| NY Security Guard Training Center Frequently Asked Questions Toll Free- 1-877-GUARD21 or 518-858-1196 |
What does a security guard do?
A security guard as defined in Article 7A of the General Business Law
[§89-f (6)] is a person (other than an active police officer) employed in NYS
to principally perform one or more of the following duties, and the person is
not performing the functions of a private investigator as defined in Section
71 of Article 7 of the General Business Law:
* protection of persons and/or property from harm, theft, and/or
unlawful activity;
* deterrence, observation, detection, and/or reporting unlawful or
unauthorized activity;
* street patrol service;
* response to, but not installation or service of, a security system alarm.
Who is exempt from registration?
* A security guard who is otherwise subject to regulation with respect
to registration and training by the federal government in the performance
of his or her duties
* A security guard providing services on a voluntary basis
* Active police officers are exempt from registration, but, when
employed by a contractual entity, they must complete an Employee
Statement but do not need to be fingerprinted. However, police officers
separated from service (e.g. retired) are considered civilians and must
register as a security guard.
* Peace officers while working in their official capacity for their primary
employer. However, if moonlighting, a peace officer is considered a
security guard and must register.
What are the requirements for registration?
Generally speaking, applicants must be 18 years of age, have completed
an 8-hour pre-assignment training course, and have not been convicted of
a serious criminal offense. Must be a citizen or resident alien of the United
States.
Are there additional requirements for an armed guard registration?
Yes. You must complete a 47 hour firearms course, and submit the
certificate with your application for issuance of an armed guard
registration card.
May I install security systems if I am registered as a security guard?
No. You must obtain an alarm installer license.
If I am a retired police officer, do I have to register?
Yes. Retired police officers must register and complete all training. If a
retired police officer (less than 10 years), you must provide the Department
of State with a letter from your department (signed by your department). In
addition, if you are required by your employer to carry a firearm, or are
authorized to have access to a firearm, you must provide proof to the
Department of State and your employer of having completed a Basic
Course for Police Officers (or an equivalent course), that included initial
firearms training, within one year prior to such employment. If your initial
firearms training occurred more than a year before such employment, you
must complete an 8 Hour Annual Firearms Course for Security Guards and
report that training to the Department of State and your employer.
Do active police officers who do part-time security work have to be
registered as a security guard?
No. The amendment of August 2, 1994, exempts active police officers
from the Act. Active police officers accepting secondary employment are
not required to register or complete training. Individuals previously
employed as police officers are considered civilians and must register and
complete all training. When employed by a contractual entity, they must
complete an Employee Statement, but they do not need to be fingerprinted.
However, if an active police officer is hired by a contractual entity as an
investigator, or if they are filing a PI/BEA/WGP application with us, they
must be fingerprinted.
Can I submit a photo with my security guard application rather than the
DMV ID#?
No. ID cards are produced by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
using the image on file in its office. Individuals with current NYS driver
licenses or non-driver ID cards "with photos" must read the section
"Informed Consent," sign and date it, provide their 9-digit DMV ID number,
and return the bottom portion with their application packet.
Individuals who do not have a current NYS photo driver license or non-
driver ID card must go to a DMV office and have their photo taken (at no
cost to them) before submitting their application to the Department of
State. This is referred to as an "image-only" transaction. When these
individuals go to a DMV office, they must bring the insert (enclosed with
their guard application) titled "If You Don't Have a NYS Driver or Non-Driver
ID" with them. This insert provides instructions and will be retained by the
DMV office. The "image-only" transaction produces an FS-6T receipt that
displays the individual's 9-digit ID number for the new client record.
Individuals who get "image-only" captures should save their receipts and
write that ID number on their DOS original and renewal applications.
Once an individual is approved for licensure or registration, the
Department of State sends his or her name and DMV number to the
Department of Motor Vehicles to have an ID card printed. DMV sends the ID
card to the residence address on file with the Department of State.
May I satisfy my due diligence requirements by accessing the information
available on the Department of State Web site?
No. You are still required to call the Registry to obtain a transaction
number.
How long do companies have to submit security guard registration
applications after calling the guard Registry and receiving a transaction
number?
Employers must submit the security guard registration application with
appropriate documentation within 24 hours of employment.
Do companies have to submit the fingerprint cards for their guard
employees with the registration application?
Yes. In fact, all of the following documentation must be submitted with the
application:
* the completed, signed application
* original certificate showing completion of an 8-hour pre-assignment
course
* signed DMV Informed Consent
* NYS fingerprint card
* FBI fingerprint card
* $141.25 fee payable to the NYS Department of State
* any additional documentation requested in response to specific
questions on the application form; and
if employment will commence with filing of the application, the Notice of
Employment section must be completed by the employer.
* If applying for armed security guard registration, a course completion
certificate for 47 hrs of firearms training, or a copy of the waiver issued by
the Division of Criminal Justice Services
What address do I mail the security guard application packet(s) to?
Full application packets should be mailed to NYS Department of State,
Division of Licensing Services, PO Box 22001
Albany, NY 12201-2001
Who is authorized to take fingerprints?
Fingerprinting can be performed by a designated employee of a security
guard firm or an approved training school that has been previously
fingerprinted. Fingerpints can also be taken by local and State Police, or
sheriffs and chiefs of police.
How soon does a guard need to send his or her renewal form and $25 fee
to the Department of State?
Guards must renew their registration by the expiration date of their
current registration or they cannot work as a security guard. If their
registration has not been renewed within 6 months after the expiration
date of their current registration, they must re-apply and re-qualify.
When should companies notify Licensing Services of employment?
Basically, on employment:
* If employment commences with the filing of the application, the Notice
of Employment section should be completed by the employer. No additional
fee is required.
* If security guard is applying independently, the Notice of Employment
section need not be completed.
* If the individual is already registered as a security guard, a "Security
Guard Employment Status Notification" form and $25 fee must be
completed and sent to the Licensing Division.
What specific documentation should employers retain in personnel files
for their guards?
Security guard employers should, at a minimum, retain one copy of each
of the following in their personnel files for each of their guards:
* the completed, signed application
* original certificate showing completion of an 8-hour pre-assignment
course
* signed DMV Informed Consent
* NYS fingerprint card (not required to be retaken when guard is already
registered prior to this employment)
* FBI fingerprint card (not required to be retaken when guard is already
registered prior to this employment)
* any additional documentation requested in response to specific
questions on the application form; and
* if employment will commence with filing of the application, the Notice of
Employment section which must be completed by the employer.
*If applying for armed security guard registration, a course completion
certificate for 47 hrs of firearms training, or a copy of the waiver issued by
the Division of Criminal Justice Services
* Copy of the fingerprint fee transmittal form #1880
* Temporary Identification Card (required upon termination of the guard)
* Copy of Employment Status Notification (used for termination)
Who fingerprints the guard?
Fingerprinting may be performed at the office of the licensee or at
another licensed Private Investigator or Watch, Guard or Patrol agency by
the person who qualifies as the licensee or by a designated person who is
employed by the entity and who has been previously fingerprinted.
Procedure is available for making official designation. Approved security
guard training schools can be authorized to fingerprint students for
security guard registration by submitting to the Department of State:
1. a letter of request with the name(s) of the instructors who will
actually be taking fingerprints; and
2. a state fingerprint card and $75 fee in the form of a US Postal,
Travelers, or American Express money order or corporate check made
payable to the NYS Department of State for each instructor.
Can a qualifier for a Private Investigator or Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency
license work as an unarmed or armed guard under his or her license
without additional filing as a security guard?
Yes. A qualifier complies with statutory requirements. A separate
registration as a security guard is not needed.
If a Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency or Private Investigator qualifier does
guard work, does the qualifier have to be registered as a security guard?
The qualifier of a Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency or Private Investigator
does not need a separate registration as a security guard as long as the
qualifier is providing guard services for the qualifier's own company.
However, if the qualifier provides guard services for another Watch,
Guard or Patrol Agency or Private Investigator, the qualifier must obtain a
security guard registration in order to provide guard services to that
company.
Is security guard registration required from individuals who are waiting to
be appointed as Peace Officers? NYC Special Patrolmen are granted
peace officer authority pursuant to CPL §2.10 (27). While waiting to be
appointed, the individual(s) will be employed to perform security guard
functions.
Our rules provide that peace officers performing security guard duties in
the course of their peace officer status are exempt from the registration
requirements. However, no such exemption exists for individuals who are
performing security functions while awaiting such status. Therefore, if the
individuals are performing security guard functions, they must be
registered.
I am an authorized employer. Will the Department of State accept security
guard applications with my stamped signature?
The Department of State will accept security guard applications with an
employer's stamped signature. Employers wishing to do so must submit a
signed statement with a sample of the rubber stamp. The liability for
misuse rests with the qualifier.
I need some information and forms relating to training courses.
The Department of State is not able to comply with requests relating to
the new Security Guard Act training courses, instructors, and schools. The
NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, Office of Public Safety – Security
Guard Program, has regulatory authority over training requirements.
Please visit their website at http://wwwwww.criminaljustice.state.ny.
us/ops/sgtraining/index.htm.
A security guard as defined in Article 7A of the General Business Law
[§89-f (6)] is a person (other than an active police officer) employed in NYS
to principally perform one or more of the following duties, and the person is
not performing the functions of a private investigator as defined in Section
71 of Article 7 of the General Business Law:
* protection of persons and/or property from harm, theft, and/or
unlawful activity;
* deterrence, observation, detection, and/or reporting unlawful or
unauthorized activity;
* street patrol service;
* response to, but not installation or service of, a security system alarm.
Who is exempt from registration?
* A security guard who is otherwise subject to regulation with respect
to registration and training by the federal government in the performance
of his or her duties
* A security guard providing services on a voluntary basis
* Active police officers are exempt from registration, but, when
employed by a contractual entity, they must complete an Employee
Statement but do not need to be fingerprinted. However, police officers
separated from service (e.g. retired) are considered civilians and must
register as a security guard.
* Peace officers while working in their official capacity for their primary
employer. However, if moonlighting, a peace officer is considered a
security guard and must register.
What are the requirements for registration?
Generally speaking, applicants must be 18 years of age, have completed
an 8-hour pre-assignment training course, and have not been convicted of
a serious criminal offense. Must be a citizen or resident alien of the United
States.
Are there additional requirements for an armed guard registration?
Yes. You must complete a 47 hour firearms course, and submit the
certificate with your application for issuance of an armed guard
registration card.
May I install security systems if I am registered as a security guard?
No. You must obtain an alarm installer license.
If I am a retired police officer, do I have to register?
Yes. Retired police officers must register and complete all training. If a
retired police officer (less than 10 years), you must provide the Department
of State with a letter from your department (signed by your department). In
addition, if you are required by your employer to carry a firearm, or are
authorized to have access to a firearm, you must provide proof to the
Department of State and your employer of having completed a Basic
Course for Police Officers (or an equivalent course), that included initial
firearms training, within one year prior to such employment. If your initial
firearms training occurred more than a year before such employment, you
must complete an 8 Hour Annual Firearms Course for Security Guards and
report that training to the Department of State and your employer.
Do active police officers who do part-time security work have to be
registered as a security guard?
No. The amendment of August 2, 1994, exempts active police officers
from the Act. Active police officers accepting secondary employment are
not required to register or complete training. Individuals previously
employed as police officers are considered civilians and must register and
complete all training. When employed by a contractual entity, they must
complete an Employee Statement, but they do not need to be fingerprinted.
However, if an active police officer is hired by a contractual entity as an
investigator, or if they are filing a PI/BEA/WGP application with us, they
must be fingerprinted.
Can I submit a photo with my security guard application rather than the
DMV ID#?
No. ID cards are produced by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
using the image on file in its office. Individuals with current NYS driver
licenses or non-driver ID cards "with photos" must read the section
"Informed Consent," sign and date it, provide their 9-digit DMV ID number,
and return the bottom portion with their application packet.
Individuals who do not have a current NYS photo driver license or non-
driver ID card must go to a DMV office and have their photo taken (at no
cost to them) before submitting their application to the Department of
State. This is referred to as an "image-only" transaction. When these
individuals go to a DMV office, they must bring the insert (enclosed with
their guard application) titled "If You Don't Have a NYS Driver or Non-Driver
ID" with them. This insert provides instructions and will be retained by the
DMV office. The "image-only" transaction produces an FS-6T receipt that
displays the individual's 9-digit ID number for the new client record.
Individuals who get "image-only" captures should save their receipts and
write that ID number on their DOS original and renewal applications.
Once an individual is approved for licensure or registration, the
Department of State sends his or her name and DMV number to the
Department of Motor Vehicles to have an ID card printed. DMV sends the ID
card to the residence address on file with the Department of State.
May I satisfy my due diligence requirements by accessing the information
available on the Department of State Web site?
No. You are still required to call the Registry to obtain a transaction
number.
How long do companies have to submit security guard registration
applications after calling the guard Registry and receiving a transaction
number?
Employers must submit the security guard registration application with
appropriate documentation within 24 hours of employment.
Do companies have to submit the fingerprint cards for their guard
employees with the registration application?
Yes. In fact, all of the following documentation must be submitted with the
application:
* the completed, signed application
* original certificate showing completion of an 8-hour pre-assignment
course
* signed DMV Informed Consent
* NYS fingerprint card
* FBI fingerprint card
* $141.25 fee payable to the NYS Department of State
* any additional documentation requested in response to specific
questions on the application form; and
if employment will commence with filing of the application, the Notice of
Employment section must be completed by the employer.
* If applying for armed security guard registration, a course completion
certificate for 47 hrs of firearms training, or a copy of the waiver issued by
the Division of Criminal Justice Services
What address do I mail the security guard application packet(s) to?
Full application packets should be mailed to NYS Department of State,
Division of Licensing Services, PO Box 22001
Albany, NY 12201-2001
Who is authorized to take fingerprints?
Fingerprinting can be performed by a designated employee of a security
guard firm or an approved training school that has been previously
fingerprinted. Fingerpints can also be taken by local and State Police, or
sheriffs and chiefs of police.
How soon does a guard need to send his or her renewal form and $25 fee
to the Department of State?
Guards must renew their registration by the expiration date of their
current registration or they cannot work as a security guard. If their
registration has not been renewed within 6 months after the expiration
date of their current registration, they must re-apply and re-qualify.
When should companies notify Licensing Services of employment?
Basically, on employment:
* If employment commences with the filing of the application, the Notice
of Employment section should be completed by the employer. No additional
fee is required.
* If security guard is applying independently, the Notice of Employment
section need not be completed.
* If the individual is already registered as a security guard, a "Security
Guard Employment Status Notification" form and $25 fee must be
completed and sent to the Licensing Division.
What specific documentation should employers retain in personnel files
for their guards?
Security guard employers should, at a minimum, retain one copy of each
of the following in their personnel files for each of their guards:
* the completed, signed application
* original certificate showing completion of an 8-hour pre-assignment
course
* signed DMV Informed Consent
* NYS fingerprint card (not required to be retaken when guard is already
registered prior to this employment)
* FBI fingerprint card (not required to be retaken when guard is already
registered prior to this employment)
* any additional documentation requested in response to specific
questions on the application form; and
* if employment will commence with filing of the application, the Notice of
Employment section which must be completed by the employer.
*If applying for armed security guard registration, a course completion
certificate for 47 hrs of firearms training, or a copy of the waiver issued by
the Division of Criminal Justice Services
* Copy of the fingerprint fee transmittal form #1880
* Temporary Identification Card (required upon termination of the guard)
* Copy of Employment Status Notification (used for termination)
Who fingerprints the guard?
Fingerprinting may be performed at the office of the licensee or at
another licensed Private Investigator or Watch, Guard or Patrol agency by
the person who qualifies as the licensee or by a designated person who is
employed by the entity and who has been previously fingerprinted.
Procedure is available for making official designation. Approved security
guard training schools can be authorized to fingerprint students for
security guard registration by submitting to the Department of State:
1. a letter of request with the name(s) of the instructors who will
actually be taking fingerprints; and
2. a state fingerprint card and $75 fee in the form of a US Postal,
Travelers, or American Express money order or corporate check made
payable to the NYS Department of State for each instructor.
Can a qualifier for a Private Investigator or Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency
license work as an unarmed or armed guard under his or her license
without additional filing as a security guard?
Yes. A qualifier complies with statutory requirements. A separate
registration as a security guard is not needed.
If a Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency or Private Investigator qualifier does
guard work, does the qualifier have to be registered as a security guard?
The qualifier of a Watch, Guard or Patrol Agency or Private Investigator
does not need a separate registration as a security guard as long as the
qualifier is providing guard services for the qualifier's own company.
However, if the qualifier provides guard services for another Watch,
Guard or Patrol Agency or Private Investigator, the qualifier must obtain a
security guard registration in order to provide guard services to that
company.
Is security guard registration required from individuals who are waiting to
be appointed as Peace Officers? NYC Special Patrolmen are granted
peace officer authority pursuant to CPL §2.10 (27). While waiting to be
appointed, the individual(s) will be employed to perform security guard
functions.
Our rules provide that peace officers performing security guard duties in
the course of their peace officer status are exempt from the registration
requirements. However, no such exemption exists for individuals who are
performing security functions while awaiting such status. Therefore, if the
individuals are performing security guard functions, they must be
registered.
I am an authorized employer. Will the Department of State accept security
guard applications with my stamped signature?
The Department of State will accept security guard applications with an
employer's stamped signature. Employers wishing to do so must submit a
signed statement with a sample of the rubber stamp. The liability for
misuse rests with the qualifier.
I need some information and forms relating to training courses.
The Department of State is not able to comply with requests relating to
the new Security Guard Act training courses, instructors, and schools. The
NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, Office of Public Safety – Security
Guard Program, has regulatory authority over training requirements.
Please visit their website at http://wwwwww.criminaljustice.state.ny.
us/ops/sgtraining/index.htm.
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