Private Security ServicesRegulation, Licensing, and Registration
Section § 7582
This law states that you cannot run a business or claim to be a licensed professional in specific industries unless you actually have the proper license. It also says you cannot falsely claim to work for someone who is properly licensed.
Section § 7582.05
This law talks about what happens if someone breaks the rules for running a private patrol business. If they do, it's considered a minor crime, called an infraction, unless they choose to handle it as a more serious matter, known as a misdemeanor. However, if the person's license to operate has been revoked or suspended before, this doesn't apply. If found guilty as an infraction, the person can be fined up to $1,000. The only way a judge might reduce this fine is if the person shows they now have a valid license to operate.
Section § 7582.1
This law describes what a private patrol operator (or private patrol service) is and what they do. They provide security personnel like guards or patrols to protect people and property from theft, loss, or damage. Private patrol operators can't conduct investigations unless they're related to the property they're hired to protect. Armored contract carriers and armored vehicle guards are defined separately, with specific roles involving carrying weapons. Security guards work for patrol operators or businesses to perform protection tasks, either on customer property or public streets. The law also allows federally recognized tribes to perform these services within their own jurisdiction according to federal or tribal law.
Section § 7582.10
This law states that once you pay the application fee, you get one free try to pass a specific examination. If you don't pass the exam on your first try, you'll need to pay a reexamination fee each time you want to retake the test.
Section § 7582.11
The head official, referred to as the chief, is responsible for giving out licenses in a specific format they decide on, based on certain rules. If a licensed person asks for it and pays a fee, the chief will also provide a 'Certificate of Licensure.' This rule has been in force since July 1, 2018.
Section § 7582.12
If you have a business license, you must display it prominently at your main place of business. If you fail to do so, you might be fined $250 for each time you violate this rule.
Section § 7582.13
If a person or company receives a license to operate as a private patrol operator, they get a pocket card showing they are licensed. For individuals, the card goes to them; for companies, it goes to each manager and officer. This card, which includes signatures and a photo, proves they are allowed to work in this role. You can ask for a more durable card with advanced security for up to $6, or get a basic one for free. If a cardholder leaves the company, they must return the card within five days for cancellation. Everyone must show this card while working.
Section § 7582.14
This law states that you cannot transfer or give your issued license to someone else.
Section § 7582.15
If you hold a license, you are always responsible for making sure your employees and agents, including your manager, behave properly in running your business.
Section § 7582.16
If you have a license, you need to keep records about your employees in a way that the director specifies.
Section § 7582.17
If someone with a business license in California wants to use a made-up or different business name, they need written permission from the bureau. The bureau will only approve names that aren't too similar to those used by government officials, agencies, or other businesses to avoid public confusion. Before using a new name, the business owner must also follow specific procedures under Chapter 5 of Division 7. If they want to use multiple fictitious names, each one needs bureau approval, and a fee between $75 and $82 applies for each name or change. The rules started on July 1, 2018.
Section § 7582.18
This law requires that anyone with a license must provide the bureau with the full address of their main office, including street and number or post office box. The director might also ask for additional information to help identify where the main business is located.
Section § 7582.19
If a licensed business changes its corporate officers or adds a new partner, it must inform the relevant government bureau within 30 days. New officers or partners need to submit specific applications. The director has the authority to suspend or revoke the business's license if these new individuals have done anything that could lead to a license denial or disciplinary action based on related rules.
Section § 7582.2
This law outlines who isn't required to follow the typical rules for private security in California. It doesn't apply to: People who work for a single employer without a deadly weapon, government officers doing their job, specially appointed police officers, off-duty peace officers working legally for private employers, retired peace officers approved for specific jobs, uniformed police officers on official duty, and unarmed security at movie studios. These workers have different guidelines based on their roles and aren't covered by this particular chapter's requirements.
Section § 7582.20
This law requires that any advertisement made by a licensed business must include the business's name, address, and license number as per the bureau's records. Advertisements can be anything from business cards and flyers to published ads and listings. If a business fails to include this information, they may be fined $250 for each breach.
Section § 7582.21
If you're licensed to run a security business, you need to advertise or do business only from your officially registered location. If you want to have another business spot, you have to get a special certificate for that new place and follow any rules set by the director for public safety. Also, you have to tell the bureau if you close or move your branch within 10 days. If you break these rules, you could be fined $500 for the first time and $1,000 for future issues. The certificates for branch locations need to be displayed under your main business license. And, make a note that all this kicks in starting January 1, 2025.
Section § 7582.22
This law requires that each licensed business be actively managed by a qualified manager. If the business's main office is outside California, it must still have an office within the state, directed by a qualified manager. Records must be maintained at this in-state office. To be a qualified manager, a person must pass certain exams and meet qualifications, which will be certified by the director. The manager's certificate must be displayed prominently at the business location. These rules go into effect on January 1, 2025.
Section § 7582.23
If a licensed person in California dies, their family can keep the business running under the same license for 120 days, but they need to apply within 30 days after the death. If they miss this deadline, the license is canceled.
If a manager connected to a license leaves, the license holder must notify the authority within 30 days. If they do, the license stays valid for 90 more days, or up to a year with approval, until a new manager qualifies. If they miss notifying, the license is suspended and needs reinstatement steps.
If a partner in a licensed partnership dies or leaves, the licensee must inform the authority within 30 days, allowing the license to remain valid for 90 days. Not notifying results in automatic cancellation.
Any extended license follows all existing rules in this chapter.
Section § 7582.24
If you apply for a license, the director can deny it after a hearing unless you prove that you (or your managers, if you're not an individual) have not done certain bad things. These include acts that would normally result in losing your license, any dishonest or fraudulent acts, crimes that would cause a license denial, having a past license denied or revoked, being connected with someone whose license was denied or revoked, doing things that require a license without having one, or lying on your application.
Section § 7582.25
This law allows the director to refuse to give out a license if you or someone in your business has had a past license revoked, is currently suspended, or didn't renew a suspended license. It applies to individuals, partnerships, and corporations. If any key person involved, like a manager or officer, was part of a business that lost its license due to bad actions they were involved in, they can also be denied a new license.
Section § 7582.26
This law talks about the responsibilities and limitations of private patrol licensees and their employees in California. They can share information about crimes with law enforcement but not with others unless required by law. They must not falsify reports to their clients, and only authorized people can submit reports after ensuring accuracy. The law also says they can't pretend to be connected with the government, enter private property without permission, or use or wear badges unless in proper uniform with specified patches. All business should be done in the licensee's name, not using fictitious names. Any uniform used must meet certain requirements, especially if carrying a weapon.
Section § 7582.27
If you work as a private security officer in California and carry a baton or visible gun, you must wear patches on both arms saying 'private security' and showing your company's name. The design of these patches must be approved by the state director. If you don't follow this rule, you could be fined $250 each time.
Section § 7582.28
This law requires that any badge or cap insignia worn by certain individuals working under a license must have a design approved by the director. The badge must show the licensee's name and an employee number for identification. However, if a person is not allowed to wear a badge under a different rule, this law does not grant them permission. If these rules are violated, a fine of $250 can be imposed for each violation.
Section § 7582.3
If you want to work as a private patrol operator in California, you need to have a proper license. If you operate without a license or break licensing rules, you could face fines, jail time, or both. Misrepresenting yourself as a licensed operator also leads to penalties, and the fines and punishments vary based on where and how the case is prosecuted. If you're found guilty of breaking these rules, you won't be able to get a license for a certain period. Additionally, local prosecutors and officials are responsible for gathering evidence and prosecuting people who violate these licensing regulations.
Section § 7582.4
If someone is doing something against certain rules, the court in their county can step in and stop them, charge them a fine, or make them pay for any harm caused. If the investigator spent money looking into these rule-breaking actions, the person could also be ordered to pay back those costs. Legal action can be brought by the state's top lawyer, a local district attorney, or city attorney, and any money collected is divided between the responsible areas, or put into a specific fund. These actions can go alongside other penalties mentioned in related laws.
Section § 7582.5
This law allows cities and counties in California to make their own local rules about street patrol services and private security providers. Local authorities can require these services to register with them, and they can refuse registration to individuals with bad moral character. They can also create additional requirements for patrol operators, their workers, and protection dogs, as long as these rules don't conflict with state laws. However, no fees or forms can be required just for registering a patrol operator's name and state ID.
Section § 7582.6
If you want to apply for a license under this chapter, you need to fill out a specific form provided by the director and pay the required application fee.
Section § 7582.7
If you want to apply for a license related to a business, you need to fill out a detailed application. This includes your full name, business address, the name you plan to use for your business, the type of business, and your work experience. You'll need to provide a photo, fingerprints, and a history of where you've lived and worked for the past five years, all under oath. If applying as an individual or for a business partnership, corporation, or tribe, you must provide additional specific details about people in charge of the business. Everything must be signed under penalty of perjury, and you may need to provide extra information as required by the director.
Section § 7582.8
To get a license or registration as a security professional in California, you need to be at least 18, have a clean criminal record based on certain standards, and meet specific training requirements. You must also follow any extra rules set by the licensing director. If you've done similar training in the military, you can use that experience instead of other training requirements by providing military training records.
Section § 7582.9
The director has the authority to ask applicants or their managers to prove they are qualified through a written test, an oral test, or both.