Wha are the training requirements for security officers?

See BSIS Security Officer Training Syllabus for detailed information

Schedule for Training – First Year Guard Card

  • Prior to applying for the Guard Card – 8 hours
    • Power to Arrest/Appropriate Use of Force
  • Within 30 Days of Issuance of Guard Card – 16 hours
    • 8 hours of mandatory courses (II. A, II. B, II. C, II. D)
    • 8 hours of elective courses (these are the ones that start with III.)
  • Within 6 months of Issuance of Guard Card – 16 hours
    • 8 hours of mandatory courses (the remaining courses that were not done within the 30 day window – II. A, II. B, II. C, II. D)
  • 8 hours of elective courses (these are the ones that start with III.)

The 8 hours of Annual Continuing Education must include 2 hours of review of the Appropriate Use of Force topics as set forth in section I.B. of the Appendix of the Powers to Arrest manual. You can choose which sections to offer for the two hours but be mindful that the law specifies some sections as being required to be conducted in person. (See pages 60 – 62 for an outline of sections)

Mandatory and/or Elective courses shall be used to meet the remaining 6 hours. (See pages 60 – 67 for list of approved courses)

 

Did the training requirements change?
The requirements did change for the initial training for Guard Card applicants. The legislation went into effect July 1, 2023 but the new training materials were not available until January 2024.

Rather than receiving 8 hours of Powers to Arrest/Weapons of Mass Destruction prior to applying for the Guard Card, the applicant must now receive 8 hours of Powers to Arrest/Appropriate Use of Force training.

Does that mean all Guard Card applicants should receive that training?
Yes, all Guard Card applicants should now receive Powers to Arrest/Appropriate Use of Force training prior to applying for a Guard Card.

 

How do I get the Powers to Arrest/Appropriate Use of Force manual and how much does it cost?
The manual is available for free from the BSIS website.

Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force Manual

Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force Exam

Request the Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force Exam Answer Key

Does this training have to be conducted in person?
Yes, 50% of the training must take place with a live instructor in the classroom. For information about which sections must be in person you can view this section of the California Code of Regulations on the Office of Administrative Law website.

 

Does the CALSAGA database allow members to create certificates for Powers to Arrest/Appropriate Use of Force training?
Yes, the CALSAGA Member Portal & Training Database allows for creation of a Powers to Arrest/Appropriate Use of Force certificate as well as a Two Hour Refresher certificate.

How do I use the CALSAGA Member Portal & Training Database to create certificates?
View Instructions for the CALSAGA Member Portal & Training Database

Should existing licensees receive new Powers to Arrest/Appropriate Use of Force training?

 As a best business practice, CALSAGA recommends that existing licensees receive new Powers to Arrest/Appropriate Use of Force training. The training can count as the 8 hours of required continuing education for this year. However, at minimum the 8 hours of Annual Continuing Education must include 2 hours of review of the appropriate use of force topics as set forth in section I.B. of the Appendix of the Powers to Arrest manual. Mandatory and Elective courses shall be used to meet the remaining annual training hours.

Do the 2 hours of review of Appropriate Use of Force Topics for the Annual Continuing Education need to be conducted in person?

The interpretation of the association is that the 2 hour refresher does not need to be in person as long as the sections offered are not those required by law to be in person.

Who can teach Powers to Arrest/Appropriate Use of Force training?

Training facilities with a Training Facility Baton license and/or Training Facility Firearm license can offer the new material. A PPO can train its own employees on the new material.

What about the individual trainer? Is a special license required to teach the material?

The PPO can designate a licensee (Qualified Manager, Guard Card licensee, etc.) that the owner/management deems qualified to teach the material.

Additionally, an approved Trainer licensed by the BSIS can teach the material.

Remember that it is the responsibility of the PPO and training facility to ensure that all of the material is covered adequately. During CALSAGA’s Coffee Chat on January 3, 2024, Chief Jensen said that PPOs and training facilities will be held liable in cases of not providing adequate training.

Are PPOs required to keep training documentation or is it the sole responsibility of the guard?

The PPO must maintain training records for all officers as well as provide a copy of the certificate to the officers. Source: California Code, Business and Professions Code 7583.2 b and c