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Did You Know? - Private Patrol Operator and Security Guard

1. Effective July 1, 2004, all security guard applicants must complete a total of 40 hours of training instead of the 3 hours formerly required.

   The 40-Hour Security Guard Training breaks down as follows:

   1. Before submitting your security guard application, you must complete an eight (8) hour "Power to Arrest" training course and pass an examination.
   2. Complete 16 hours of required security guard training within the first 30 days of the issuance of your security guard registration.
   3. Complete an additional 16 hours of required security guard training within the first six (6) months of the issuance of the security guard registration.
2. Effective January 1, 2005, all registered security guards must complete an 8-hour continuing education requirement every year. The continuing education requirement can be acquired through your employer or at a training facility. This training will consist of review or practice of security officer skills. After completing the continuing education requirement, your employer or the training facility must provide you with a Certificate of Completion.
3. Use of Tasers Propelled by Compressed Gas by Registered Security Guards
   The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services lacks jurisdiction to dictate whether a registered guard, while acting in the course and scope of licensed employment, may possess an "air" taser for self-defense. Existing law specifies how the devices may be used. Those laws prohibit the possession and use of tasers in specific places.
   
   No California statute prohibits the purchase of a taser or the use of a taser for self-defense. The Private Security Services Act does not specifically address the use of tasers in security guard employment.
   
   Therefore, the Bureau neither endorses nor prohibits the use of these devices.