Security Officer Network

The Texas Department of Public Safety's Private Security Bureau issues non-commissioned officer (unarmed security) registrations and armed security officer commissions. The Bureau also licenses personal protection officers.

The applicant must meet several generic qualifications. He must be 18 years of age. He can not have been dishonorably discharged from the military. The applicant must not have committed certain types of misdemeanor offenses in the five years prior to the submission of the application. Examples of these misdemeanors include theft, issuance of a bad check for child support, abuse while in an official capacity and other moral turpitude offenses. Additionally several other misdemeanor offenses committed within five years of the application date may also disqualify the applicant although the disqualification may be subject to the discretion of the Bureau. Examples of these offenses include indecent exposure, criminal trespass and breach of computer security. And, many types of felony offenses also potentially disqualify the applicant. Examples include theft, robbery, perjury, larceny, kidnapping and embezzlement.

Texas requires a certain amount of training. Unarmed officers (non-commissioned) must take six hours of Level II training. This training may be provided through the security company that hires the officer or through one of the licensed private security schools if the company chooses to not provide it. It must occur within 14 days of the officer's employment.

A commissioned security officer must sit for 40 hours of Level III training. This training takes place at one of the state's licensed private security schools

During the training the student must score at least 75% on each written examination.

Non-commissioned officers do not have to sit for any continuing education. Commissioned officers must take six hours of continuing education prior to renewing a license.

The individual applying for registration as a non-commissioned security officer must submit an application fee of $33. He will also need to pay at least $25 for the fingerprinting process. Those applying for licensure as a commissioned security officer must pay an application fee of $55.

Every two years the Texas security guard's registration must be renewed. The renewal fee is $33 with an additional $15 late fee if the renewal is up to 90 days late and $30 when the renewal is over 90 days late.

Steps To Getting A Texas Private Security License

• 1. Secure employment with a licensed Texas private security company. The officer must be employed by a security company prior to applying for a license. The Texas Department of Public Safety provides a searchable directory of licensed security companies. The officer can use this directory to find possible employers and should also verify that any potential employer does in fact hold a license. Just enter your zip code, and nearby zip codes into the white search bar.
• 2. Complete the online application for a private security license. The application process for a non-commissioned officer registration takes place with just eight steps through the Bureau's online portal. Applicants may also complete the Bureau's online application for an armed security officer commission.
• 3. Submit fingerprints through the electronic fingerprinting process. The fingerprints are taken at an array of IdentoGo locations throughout Texas. Here is the list.
• 4. Sit for the required Level II training. The hiring security company should provide or connect the officer with this training. This training will consist of at least six hours of training using a manual that has been prepared by the state. This training must be completed within 14 days of commencing work. Those who are applying for an armed officer commission must sit for up to 40 hours of training. Known as Level III training, armed officer training will allow the officer to qualify on the range with the conforming weapon of his choice. The officer should qualify with each firearm he plans to carry while on duty. A list of the approved schools for Level III training can be found online through the training school search utility.
• 5. The officer should not forget that the license must be renewed every two years. Fortunately, it may be renewed online through the Bureau's online renewal portal. However, the commissioned officer does need to ensure he meets the six hours of continuing education requirements. A list of the accredited continuing education schools is available through the training school search utility.

Documentation

• Private Security Administrative Rules
• Texas Private Security State Statutes - Chapter 1702 of the Texas Occupations Code