or patrol work and while wearing a distinctive uniform. A private patrol licensee or officer, director, partner, manager, or employee of a private patrol licensee wearing a distinctive uniform shall wear a patch on each shoulder of his or her uniform that reads “private security” and that includes the name of the private patrol company by which the person is employed or for which the person is a representative and a badge or cloth patch on the upper left breast of the uniform. All patches and badges worn on a distinctive uniform shall be of a standard design approved by the director and shall be clearly visible.

The director may assess a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per violation of this subdivision.

(g) No licensee shall permit an employee or agent in his or her own name to advertise, engage clients, furnish reports or present bills to clients, or in any manner whatever conduct business for which a license is required under this chapter. All business of the licensee shall be conducted in the name of and under the control of the licensee.

(h) No licensee shall use a fictitious name in connection with the official activities of the licensee’s business.

(i) No private patrol operator licensee or officer, director, partner, or manager of a private patrol operator licensee, or person required to be registered as a security guard pursuant to this chapter shall use or wear a baton or exposed firearm as authorized by this chapter unless he or she is wearing a uniform which complies with the requirements of Section 7582.27.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 607, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2002.)


text:
(a) Any person referred to in subdivision (i) of Section 7582.26 who uses or wears a baton or exposed firearm as authorized pursuant to this chapter shall wear a patch on each arm that reads “private security” and that includes the name of the company by which the person is employed or for which the person is a representative. The patch shall be clearly visible at all times. The patches of a private patrol operator licensee, or his or her employees or representatives shall be of a standard design approved by the director.

(b) The director may assess a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per violation of subdivision (a).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 607, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2002.)


text:
(a) Any badge or cap insignia worn by a person who is a licensee, officer, director, partner, manager, or employee of a licensee shall be of a design approved by the director, and shall bear on its face a distinctive word indicating the name of the licensee and an employee number by which the person may be identified by the licensee.

The provisions of this section shall not be construed to authorize persons to wear badges who are prohibited by Section 7582.26 from wearing badges.

(b) The director may assess a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) per violation of subdivision (a).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 607, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2002.)


citation: BPC § 7583

text: For purposes of this article, “licensee” means a licensed private patrol operator.

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators

path: 3. PROFESSIONS AND VOCATIONS GENERALLY > 11.5. Private Security Services > 4. Private Patrol Operators


text:
(a) An applicant, or their manager, for a license as a private patrol operator shall have had at least two years, which shall consist of not less than 4,000 hours of experience as a patrolperson, guard, or watchman, or the equivalent thereof as determined by the director, and one year, which shall consist of not less than 2,000 hours as manager or in an administrative position with a licensed and current private patrol operator. An applicant shall substantiate the claimed three years, which shall consist of not less than 6,000 hours of qualifying experience and the exact details as to the character and nature thereof by written certifications from the employer, subject to independent verification by the chief as they may determine. In the event of inability of an applicant to supply the written certifications from the employer in whole or in part, applicants may offer other written certifications from other than employers substantiating employment for consideration by the chief.

(b) An individual who, upon the determination of the chief, has served in the armed services and possesses the proper skills may be eligible to take the private patrol operator licensing examination. In that case, the chief may waive any other required training courses, as they determine. However, if the applicant fails the licensing examination, the chief may not thereafter waive completion of any required training courses.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 571, Sec. 29. (AB 1244) Effective January 1, 2024.)

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text:
A person licensed as a private patrol operator shall not do any of the following:

(a) Fail to properly maintain an accurate and current record of all firearms or other deadly weapons that are in the possession of the licensee or of any employee while on duty. Within seven days after a licensee or the licensee’s employees discover that a deadly weapon that has been recorded as being in the licensee’s possession has been misplaced, lost, or stolen, or is in any other way missing, the licensee or their manager shall mail or deliver to any local law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction, a written report concerning the incident. The report shall describe fully the circumstances surrounding the incident, any injuries or damages incurred, the identity of all participants, and whether a police investigation was conducted.

(b) Fail to properly maintain an accurate and current record of the name, address, commencing date of employment, and position of each employee, and the date of termination of employment when an employee is terminated.

(c) Fail to properly maintain an accurate and current record of proof of completion by each employee of the licensee of the trainings and for the retention period specified in Section 7583.6.

(d) Fail to certify proof of current and valid registration for each employee who is subject to registration.

(e) Permit any employee to carry a firearm or other deadly weapon without first ascertaining that the employee is proficient in the use of each weapon to be carried. With respect to firearms, evidence of proficiency shall include a certificate from a firearm training facility approved by the director certifying that the employee is proficient in the use of that specified caliber of firearm and a current and valid firearm qualification permit issued by the department. With respect to other deadly weapons, evidence of proficiency shall include a certificate from a training facility approved by the director certifying that the employee is proficient in the use of that particular deadly weapon.

(f) (1) Fail to deliver to the director a written report describing the circumstances surrounding the discharge of any firearm, or physical altercation with a member of the public while on duty, by a licensee or any officer, partner, or employee of a licensee while acting within the course and scope of their employment within seven business days after the qualifying incident.

(2) The report shall be required only for physical altercations that result in any of the following:

(A) The arrest of a security guard.

(B) The filing of a police report by a member of the public.

(C) A member of the public requiring any type of first aid or other medical attention.

(D) The discharge, suspension, or reprimand of a security guard by their employer.

(E) Any physical use of force or violence on any person while on duty.

(3) The report shall include, but not be limited to, a description of any injuries or damages incurred, the identity of all participants, and whether a police investigation was conducted. Any report may be investigated by the director to determine if any disciplinary action is necessary.

(4) A report shall not be required when a security officer or multiple security officers are requested by hospital staff to assist in restraining a patient by either holding the patient or limiting the movement of the patient for medical or mental health reasons.

(g) Fail to notify the bureau in writing and within 30 days that a manager previously qualified pursuant to this chapter is no longer connected with the licensee.

(h) Fail to administer to each registered employee of the licensee, the review or practice training required by subdivision (e) of Section 7583.6.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 287, Sec. 17. (AB 2515) Effective January 1, 2023.)

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text:
No person required to be registered as a security guard pursuant to this chapter shall do any of the following:

(a) Fail to carry on their person, while on duty, a valid and current security guard registration card, or if pending receipt of the registration card after the bureau’s approval, a hardcopy printout of the approved security guard registration information from the bureau’s internet website and a valid picture identification pursuant to Section 7583.17.

(b) Fail to carry on their person when carrying a firearm on duty either a valid and current firearms permit, or if pending receipt of the permit after the bureau’s approval, a hardcopy printout of the approved firearms permit information from the bureau’s internet website and a valid picture identification pursuant to Section 7583.12.

(c) Carry or use a firearm unless they possess a valid and current firearms permit that is associated with a valid and current security guard registration issued pursuant to this chapter.

(d) Fail to report to their employer within 24 hours of the incident the circumstances surrounding any incident involving the discharge of any firearm in which they are involved while acting within the course and scope of their employment.

(e) Carry or use a firearm or baton, as authorized by this chapter, unless the security guard is an employee of a private patrol operator licensee or an employee of the state or a political subdivision of the state.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 697, Sec. 6. (AB 229) Effective January 1, 2022.)

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text:
Any person registered as a security guard or patrolperson, and the employer of the security guard or patrolperson, shall deliver to the director a written report describing fully the circumstances surrounding any incident involving the discharge of any firearm in which he or she was involved while acting within the course and scope of his or her employment, within seven days after the incident. The report shall be made on a form prescribed by the director which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) The name, address, and date of birth of the guard or patrolperson.

(b) The registration number of the guard or patrolperson.

(c) The firearm permit number and baton permit number of the guard or patrolperson, if applicable.

(d) The name of the employer of the person.

(e) The description of any injuries and damages that occurred.

(f) The identity of all participants in the incident.

(g) Whether a police investigation was conducted relating to the incident.

(h) The date and location of the incident. Any report may be investigated by the director to determine if any disciplinary action is necessary.

A copy of the report delivered to the director pursuant to this section shall also be delivered within seven days of the incident to the local police or sheriff’s department which has jurisdiction over the geographic area where the incident occurred.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 800, Sec. 23. (SB 1196) Effective January 1, 2017.)

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text:
(a) Every licensee and any person employed and compensated by a licensee, other lawful business, or public agency as a security guard or patrolperson, and who in the course of that employment or business carries a firearm, shall complete a course of training in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force and a course of training in the carrying and use of firearms. This subdivision shall not apply to armored vehicle guards hired prior to January 1, 1977. Armored vehicle guards hired on or after January 1, 1977, shall complete a course of training in the carrying and use of firearms, but shall not be required to complete a course of training in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force. The course of training in the carrying and use of firearms shall not be required of any employee who is not required or permitted by a licensee to carry or use firearms. The course in the carrying and use of firearms and the course of training in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force shall meet the standards which shall be prescribed by the Department of Consumer Affairs. The department shall encourage restraint and caution in the use of firearms.

(b) No licensee or uniformed employee of a licensee shall carry or use any firearm unless the licensee or employee has in their possession a valid firearms qualification card.

(c) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2023.

history: (History: Amended (as added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 697, Sec. 8) by Stats. 2022, Ch. 287, Sec. 19. (AB 2515) Effective January 1, 2023. Operative July 1, 2023, by its own provisions.)

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text:
(a) Each applicant for a security guard registration shall complete a course in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force as a condition for the issuance of the registration. A course provider authorized to provide the training pursuant to Section 7583.7 shall issue a certificate of completion to the person upon satisfactory completion of the training. The course provider shall conduct the training in accordance with Section 7583.7 and any applicable regulations adopted by the bureau. The training shall be administered and certified by a single course provider, pursuant to subdivision (f), and shall be completed within six months preceding the date the application is submitted to the bureau.

(b) Except for a registrant who has completed the course of training required by Section 7583.45, a security guard registrant shall complete not less than 32 hours of training in security officer skills within six months from the date an initial registration is issued. A security guard registrant shall complete 16 of the 32 hours within 30 days from the date the registration is issued.

(c) A course provider, which is authorized to provide the training required by subdivision (b) pursuant to subdivision (f), shall issue a certificate of completion to a registrant after the registrant completes each training course. The course provider shall conduct the trainings in accordance with any applicable regulations adopted by the bureau subject to this chapter.

(d) (1) A registrant who is unable to provide their employing licensee the certificate of satisfactory completion of the training required by subdivision (a) shall complete the training within six months of the registrant’s employment date.

(2) A registrant who is unable to provide their employing licensee the certificate of satisfactory completion of the training required by subdivision (b) shall complete 16 hours of the training within 30 days of the registrant’s employment date and shall complete the 16 remaining hours within six months of the registrant’s employment date.

(e) A registrant shall annually complete eight hours of specifically dedicated review or practice of security officer skills prescribed in this section, Section 7583.7, or by the bureau by regulation.

(f) The trainings specified in this section may be administered, tested, and certified by one of the following:

(1) Any licensee, provided that the licensee shall provide the training only to their applicants for employment and direct employees.

(2) Any training facility certified pursuant to this chapter.

(3) Any organization or school approved by the bureau. The bureau shall approve any instructor of an organization or school who will administer the trainings specified in this section to ensure that the organization or school complies with the requirements of this chapter, as well as any applicable regulations.

(g) (1) A registrant shall maintain the certificate of completion the registrant received for each training course prescribed in this section until the registration expires or has been canceled. The registrant shall provide the records to the bureau upon request.

(2) A licensee shall maintain at the principal place of business or branch office a record for each of its registrant employees verifying completion of the trainings required by this section for the duration of the registrant’s employment. The records shall be available for inspection by the bureau upon request.

(h) This section does not apply to a peace officer as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code who has successfully completed a course of study in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training or a federal qualified law enforcement officer, as defined in Section 926B of Title 18 of the United States Code, who has successfully completed a course of study in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force.

(i) This section does not apply to armored vehicle guards.

(j) (1) The bureau shall develop and approve by regulation a standard course and curriculum for the skills trainings required by this section to promote and protect the safety of persons and the security of property.

(2) The bureau shall develop an outline for the course and curriculum described in paragraph (1) in consultation with the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 94, Sec. 1. (SB 652) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text:
(a) The course of training in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force may be administered, tested, and certified by any licensee or by any organization or school approved by the department. The department may approve any person or school to teach the course in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force. The department may review and provide more guidance on courses of training when best practices are updated. The course of training shall be approximately eight hours in length and shall cover all of the following topics:

(1) Responsibilities and ethics in citizen arrest.

(2) Relationship between a security guard and a peace officer in making an arrest.

(3) Limitations on security guard power to arrest.

(4) Restrictions on searches and seizures.

(5) Criminal and civil liabilities, including both of the following:

(A) Personal liability.

(B) Employer liability.

(6) Trespass law.

(7) Ethics and communications.

(8) Emergency situation response, including response to medical emergencies.

(9) Security officer safety.

(10) The appropriate use of force, including all of the following topics:

(A) Legal standards for use of force.

(B) Duty to intercede.

(C) The use of objectively reasonable force.

(D) Supervisory responsibilities.

(E) Use of force review and analysis.

(F) De-escalation and interpersonal communication training, including tactical methods that use time, distance, cover, and concealment, to avoid escalating situations that lead to violence.

(G) Implicit and explicit bias and cultural competency.

(H) Skills, including de-escalation techniques, to effectively, safely, and respectfully interact with people with disabilities or behavioral health issues.

(I) Use of force scenario training, including simulations of low-frequency, high-risk situations and calls for service, shoot-or-don’t-shoot situations, and real-time force option decisionmaking.

(J) Mental health and policing, including bias and stigma.

(K) Active shooter situations.

(11) Any other topic deemed appropriate by the bureau, excluding Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism Awareness, which may be an elective topic only.

(b) (1) The majority of the course shall be taught by means of verbal instruction. This instruction may include the use of a video presentation.

(2) Paragraph (10) of subdivision (a) shall be conducted through traditional classroom instruction. For the purposes of this paragraph, “traditional classroom instruction” means instruction where the instructor is physically present with students in a classroom for a minimum of 50 percent of the course and is available at all times, including during instruction provided through distance learning or remote platforms, to answer students’ questions while providing the required training. In this setting, the instructor provides demonstrations and hands-on instruction in order to establish each student’s proficiency as to the course content.

(c) (1) The department shall make available a guidebook as a standard for teaching the course in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force, which may be known as the Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force Manual. The department shall encourage additional training and may provide a training guide recommending additional courses to be taken by security personnel.

(2) The development, adoption, amendment, or repeal of the Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force Manual by the bureau is exempt from the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).

(d) Private patrol operators may provide a copy of the Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force Manual to each person that they currently employ as a security guard. The private patrol operator may provide the guidebook to each person the private patrol operator intends to hire as a security guard a reasonable time prior to the time the person begins the course in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force.

(e) The bureau may inspect, supervise, or view the administration of the test at any time and without any prior notification. Any impropriety in the administration of the course or the test shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action.

(f) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2023.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 241, Sec. 1. (SB 857) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text: A licensee shall not permit an employee to perform the functions of a security guard without confirming that the person holds a current and valid security guard registration.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 377, Sec. 22. (SB 609) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text:
(a) The security guard registration applicant shall submit the application, the registration fee, and their fingerprints, either in the form of classifiable fingerprint cards or in an electronic format pursuant to subdivision (c), to the bureau. The bureau shall forward the classifiable fingerprint cards to the Department of Justice. The Department of Justice shall forward one classifiable fingerprint card to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for purposes of a background check.

(b) If a private patrol operator pays the application fee on behalf of the applicant, nothing in this section shall preclude the private patrol operator from withholding the amount of the fee from the applicant’s compensation.

(c) In lieu of classifiable fingerprint cards provided for in this section, the bureau may authorize applicants to submit their fingerprints into an electronic fingerprinting system administered by the Department of Justice. Applicants who submit their fingerprints by electronic means shall have their fingerprints entered into the system through a terminal operated by a law enforcement agency or other facility authorized by the Department of Justice to conduct electronic fingerprinting. The enforcement agency responsible for operating the terminal may charge a fee sufficient to reimburse it for the costs incurred in providing this service.

(d) Upon receipt of an applicant’s electronic or hard card fingerprints as provided in this section, the Department of Justice shall disseminate the following information to the bureau:

(1) Every conviction rendered against the applicant.

(2) Every arrest for an offense for which the applicant is presently awaiting trial, whether the applicant is incarcerated or has been released on bail or on their own recognizance pending trial.

(e) (1) The requirement in subdivision (a) to submit a fingerprint card does not apply to any of the following:

(A) A currently employed, full-time peace officer holding peace officer status under Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code.

(B) A level I or level II reserve officer under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 832.6 of the Penal Code.

(2) An individual listed in subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1) may immediately perform the functions of a security guard or security patrolperson provided that the individual has submitted an application, the applicable fees, and their fingerprints, if required to submit fingerprints pursuant to subdivision (a), to the bureau for a security guard registration.

(3) This subdivision does not apply to a peace officer required to obtain a firearm qualification card pursuant to Section 7583.12.

(f) Peace officers exempt from the submission of classifiable fingerprints pursuant to subdivision (e) shall submit verification of their active duty peace officer status to the bureau with their application for registration. A photocopy of the front and back of their peace officer identification badge shall be adequate verification.

(g) Peace officers exempt from the submission of classifiable fingerprints pursuant to subdivision (e) shall report a change in their active duty peace officer status to the bureau within 72 hours of the change in active duty peace officer status.

(h) (1) Peace officers exempt from obtaining a firearm qualification card pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 7583.12 or exempt from obtaining a baton permit pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 7584.1 shall submit to the bureau with their application for registration a letter of approval from their primary employer authorizing the peace officer to carry a firearm or baton while working as a security guard or security officer.

(2) For purposes of this section, “primary employer” means a public safety agency currently employing a peace officer subject to this section.

(i) In addition to the amount authorized pursuant to Section 7570.1, the bureau may impose an additional fee not to exceed three dollars ($3) for processing classifiable fingerprint cards submitted by applicants excluding those submitted into an electronic fingerprint system using electronic fingerprint technology.

(j) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2024.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 24) and added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 287, Sec. 25. (AB 2515) Effective January 1, 2023. Operative July 1, 2024, by its own provisions.)

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text:
The application shall be verified and shall include all of the following:

(a) The full name, residence address, telephone number, and date of birth of the applicant.

(b) The name of the entity that administered the course in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force to the applicant.

(1) If the course provider is a licensee, the bureau-issued license number.

(2) If the course provider is a certified firearms training facility or baton training facility, the bureau-issued facility certificate number.

(3) If the course provider is an approved trainer in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force, the approved trainer number issued by the bureau.

(c) The name of the person who taught the course in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force completed by the applicant.

(d) The serial number on the certificate of completion the course provider issued to the applicant upon completion of the course in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force.

(e) A statement that the applicant has completed the training course in the exercise of the power to arrest and the appropriate use of force, as specified in Section 7583.7, within six months preceding the date the application is submitted to the bureau, pursuant to Section 7583.6.

(f) A statement as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, excluding minor traffic violations.

(g) A statement as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a felony.

(h) The application fee provided for in this chapter or the regulations adopted pursuant thereto, except as provided in Section 7583.9.

(i) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2023.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 94, Sec. 2. (SB 652) Effective January 1, 2026.)

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text:
(a) An employee of a licensee shall not carry or use a firearm unless the employee has in their possession both of the following:

(1) A valid guard registration card issued pursuant to this chapter.

(2) A valid firearm qualification card issued pursuant to this chapter.

(b) An employee of a licensee may carry or use a firearm while working as a security guard or security patrolperson pending receipt of a firearm qualification card if the employee has been approved by the bureau and carries on their person a hardcopy printout of the bureau’s approval from the bureau’s internet website and a valid picture identification.

(c) Paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) and subdivision (b) shall not apply to a duly appointed peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, who meets all of the following:

(1) The peace officer has successfully completed a course of study in the use of firearms.

(2) The peace officer is authorized to carry a concealed firearm in the course and scope of their employment pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 25450) of Chapter 2 of Division 5 of Title 4 of Part 6 of the Penal Code.

(3) The peace officer has proof that they have applied to the bureau for a firearm qualification card.

(d) (1) This section shall not apply to a duly appointed peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, or a federal qualified law enforcement officer, as defined in Section 926B of Title 18 of the United States Code, who has written approval from their primary employer, as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (h) of Section 7583.9, to carry a firearm while working as a security guard.

(2) A peace officer exempt under this subdivision shall carry on their person a letter of approval from their primary employer authorizing the peace officer to carry a firearm while working as a security guard.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 377, Sec. 25. (SB 609) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text:
(a) The bureau, upon receipt of a criminal offense record or record of a subsequent arrest from the Department of Justice, shall make an immediate determination of fitness of (1) applicants for registration under this article, or (2) applicants for firearm qualification cards, when information contained in the records of the Department of Justice makes this determination possible. Applications of those determined to be unfit shall be immediately denied.

(b) The bureau shall keep a current and accurate record of the individuals who have applied for and been denied registration under this article or a firearms qualification card. A list consisting of individual names and other pertinent identifying information may be made of those individuals who have been denied registration. The list may be updated bimonthly and made available to interested licensees and law enforcement agencies.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1285, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 1995.)

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text:
(a) If the chief determines that an applicant’s criminal history contains open arrest information, the chief shall issue a notice to the applicant allowing 45 days for the applicant to provide documentation concerning the disposition of the arrest or arrests.

(b) The notice shall be sent to the applicant at his or her last known residential address and shall provide sufficient information to assist the applicant in complying with the chief’s request. If the applicant fails to respond within 45 days, the applicant’s employment shall be automatically suspended until the bureau obtains the necessary documentation to approve or deny the application, or suspend the registration.

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text:
(a) The director may deny an application for registration, or may suspend or revoke a previously issued registration, if the individual has committed any action which, if committed by a licensee, would be grounds for refusing to issue a license, or for the suspension or revocation of a license issued under this chapter.

(b) The denial of an application for registration under this article shall be in writing and shall describe the basis for the denial. The denial shall inform the applicant that if the applicant desires a review by a disciplinary review committee to contest the denial, the review shall be requested of the director within 30 days following notice of the issuance of the denial.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 377, Sec. 27. (SB 609) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text:
(a) Upon approval of an application for registration, the chief shall cause to be issued to the applicant at his or her last known residential address a registration card in a form approved by the director.

(b) A person may work as a security guard or security patrolperson pending receipt of the registration card if he or she has been approved by the bureau and carries on his or her person a hardcopy printout of the bureau’s approval from the bureau’s Internet Web site and a valid picture identification.

(c) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2018.

history: (History: Repealed (in Sec. 38) and added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 429, Sec. 39. (SB 547) Effective January 1, 2018. Section operative July 1, 2018, by its own provisions.)

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text: A qualified manager who complies with Section 7582.22 is not required to register under this article.

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text: A licensee shall at all times be responsible for ascertaining that those of their employees who are subject to registration are currently registered as provided in this article. A licensee may not have a person whose registration has expired or been revoked, denied, suspended, or canceled perform security guard duties.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 377, Sec. 28. (SB 609) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text:
(a) A registration issued under this chapter expires at midnight on the last day of the month two years following the date of issuance unless renewed. At least 60 days prior to the expiration, a registrant seeking to renew a security guard registration shall forward to the bureau a completed registration renewal application and the renewal fee. The renewal application shall be on a form prescribed by the director, dated and signed by the applicant, certifying under penalty of perjury that the information in the application is true and correct.

(b) The licensee shall provide to any employee information regarding procedures for renewal of registration.

(c) In the event a registrant fails to request a renewal of their registration as provided for in this chapter, the registration shall expire as indicated on the registration. If the registration is renewed within 60 days after its expiration, the registrant, as a condition precedent to renewal, shall pay the renewal fee and the delinquency fee. A person is prohibited from performing the duties of a security guard with an expired registration.

(d) If the renewed registration card has not been delivered to the registrant before the expiration of the prior registration but the bureau has renewed the registration, the registrant may work as a security guard pending receipt of the renewed registration card, as specified in Section 7583.17.

(e) A registration may not be renewed or reinstated unless a registrant meets both of the following requirements:

(1) All fines assessed pursuant to Section 7587.7 and not resolved in accordance with the provisions of that section have been paid.

(2) The applicant for registration renewal certifies, on a form prescribed by the bureau, that the applicant has completed the 32 hours of the training required by subdivision (b) of Section 7583.6 and the annual training required by subdivision (e) of Section 7583.6.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 377, Sec. 29. (SB 609) Effective January 1, 2020.)

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text:
The registration of a security guard shall be automatically suspended if the guard is convicted of any crime that is substantially related to the functions, duties, and responsibilities of a security guard. The automatic suspension shall be effectuated by the mailing of a notice of conviction and suspension of license to be sent by the bureau to the registered guard at his or her address of record. The notice shall contain a statement of preliminary determination by the director or his or her designee that the crime stated is reasonably related to the functions, duties, and responsibilities of a security guard. Upon proper request by the guard, a hearing shall be convened within 60 days of the request, before the private security disciplinary review committee, as specified in Section 7581.3, for a determination as to whether the automatic suspension shall be made permanent or whether the registration shall be revoked or the guard otherwise disciplined.

In enacting this provision, the Legislature finds and declares that registered guards convicted of the commission of crimes reasonably related to the functions, duties, and responsibilities of a security guard shall be subject to automatic suspension of their license and that summary suspension is justified by compelling state interests of public safety and security within the meaning of the California Supreme Court’s decision in Eye Dog Foundation v. State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind, 67 Cal. 2d 536.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 573, Sec. 34. (SB 800) Effective January 1, 2018.)

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators


text:
(a) A licensee, qualified manager of a licensee, or security guard who, in the course of their employment, may be required to carry a firearm shall, prior to carrying a firearm, do all of the following:

(1) Complete a course of training in the carrying and use of firearms.

(2) Receive a firearms qualification card or be otherwise qualified to carry a firearm as provided in Section 7583.12.

(b) A security guard who, in the course of their employment, may be required to carry a firearm, shall, prior to carrying a firearm, be found capable of exercising appropriate judgment, restraint, and self-control for the purposes of carrying and using a firearm during the course of their duties, pursuant to Section 7583.47.

(c) A licensee shall not permit an employee to carry or use a loaded or unloaded firearm, whether or not it is serviceable or operative, unless the employee possesses a valid and current firearms qualification card issued by the bureau or is so otherwise qualified to carry a firearm as provided in Section 7583.12.

(d) A pocket card issued by the bureau pursuant to Section 7582.13 may also serve as a firearms qualification card if so indicated on the face of the card.

(e) Paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) shall not apply to either of the following:

(1) A peace officer as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, who has successfully completed a course of study in the use of firearms within the 24 months preceding the date of the application.

(2) A federal qualified law enforcement officer, as defined in Section 926B of Title 18 of the United States Code, who has successfully completed a course of study in the use of firearms within the 24 months preceding the date of application.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 484, Sec. 34. (SB 1454) Effective January 1, 2025.)

article: 4. Private Patrol Operators