License: Private Patrol Operator

Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Security and Investigative Services external site

PO Box 989002

West Sacramento, CA 95798

(916) 322-4000

A Private Patrol Operator is a person/company who agrees to furnish, or furnishes, a watchman, guard, patrolperson, or other person to protect persons or property or to prevent the theft, unlawful taking, loss, embezzlement, misappropriate, or concealment of any goods, wares, merchandise, money, bonds, stocks, notes, documents, papers, or property of any kind. Requirements: Be 18 or older. Undergo a criminal history background check through the DOJ and the FBI. Possess a minimum of 2,000 hours of compensated experience in security work (equates to 1 year of full-time employment). Pass a multiple-choice examination covering the Private Security Services Act. Exams are given by a State contracted company known as PSI. If the individual meets the minimum requirements for admittance to the examination after the application has been reviewed and approved, he/she will receive a letter to contact PSI for scheduling. Exams are given five days a week at 13 different PSI locations within California. Application and Exam Fee - $500 Initial License Fee - $700 DOJ Fingerprint Processing Fee - $32 FBI Fingerprint Processing Fee - $17 Renewal Fee - $700 The initial license is valid for 2 years. Each renewal cycle extends the registration for an additional 2 years. Average time to process an application is 120 days. Authority: Business and Professions Code, Chapter 11.5