Part I
Definitions

6VAC20-171-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Administrative Process Act" means Chapter 40 (§2.2-4000 et seq.) of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia.

"Alarm respondent" means a natural person who responds to the signal of an alarm for the purpose of detecting an intrusion of the home, business or property of the end user.

"Armed" means a private security registrant who carries or has immediate access to a firearm in the performance of his duties.

"Armed security officer" means a natural person employed to (i) safeguard and protect persons and property or (ii) deter theft, loss, or concealment of any tangible or intangible personal property on the premises he is contracted to protect, and who carries or has access to a firearm in the performance of his duties.

"Armored car personnel" means persons who transport or offer to transport under armed security from one place to another money, negotiable instruments or other valuables in a specially equipped motor vehicle with a high degree of security and certainty of delivery.

"Assistant training director" means a certified instructor designated by a private security training school director to submit training school session notifications and training rosters and perform administrative duties in lieu of the director.

"Board" means the Criminal Justice Services Board or any successor board or agency.

"Business advertising material" means display advertisements in telephone directories, letterhead, business cards, local newspaper advertising and contracts.

"Central station dispatcher" means a natural person who monitors burglar alarm signal devices, burglar alarms or any other electrical, mechanical or electronic device used to prevent or detect burglary, theft, shoplifting, pilferage or similar losses; used to prevent or detect intrusion; or used primarily to summon aid for other emergencies.

"Certification" means a method of regulation indicating that qualified persons have met the minimum requirements as private security services training schools, private security services instructors or compliance agents.

"Certified training school" means a training school that is certified by the department for the specific purpose of training private security services business personnel in at least one category of the compulsory minimum training standards.

"Class" means a block of instruction no less than 50 minutes in length on a particular subject.

"Combat loading" means tactical loading of shotgun while maintaining coverage of threat area.

"Compliance agent" means a natural person who is an owner of, or employed by, a licensed private security services business. The compliance agent shall assure the compliance of the private security services business with all applicable requirements as provided in §9.1-139 of the Code of Virginia.

"Courier" means any armed person who transports or offers to transport from one place to another documents or other papers, negotiable or nonnegotiable instruments, or other small items of value that require expeditious service.

"Date of hire" means the date any employee of a private security services business or training school performs services regulated or required to be regulated by the department.

"Department" or "DCJS" means the Department of Criminal Justice Services or any successor agency.

"Director" means the chief administrative officer of the department.

"Electronic roster submittal" means the authority given to the training director or assistant training director of a private security training school, after they have submitted an application and the required nonrefundable fee, to submit a training school roster to the department electronically through the department's online system.

"Electronic security business" means any person who engages in the business of or undertakes to (i) install, service, maintain, design or consult in the design of any electronic security equipment to an end user; (ii) respond to or cause a response to electronic security equipment for an end user; or (iii) have access to confidential information concerning the design, extent, status, password, contact list, or location of an end user's electronic security equipment.

"Electronic security employee" means a natural person who is employed by an electronic security business in any capacity which may give him access to information concerning the design, extent, status, password, contact list, or location of an end user's electronic security equipment.

"Electronic security equipment" means electronic or mechanical alarm signaling devices, including burglar alarms or holdup alarms or cameras used to detect intrusion, concealment or theft to safeguard and protect persons and property. This shall not include tags, labels, and other devices that are attached or affixed to items offered for sale, library books, and other protected articles as part of an electronic article surveillance and theft detection and deterrence system.

"Electronic security sales representative" means a natural person who sells electronic security equipment on behalf of an electronic security business to the end user.

"Electronic security technician" means a natural person who installs, services, maintains or repairs electronic security equipment.

"Electronic security technician's assistant" means a natural person who works as a laborer under the supervision of the electronic security technician in the course of his normal duties, but who may not make connections to any electronic security equipment.

"Employed" means an employer/employee relationship where the employee is providing work in exchange for compensation and the employer directly controls the employee's conduct and pays taxes on behalf of the employee. The term "employed" shall not be construed to include independent contractors.

"Employee" means a natural person employed by a licensee to perform private security services that are regulated by the department.

"End user" means any person who purchases or leases electronic security equipment for use in that person's home or business.

"Engaging in the business of providing or undertaking to provide private security services" means any person who solicits business within the Commonwealth of Virginia through advertising, business cards, submission of bids, contracting, public notice for private security services, directly or indirectly, or by any other means.

"Firearms endorsement" means a method of regulation that identifies an individual registered as a private security registrant and has successfully completed the annual firearms training and has met the requirements as set forth in this chapter.

"Firearms training verification" means verification of successful completion of either initial or retraining requirements for handgun or shotgun training, or both.

"Firm" means a business entity, regardless of method of organization, applying for a private security services business license or for the renewal or reinstatement of same.

"Key cutting" means making duplicate keys from an existing key and includes no other locksmith services.

"Incident" means an event that exceeds the normal extent of one's duties.

"In-service training requirement" means the compulsory in-service training standards adopted by the Criminal Justice Services Board for private security services business personnel.

"License number" means the official number issued to a private security services business licensed by the department.

"Licensed firm" means a business entity, regardless of method of organization, which holds a valid private security services business license issued by the department.

"Licensee" means a licensed private security services business.

"Locksmith" means any individual that performs locksmith services, or advertises or represents to the general public that the individual is a locksmith even if the specific term locksmith is substituted with any other term by which a reasonable person could construe that the individual possesses special skills relating to locks or locking devices, including use of the words lock technician, lockman, safe technician, safeman, boxman, unlocking technician, lock installer, lock opener, physical security technician or similar descriptions.

"Locksmith security equipment" means mechanical, electrical or electro-mechanical locking devices for the control of ingress or egress that do not primarily detect intrusion, concealment and theft.

"Locksmith services" mean selling, servicing, rebuilding, repairing, rekeying, repinning, changing the combination to an electronic or mechanical locking device; programming either keys to a device or the device to accept electronic controlled keys; originating keys for locks or copying keys; adjusting or installing locks or deadbolts, mechanical or electronic locking devices, egress control devices, safes, and vaults; opening, defeating or bypassing locks or latching mechanisms in a manner other than intended by the manufacturer; with or without compensation for the general public or on property not his own nor under his own control or authority.

"Official documentation" means personnel records; DD214; copies of business licenses indicating ownership; law-enforcement transcripts; certificates of training completion; a signed letter provided directly by a current or previous employer detailing dates of employment and job duties; college transcripts; letters of commendation; private security services registrations, certifications or licenses from other states; and other employment, training, or experience verification documents. A resume is not considered official documentation.

"On duty" means the time during which private security services business personnel receive or are entitled to receive compensation for employment for which a registration or certification is required.

"Performance of his duties" means on duty in the context of this chapter.

"Person" means any individual, group of individuals, firm, company, corporation, partnership, business, trust, association, or other legal entity.

"Personal protection specialist" means any natural person who engages in the duties of providing close protection from bodily harm to any person.

"Physical address" means the location of the building that houses a private security services business or training school, or the location where the individual principals of a business reside. A post office box is not a physical address.

"Principal" means any sole proprietor, individual listed as an officer or director with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, board member of the association, or partner of a licensed firm or applicant for licensure.

"Private investigator" means any natural person who engages in the business of, or accepts employment to make, investigations to obtain information on (i) crimes or civil wrongs; (ii) the location, disposition, or recovery of stolen property; (iii) the cause of accidents, fires, damages, or injuries to persons or to property; or (iv) evidence to be used before any court, board, officer, or investigative committee.

"Private security services business" means any person engaged in the business of providing, or who undertakes to provide, armored car personnel, security officers, personal protection specialists, private investigators, couriers, security canine handlers, alarm respondents, locksmiths, central station dispatchers, electronic security employees, electronic security sales representatives or electronic security technicians and their assistants to another person under contract, express or implied.

"Private security services business personnel" means each employee of a private security services business who is employed as an unarmed security officer, armed security officer/courier, armored car personnel, security canine handler, private investigator, personal protection specialist, alarm respondent, locksmith, central station dispatcher, electronic security employee, electronic security sales representative, electronic security technician or electronic security technician's assistant.

"Private security services instructor" means any natural person certified by the department to provide mandated instruction in private security subjects for a certified private security services training school.

"Private security services registrant" means any qualified individual who has met the requirements under Article 6 (6VAC20-171-120 et seq.) of Part III of this chapter to perform the duties of alarm respondent, locksmith, armored car personnel, central station dispatcher, courier, electronic security sales representative, electronic security technician, electronic security technician's assistant, personal protection specialist, private investigator, security canine handler, unarmed security officer or armed security officer.

"Private security services training school" means any person certified by the department to provide instruction in private security subjects for the training of private security services business personnel in accordance with this chapter.

"Reciprocity" means the relation existing between Virginia and any other state, commonwealth or providence as established by agreements approved by the board.

"Recognition" means the relation of accepting various application requirements between Virginia and any other state, commonwealth or providence as established by agreements approved by the board.

"Registration" means a method of regulation which identifies individuals as having met the minimum requirements for a particular registration category as set forth in this chapter.

"Registration category" means any one of the following categories: (i) unarmed security officer and armed security officer/courier, (ii) security canine handler, (iii) armored car personnel, (iv) private investigator, (v) personal protection specialist, (vi) alarm respondent, (vii) central station dispatcher, (viii) electronic security sales representative, or (ix) electronic security technician or (x) electronic security technician's assistant or (xi) locksmith.

"Security canine" means a dog that has attended, completed, and been certified as a security canine by a certified security canine handler instructor in accordance with approved department procedures and certification guidelines. "Security canine" shall not include detector dogs.

"Security canine handler" means any natural person who utilizes his security canine in the performance of private security duties.

"Security canine team" means the security canine handler and his security canine performing private security duties.

"Session" means a group of classes comprising the total hours of mandated training in any of the following categories: unarmed security officer, armed security officer/courier, personal protection specialist, armored car personnel, security canine handler, private investigator, alarm respondent, locksmith, central station dispatcher, electronic security sales representative, electronic security technician, electronic security technician's assistant or compliance agent.

"Supervisor" means any natural person who directly or indirectly supervises registered or certified private security services business personnel.

"This chapter" means the Regulations Relating to Private Security Services (6VAC20-171) as part of the Virginia Administrative Code.

"Training certification" means verification of the successful completion of any training requirement established in this chapter.

"Training requirement" means any entry level, in-service, or firearms retraining standard established in this chapter.

"Training school director" means a natural person designated by a principal of a certified private security services training school to assure the compliance of the private security services training school with all applicable requirements as provided in the Code of Virginia and this chapter.

"Unarmed security officer" means a natural person who performs the function of observation, detection, reporting, or notification of appropriate authorities or designated agents regarding persons or property on the premises he is contracted to protect, and who does not carry or have access to a firearm in the performance of his duties.

"Uniform" means any clothing with a badge, patch or lettering which clearly identifies persons to any observer as private security services business personnel, not law-enforcement officers.

Statutory Authority

§9.1-141 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 8, eff. February 2, 2000; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 15, eff. May 10, 2002; Volume 20, Issue 3, eff. November 19, 2003.

Article 2
Private Security Services Business License

6VAC20-171-50. Initial business license application.

A. Prior to the issuance of a business license, the applicant shall meet or exceed the requirements of licensing and application submittal to the department as set forth in this section.

B. Each person seeking a license as a private security services business shall file a completed application provided by the department including:

1. For each principal and supervisor of the applying business, their fingerprints pursuant to 6VAC20-171-30;

2. Documentation verifying that the applicant has secured a surety bond in the amount of $100,000 executed by a surety company authorized to do business in Virginia, or a certificate of insurance reflecting the department as a certificate holder, showing a policy of comprehensive general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $100,000 and $300,000 issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in Virginia;

3. For each nonresident applicant for a license, on a form provided by the department, a completed irrevocable consent for the department to serve as service agent for all actions filed in any court in this Commonwealth;

4. For each applicant for a license as a private security services business except sole proprietor or partnership, on a form provided by the department, the identification number issued by the Virginia State Corporation Commission for verification that the entity is authorized to conduct business in the Commonwealth;

5. A physical address in Virginia where records required to be maintained by the Code of Virginia and this chapter are kept and available for inspection by the department. A post office box is not a physical address;

6. On the license application, designation of at least one individual as compliance agent who is not designated as compliance agent for any other licensee, and who is certified or eligible for certification pursuant to 6VAC20-171-70;

7. The applicable, nonrefundable license application fee; and

8. Designation on the license application of the type of private security business license the applicant is seeking. The initial business license fee includes one category. A separate fee will be charged for each additional category. The separate categories are identified as follows: security officers/couriers (armed and unarmed), private investigators, electronic security, armored car, personal protection specialists, locksmiths, and security canine handlers. Alarm respondents crossover into both the security officer and electronic security category; therefore, if an applicant is licensed in either of these categories, he can provide these services without purchasing an additional category.

C. Upon completion of the initial license application requirements, the department may issue an initial license for a period not to exceed 24 months.

D. The department may issue a letter of temporary licensure to businesses seeking licensure under §9.1-139 of the Code of Virginia for not more than 120 days while awaiting the results of the state and national fingerprint search conducted on the principals and compliance agent of the business, provided the applicant has met the necessary conditions and requirements.

E. A new license is required whenever there is any change in the ownership or type of organization of the licensed entity that results in the creation of a new legal entity.

F. Each license shall be issued to the legal business entity named on the application, whether it be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity, and shall be valid only for the legal entity named on the license. No license shall be assigned or otherwise transferred to another legal entity, with the exception of a sole proprietorship or partnership that incorporates to form a new corporate entity where the initial licensee remains as a principal in the newly formed corporation. This exception shall not apply to any existing corporation that purchases the business or assets of an existing sole proprietorship.

G. Each licensee shall comply with all applicable administrative requirements and standards of conduct and shall not engage in any acts prohibited by applicable sections of the Code of Virginia and this chapter.

H. Each licensee shall be a United States citizen or legal resident alien of the United States.

Statutory Authority

§9.1-141 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 8, eff. February 2, 2000; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 15, eff. May 10, 2002; Volume 20, Issue 3, eff. November 19, 2003.

Article 6
Private Security Services Registration

6VAC20-171-120. Initial registration application.

A. Individuals required to be registered, pursuant to §9.1-139 C of the Code of Virginia, in the categories of armored car personnel, courier, unarmed security officer, armed security officer, security canine handler, private investigator, personal protection specialist, locksmith, alarm respondent, central station dispatcher, electronic security sales representative, electronic security technician, or electronic security technician's assistant shall meet all registration requirements in this section. Prior to the issuance of a registration, the applicant shall meet or exceed the requirements of registration and application submittal to the department as set forth in this section. Individuals who carry or have access to a firearm while on duty must have a valid registration with a firearm endorsement. If carrying a handgun concealed, the individual must also have a valid concealed handgun permit and the written permission of his employer pursuant to §18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Each person applying for registration shall meet the minimum requirements for eligibility as follows:

1. Be a minimum of 18 years of age;

2. Successfully complete all initial training requirements for each registration category, including firearms endorsement if applicable, requested pursuant to the compulsory minimum training standards in 6VAC20-171-360 with the exception of locksmiths who meet the statutory requirements for waiver as set forth in §9.1-140.1; and

3. Be a United States citizen or legal resident alien of the United States.

C. Each person applying for registration shall file with the department:

1. A properly completed application provided by the department;

2. On the application, his mailing address;

3. Fingerprint cards pursuant to 6VAC20-171-30; and

4. The applicable, nonrefundable application fee.

D. Each person seeking or required to seek registration as unarmed security officer, locksmith, alarm respondent, central station dispatcher, electronic security sales representative, electronic security technician, or electronic security technician's assistant may be employed for a period not to exceed 90 consecutive days in any categories listed above while completing the compulsory minimum training standards, provided:

1. Fingerprint cards have been submitted pursuant to 6VAC20-171-30;

2. The individual is not employed in excess of 120 days without having been issued a registration from the department; and

3. The individual did not fail to timely complete the required training with previous employer(s).

E. Upon completion of the initial registration application requirements, the department may issue an initial registration letter for a period not to exceed 24 months. This registration letter shall be submitted by the applicant to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles or other specified entity for a state-issued photo identification card.

F. The department may issue a letter of temporary registration for not more than 120 days while awaiting the results of the state and national fingerprint search, provided the applicant has met the necessary conditions and requirements.

G. Each registration shall be issued to the individual named on the application and shall be valid only for use by that individual. No registration shall be assigned or otherwise transferred to another individual.

H. Each registered individual shall comply with all applicable administrative requirements and standards of conduct and shall not engage in any acts prohibited by applicable sections of the Code of Virginia and this chapter.

Statutory Authority

§9.1-141 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 8, eff. February 2, 2000; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 15, eff. May 10, 2002; Volume 20, Issue 3, eff. November 19, 2003.

6VAC20-171-230. Business standards of conduct.

A licensee shall:

1. Conform to all requirements pursuant to the Code of Virginia and this chapter.

2. Ensure that all employees regulated, or required to be regulated, by this chapter conform to all application requirements, administrative requirements and standards of conduct pursuant to the Code of Virginia and this chapter.

3. Not direct any employee regulated, or required to be regulated, by this chapter to engage in any acts prohibited by the Code of Virginia and this chapter.

4. Employ individuals regulated, or required to be regulated, as follows:

a. A licensee shall employ or otherwise utilize individuals possessing a valid registration issued by the department showing the registration categories required to perform duties requiring registration pursuant to the Code of Virginia;

b. A licensee shall not allow individuals requiring registration as armored car personnel, armed security officers/couriers, alarm respondents with firearm endorsement, private investigators, personal protection specialists or security canine handlers to perform private security services until such time as the individual has been issued a registration by the department;

c. A licensee may employ individuals requiring registration as alarm respondent without firearm endorsement, locksmith, central station dispatcher, electronic security sales representative, electronic security technician, armored car driver, unarmed security officer or electronic security technician's assistant for a period not to exceed 90 consecutive days in any registered category listed above while completing the compulsory minimum training standards provided:

(1) The individual's fingerprint cards have been submitted pursuant to Article 1 (6VAC20-171-30 et seq.) of Part III of this chapter;

(2) The individual is not employed in excess of 120 days without having been issued a registration from the department; and

(3) The individual did not fail to timely complete the required training with previous employer(s).

d. A licensee shall not employ any individual carrying or having access to a firearm in the performance of his duties who has not obtained a valid registration and firearms endorsement from the department; and

e. A licensee shall maintain appropriate documentation to verify compliance with these requirements. A licensee shall maintain these documents after employment is terminated for a period of not less than three years.

5. Not contract or subcontract any private security services in the Commonwealth of Virginia to a person not licensed by the department. Verification of a contractor's or subcontractor's license issued by the department shall be maintained for a period of not less than three years.

6. Ensure that the compliance agent conforms to all applicable application requirements, administrative requirements and standards of conduct pursuant to the Code of Virginia and this chapter.

7. Permit the department during regular business hours to inspect, review, or copy those documents, business records or training records that are required to be maintained by the Code of Virginia and this chapter.

8. Not violate or aid and abet others in violating the provisions of Article 4 (§9.1-138 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1 of the Code of Virginia or this chapter.

9. Not commit any act or omission that results in a private security license or registration being suspended, revoked, not renewed or being otherwise disciplined in any jurisdiction.

10. Not have been convicted or found guilty in any jurisdiction of the United States of any felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, assault and battery, damage to real or personal property, controlled substances or imitation controlled substances as defined in Article 1 (§18.2-247 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 of the Code of Virginia, prohibited sexual behavior as described in Article 7 (§18.2-61 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 18.2 of the Code of Virginia, or firearms, from which no appeal is pending, the time for appeal having elapsed. Any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for the purpose of this chapter. The record of conviction certified or authenticated in such form as to be admissible in evidence under the laws of the jurisdiction where convicted shall be prima facie evidence of such guilt.

11. Not obtain a license, license renewal, registration, registration renewal, certification, certification renewal, or firearms endorsement through any fraud or misrepresentation.

12. Include the business license number issued by the department on all business advertising materials pursuant to the Code of Virginia.

13. Not conduct a private security services business in such a manner as to endanger the public health, safety and welfare.

14. Not falsify, or aid and abet others in falsifying, training records for the purpose of obtaining a license, registration or certification.

15. Not represent as one's own a license issued to another private security services business.

16. When providing central station monitoring services, attempt to verify the legitimacy of a burglar alarm activation by calling the site of the alarm. If unable to make contact, call one additional number provided by the alarm user who has the authority to cancel the dispatch. (This shall not apply if the alarm user has provided written authorization requesting immediate or one call dispatch to both their local police department and their dealer of record). This shall not apply to duress or hold-up alarms.

17. Not perform any unlawful or negligent act resulting in loss, injury or death to any person.

18. Utilize vehicles for private security services using or displaying a flashing light only as specifically authorized by §46.2-1025.9 of the Code of Virginia.

19. Not use or display the state seal of Virginia or the seal of the Department of Criminal Justice Services, or any portion thereof, or the seal of any political subdivision, or any portion thereof, as a part of any logo, stationery, letter, training document, business card, badge, patch, insignia or other form of identification or advertisement.

20. Not provide information obtained by the firm or its employees to any person other than the client who secured the services of the licensee without the client's prior written consent. Provision of information in response to official requests from law-enforcement agencies, the courts, or the department shall not constitute a violation of this chapter. Provision of information to law-enforcement agencies pertinent to criminal activity or to planned criminal activity shall not constitute a violation of this chapter.

21. Not engage in acts of unprofessional conduct in the practice of private security services.

22. Not engage in acts of negligent or incompetent private security services.

23. Not make any misrepresentation or false promise to a private security services business client or potential private security services business client.

24. Not violate any state or local ordinances.

25. Satisfy all judgments related to private security services not provided.

26. Not publish or cause to be published any written business material relating to private security services that contains an assertion, representation, or statement of fact that is false, deceptive or misleading.

27. Not conduct private security business under a fictitious or assumed name unless the name is on file with the Department of Criminal Justice Services. This does not apply to a private investigator conducting a "pretext," provided that the private investigator does not state that he is representing a private security business that does not exist.

Statutory Authority

§9.1-141 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 8, eff. February 2, 2000; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 15, eff. May 10, 2002; Volume 20, Issue 3, eff. November 19, 2003.

6VAC20-171-320. Registered personnel standards of conduct.

A registered individual shall:

1. Conform to all requirements pursuant to the Code of Virginia and this chapter.

2. Not violate or aid and abet others in violating the provisions of Article 4 (§9.1-138 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1 of the Code of Virginia or this chapter.

3. Not commit any act or omission that results in a private security license, registration or certification being suspended, revoked, not renewed or being otherwise disciplined in any jurisdiction.

4. Not have been convicted or found guilty in any jurisdiction of the United States of any felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, assault and battery, damage to real or personal property, controlled substances or imitation controlled substances as defined in Article 1 (§18.2-247 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 of the Code of Virginia, prohibited sexual behavior as described in Article 7 (§18.2-61 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 18.2 of the Code of Virginia, or firearms, from which no appeal is pending, the time for appeal having elapsed. Any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for the purpose of this chapter. The record of conviction certified or authenticated in such form as to be admissible in evidence under the laws of the jurisdiction where convicted shall be prima facie evidence of such guilt.

5. Not obtain a license, license renewal, registration, registration renewal, certification or certification renewal through any fraud or misrepresentation.

6. Not solicit or contract to provide any private security services without first having obtained a private security services business license with the department.

7. Carry a valid registration or valid temporary authorization letter at all times while on duty. Individuals requiring registration as an alarm respondent, a locksmith, a central station dispatcher, an electronic security sales representative or an electronic security technician may be employed for not more than 90 consecutive days in any category listed above while completing the compulsory minimum training standards and may not be employed in excess of 120 days without having been issued a registration or an exception from the department.

8. Carry the private security state issued photo identification card at all times while on duty once the authorization has been approved from the department, except those individuals operating outside the Commonwealth of Virginia who shall obtain the state issued photo identification card prior to providing services when physically located in the Commonwealth.

9. Perform those duties authorized by his registration only while employed by a licensed private security services business and only for the clients of the licensee. This shall not be construed to prohibit an individual who is registered as an armed security officer from being employed by a nonlicensee as provided for in §9.1-140 of the Code of Virginia.

10. Possess a valid firearms training endorsement if he carries or has access to firearms while on duty and then only those firearms by type of action and caliber to which he has been trained on and is qualified to carry.

11. Carry a firearm concealed while on duty only with the expressed authorization of the licensed private security services business employing the registrant and only in compliance with §18.2-308 of the Code of Virginia.

12. Transport, carry and utilize firearms while on duty only in a manner that does not endanger the public health, safety and welfare.

13. If authorized to make arrests, make arrests in full compliance with the law and using only the minimum force necessary to effect an arrest.

14. Engage in no conduct which through word, deed or appearance suggests that a registrant is a law-enforcement officer, or other government official.

15. Display one's registration while on duty in response to the request of a law-enforcement officer, department personnel or client.

16. Not perform any unlawful or negligent act resulting in a loss, injury or death to any person.

17. If a uniform is required, wear the uniform required by his employer. If wearing a uniform while employed as an armed security officer, unarmed security officer, alarm respondent or armored car personnel, that uniform must:

a. Include at least one insignia clearly identifying the name of the licensed firm employing the individual and, except armored car personnel, a name plate or tape bearing, as a minimum, the individual's last name attached on the outermost garment, except rainwear worn only to protect from inclement weather; and

b. Include no patch or other writing (i) containing the word "police" or any other word suggesting a law-enforcement officer; (ii) containing the word "officer" unless used in conjunction with the word "security"; or (iii) resembling any uniform patch or insignia of any duly constituted law-enforcement agency of this Commonwealth, its political subdivisions or of the federal government. This restriction shall not apply to individuals who are also duly sworn special police officers, to the extent that they may display words that accurately represent that distinction.

18. When providing services as a central station dispatcher, attempt to verify the legitimacy of a burglar alarm activation by contacting an authorized individual at the site where an alarm signal originated before dispatching authorities. This shall not apply if the alarm user has provided written authorization requesting immediate dispatch. This shall not apply to duress or hold-up alarms.

19. Act only in such a manner that does not endanger the public health, safety and welfare.

20. Not represent as one's own a registration issued to another individual.

21. Not falsify, or aid and abet others in falsifying, training records for the purpose of obtaining a license, registration, certification, or certification as a compliance agent, training school, school director or instructor.

22. Not provide information obtained by the registrant or his employing firm to any person other than the client who secured the services of the licensee without the client's prior written consent. Provision of information in response to official requests from law-enforcement agencies, the courts, or from the department shall not constitute a violation of this chapter. Provision of information to law-enforcement agencies pertinent to criminal activity or to planned criminal activity shall not constitute a violation of this chapter.

23. Not engage in acts of unprofessional conduct in the practice of private security services.

24. Not engage in acts of negligent or incompetent private security services.

25. Not make any misrepresentation or make a false promise to a private security services business client or potential private security services business client.

26. Satisfy all judgments related to private security services not provided.

Statutory Authority

§9.1-141 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 8, eff. February 2, 2000; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 15, eff. May 10, 2002; Volume 20, Issue 3, eff. November 19, 2003.

Part V
Compulsory Minimum Training Standards for Private Security Services Business Personnel

Article 1
Registration/Certification Category Requirements

6VAC20-171-350. Entry level training.

A. Each person employed by a private security services business or applying to the department for registration as an unarmed security officer, armed security officer/courier, personal protection specialist, armored car personnel, security canine handler, private investigator, locksmith, alarm respondent, central station dispatcher, electronic security sales representative, electronic security technician, or electronic security technician's assistant as defined by §9.1-138 of the Code of Virginia, or for certification as a compliance agent as required by §9.1-139 of the Code of Virginia, who has not met the compulsory minimum training standards prior to July 13, 1994, must meet the compulsory minimum training standards herein established, unless provided for otherwise in accordance with this chapter.

B. Training will be credited only if application for registration or certification is submitted to the department within 12 months of completion of training.

C. Hour requirement. The compulsory minimum entry level training hour requirement by category, excluding examinations, practical exercises and range qualification, shall be:

1. Unarmed security officer —18 hours

2. Armed security officer/courier —40 hours

*There are 8 hours of Arrest Powers, Policies, Procedures that are included in the Armed Security Officer Training. These 8 hours are mandatory for armed security officers only.

3. Armored car personnel —26 hours

4. Security canine handler —30 hours

5. Private investigator —60 hours

6. Personal protection specialist —60 hours

7. Alarm respondent —18 hours

8. Central station dispatcher —8 hours

9. Electronic security sales representative —8 hours

10. Electronic security technician —14 hours

11. Electronic security technician's assistant —4 hours

12. Compliance agent —6 hours

13. Locksmith – 18 hours

D. Course content. The compulsory minimum entry level training course content by category, excluding examinations, mandated practical exercises and range qualification, shall be as provided in this subsection.

1. Security officer core subjects. The entry level curriculum for unarmed security officer, armed security officer/courier, security canine handler, and alarm respondent sets forth the following areas identified as:

a. Orientation —2 hours

(1) Virginia law and regulations

(2) Code of ethics

(3) General duties and responsibilities

b. Law —4 hours

c. Security patrol, access control and communications —2 hours

d. Documentation —4 hours

e. Emergency procedures —4 hours

f. Confrontation management —2 hours

Total hours (excluding exam) —18 hours

2. Armed security officer/courier.

a. Security officer core subjects —18 hours

b. Entry level handgun training (refer to Article 2 (6VAC20-171-365 et seq.) of this part) —14 hours (includes dry fire, and judgmental shooting and low level light shooting familiarization)

c. Arrest powers, policies, procedures - 8 hours

d. Entry level shotgun training, if applicable (refer to Article 2 (6VAC20-171-365 et seq.) of this part) —2 hours

Total hours (excluding examinations, shotgun classroom instruction and range qualification) —40 hours

3. Armored car personnel.

a. Administration and armored car orientation —1 hour

b. Applicable sections of the Code of Virginia and DCJS regulations —1 hour

c. Armored car procedures —10 hours

d. Written examination

e. Entry level handgun training (refer to Article 2 (6VAC20-171-365 et seq.) of this part) —14 hours (includes 4 hours of range dry fire and low level lighting)

f. Entry level shotgun training, if applicable (refer to Article 2 (6VAC20-171-365 et seq.) of this part) —2 hours

Total hours (excluding examinations, shotgun classroom instruction and range qualification) —26 hours

4. Security canine handler.

Complete entry level training requirements pursuant to Article 3 (6VAC20-171-430 et seq.) of this part.

5. Private investigator.

a. Orientation: applicable sections of the Code of Virginia; Administrative Code 6VAC20-171; standards of professional conduct; and ethics —6 hours

b. Law: basic law; legal procedures and due process; civil law; criminal law; evidence; and legal privacy requirements —16 hours plus one practical exercise

c. General investigative skills, tools and techniques: surveillance; research; and interviewing —16 hours plus one practical exercise

d. Documentation: Report preparations; photography; audio recording; general communication; and courtroom testimony —8 hours plus one practical exercise

e. Types of investigations: accident; insurance; background; domestic; undercover; fraud and financial; missing persons and property; and criminal —14 hours plus one practical exercise

f. Written comprehensive examination

Total hours in classroom (excluding written examination and practical exercises) —60 hours

6. Personal protection specialist.

a. Administration and personal protection orientation —3 hours

b. Applicable sections of the Code of Virginia and DCJS regulations —1 hour

c. Assessment of threat and protectee vulnerability —8 hours

d. Legal authority and civil law —8 hours

e. Protective detail operations —28 hours

f. Emergency procedures —12 hours

(1) CPR

(2) Emergency first aid

(3) Defensive preparedness

g. Performance evaluation —Five practical exercises

h. Written examination

Total hours (excluding written examination and performance evaluation) —60 hours

7. Alarm respondent.

Security officer core subjects —18 hours

8. Electronic security subjects. The entry level electronic security subjects curriculum for central station dispatcher, electronic security sales representative, electronic security technician and electronic security technician's assistant sets forth the following areas identified as:

a. Administration and orientation to private security —1 hour

b. Applicable sections of the Code of Virginia and DCJS regulations —1 hour

c. Overview of electronic security —1 hour

d. False alarm prevention —1 hour

e. Written examination

Total hours (excluding examination) —4 hours

9. Central station dispatcher.

a. Electronic security subjects —4 hours

b. Central station dispatcher subjects —4 hours

(1) Duties and responsibilities

(2) Communications skills

(3) Emergency procedures

c. Written examination

Total hours (excluding examination) —8 hours

10. Electronic security sales representative.

a. Electronic security subjects —4 hours

b. Electronic security sales representative subjects —4 hours

(1) Duties and responsibilities

(2) System design/components

(3) False alarm prevention

c. Written examination

Total hours (excluding examination) —8 hours

11. Electronic security technician.

a. Electronic security subjects —4 hours

b. Electronic security technician subjects —10 hours

(1) Duties and responsibilities

(2) Electronics

(3) Control panels

(4) Protection devices and application

(5) Test equipment

(6) Power and grounding

(7) National electrical code

(8) Job safety

c. Written examination

Total hours (excluding examination) —14 hours

12. Compliance agent.

a. Industry overview and responsibilities

b. Regulations review

c. Business practices and ethical standards

d. Records requirements and other related issues

e. Written examination

Total hours (excluding written examination) —6 hours

13. Locksmith.

a. Virginia Code and Regulations – 2 hours

b. Orientation to locksmithing – 2 hours

(1) History of locksmithing

(2) Ethics

(3) Trade resources

(4) Terminology

(5) Test equipment

(6) Professional conduct

(7) Job Safety

c. Public Safety Codes – 4 hours

(1) NFPA (80,101)

(2) Overview of Authorities having Jurisdiction (AHJs)

(3) ADA

(4) Terminology

(5) Safety code resources

d. Technical Applications – 10 hours

(1) Terminology (to include definition/purpose/direction)

(2) Locks/Types

(3) Handing

(4) Master keying

(5) Key records and codes

(6) Key blanks and keyways

(7) Physical security

(8) Types of client sites

(9) Safes/Vaults

(10) Access control

(11) Handling restricted keys

(12) Door system components

(13) Automotive

e. Written examination

Total hours (excluding written examination) —18 hours

Statutory Authority

§9.1-141 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 8, eff. February 2, 2000; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 15, eff. May 10, 2002; Errata, 18:20 VA.R. June 17, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 3, eff. November 19, 2003.

6VAC20-171-360. In-service training.

A. Each person registered with the department as an armed security officer/courier, personal protection specialist, armored car personnel, security canine handler, private investigator, locksmith, alarm respondent, central station dispatcher, electronic security sales representative, electronic security technician, unarmed security officer or electronic security technician's assistant, or certified by the department to act as a compliance agent shall complete the compulsory in-service training standard once during each 24-month period of registration or certification.

1. Compliance agent.

a. In-service training must be completed within 12 months immediately preceding the expiration date.

b. Individuals who fail to complete in-service training prior to the established expiration date may complete in-service training within 30 days after the expiration date if a completed in-service training enrollment application and a $25 delinquent training fee is received by the department.

2. Instructor. All private security instructors must complete instructor in-service training within 12 months immediately preceding the individual's expiration date.

B. Hour requirement. The compulsory minimum in-service training hour requirement by category, excluding examinations, practical exercises and range qualification, shall be as follows:

1. Unarmed security officer —4 hours

2. Armed security officer/courier —4 hours

3. Armored car personnel —4 hours

4. Security canine handler —8 hours

5. Private investigator —8 hours

6. Personal protection specialist —8 hours

7. Alarm respondent —4 hours

8. Central station dispatcher —4 hours

9. Electronic security sales representative —4 hours

10. Electronic security technician —4 hours

11. Electronic security technician's assistant —2 hours

12. Compliance agent —4 hours

13. Firearms instructor —4 hours

14. General instructor —4 hours

15. Locksmith – 8 hours

C. Course content. The compulsory minimum in-service training course content by category, excluding examinations, practical exercises and range qualification, shall be as follows:

1. Security officer core subjects: Unarmed security officer/armed security officer/courier/alarm respondent

a. Legal authority —2 hours

b. Job-related training —2 hours

Total hours —4 hours

2. Armored car personnel

Job-related training —4 hours

Total hours —4 hours

3. Security canine handler (annual requirement per 6VAC20-171-440)

a. Basic obedience evaluation and retraining —4 hours

b. Job-related training —4 hours

Total hours —8 hours

4. Private investigator

Job-related training —8 hours

Total hours —8 hours

5. Personal protection specialist

Job-related training —8 hours

Total hours —8 hours

6. Central station dispatcher

Job-related training —4 hours

Total hours —4 hours

7. Electronic security sales representative

Job-related training —4 hours

Total hours —4 hours

8. Electronic security technician

Job-related training —4 hours

Total hours —4 hours

9. Electronic security technician's assistant

Job-related training —2 hours

Total hours —2 hours

10. Compliance agent

a. Industry overview and responsibilities

b. Regulations review

c. Business practices and ethical standards

d. Records requirements and other related topics

Total hours —4 hours

11. General instructor

a. Regulations review and legal issues

b. Ethical standards

c. Records requirements and other related topics

d. Techniques of instruction delivery, including practical exercises

Total hours —4 hours

12. Firearms instructor

a. Legal issues

b. Techniques of delivery of instruction and other related topics

Total hours —4 hours

13. Locksmith

Job-related training —8 hours

Total hours —8 hours

Statutory Authority

§9.1-141 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 8, eff. February 2, 2000; amended, Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 3, eff. November 19, 2003.