NCJ Number
108417
Journal
Journal of Security Administration Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: (July 1987) Pages: 10-28
Date Published
1987
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This is a State-by-State analysis of State laws pertaining to the licensing and regulation of private security.
Abstract
Only 37 States and the District of Columbia have statutes dealing specifically with the private security industry. Four other States regulate the private detective business but not private security. Currently, 10 States have no regulation of the private security industry nor the private detective business. Only 11 States have a separate board for the regulation of the private security industry, and 35 States require licensing of private security agencies or businesses. Licenses are generally issued for 1 or 2 years. In 14 States, an application fee is required. This varies from a high of $450.00 in New York to a low of $20.00 in Louisiana for agencies. For an individual, the fee ranges from a high of $300.00 in New York to a low of $5.00 in Arizona. In 28 States, persons falling into various categories and occupations are exempt from the licensing requirements. Twenty-four States require private security personnel to carry identification cards that distinguish them from public law enforcement officers. To protect and preserve the rights of the public, all States should have reasonable regulations for the private security industry. 11 tables.