In Pennsylvania, the Private Detective Act of 1953 regulates the security guards through requiring a petition to the court for you to get your security guard license and become an unarmed security guard. This Act defines a security guard as an uniformed or non-uniformed security guards, any patrol agency and/or individuals who are employed full time or part time, on a temporary or permanent basis, to patrol, guard, protect, monitor, regulate, secure or watch over persons and/or property, either real or personal.
The Lethal Weapons Act 235 gives the PA State Police the authority to license armed security guards.
Unarmed Security Guard
- New PA Security Guard Training: No security guard experience.
- Rookie PA Security Guard Training: No additional requirements for your 1st year employed as a security officer.
- Pro PA Security Guard Training: No additional training requirements after your 1st year employed as a security officer.
Armed Security Guard
- New PA Security Guard Training: No armed security guard experience.
- Rookie PA Security Guard Training: No additional requirements for your 1st year employed as a guard.
- Pro PA Security Guard Training: Additional requirements after 5th year employed as an armed guard to renew your Lethal Weapons Act 235 Card.
New Unarmed Security Guard Requirements in Pennsylvania
If you want to be an unarmed security guard, bouncers, doormen or bodyguards, you must get a security guard license in PA.
- PA Security Guard License Type: Varies by county
- PA Security Guard License Length: 2-5 years
- PA Security Guard Licensing Authority: County courts
- PA Security Guard Licensing Code: Private Investigator Act of 1953
- PA Security Guard Licensing Website: Check your county’s website
- PA Security Guard Licensing Phone Number: Check your county’s website
- PA Security Guard Licensing Address: Check your county’s website
- PA Security Guard Fingerprinting & Background Fees: $17.50
- PA Security Guard Application Fee: $58 (typical, cost varies by county)
- PA Security Guard License Issuance Fee: $0-200
- PA Security Guard Courses before You Apply for a Security Officer License: None required
- PA Security Guard Minimum Age: 18
Security Guard Application Process
The procedure for you to get your security license varies somewhat by county. PA has almost 70 counties, but the general procedure is similar in all counties. The fees charged vary by county.
Get Your Security Guard License through a Private Security Company
Most counties allow you to get your unarmed security guard license through a licensed security guard company. This is the easiest, most cost effective way to get your security guard license.
Pursuant to The Private Detective Act of 1953, the security guard company that employes you is legally responsible for your good conduct while on duty and your reasonable supervision of your conduct while on duty.
Your employer can be fined up to $5000 if they knowingly employe anyone as a guard who has been convicted of a felony, or any of the following offenses, and who has not, subsequent to such conviction, received executive pardon therefore removing this disability: (1) illegally using, carrying or possessing a pistol or other dangerous weapon; (2) making or possessing burglar’s instruments; (3) buying or receiving stolen property; (4) unlawful entry of a building; (5) aiding escape from prison; (6) unlawfully possessing or distributing habit ofrming narcotic drugs; (7) picking pockets or attempting to do so; (8) soliciting any person to commit sodomy or other lewdness; (9) any person whose private detective or investigator’s license was revoked or application for such license was denied by the court of common pleas or by the authorities of any other state or territory because of conviction of any of the crimes or offenses specified in this section; (10) recklessly endangering another person; (11) terroristic threats; or (12) committing simple assault.
- Get a job with a security guard company. Usually this job offer is contingent on you passing the background check to get your security guard license.
- You or the security guard company sends a certified check or money order made payable to the County Clerk of Court for the amount specified by the county (usually around $35 for processing) and a separate certified check or money order for $17.50 made payable to the Commonwealth of PA for the fingerprint comparison.
- Get your fingerprints taken and submit them to the County Clerk of Court.
- The County Clerk sends one copy of your fingerprints to the State Police and keeps the other copy on file with the county court.
- The State Police runs a criminal background check on you and sends the results back to the County Clerk.
- The County Clerk of Court notifies the security guard company about the results of the fingerprint check.
- You’ll get some type of license ID card from the county court or your employer.
Get Your Individual Security Guard License
You can also get a security guard license by yourself without having to go through a security guard company. However, the individual process is a bit more cumbersome and expensive. The Private Detective Act of 1953, encompasses the licensing of security guards. The county District Attorney is responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the law. Once you are licensed, you may work anywhere throughout the Commonwealth of PA.
- Contact county court office for the county you reside in for their specific application process and fees.
- Get at least 5 letters of recommendation from private citizens attesting to your good moral character.
- Get 2 color passport photos taken of you.
- Prepare a petition to the Court of Common Pleas in you county to become an unarmed security guard.
- Submit with your petition your photos, letters of recommendation, fingerprints, application fees (about $58 depending on your county) and fingerprinting fees (separate cashier’s check for $17.50 payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania).
- The court clerk submits your fingerprints to the State Police. The State Police run a background check on you. The court clerk submits the results of your background check with your petition to the court.
- The court sets a hearing date and advertises the court case in local papers for several weeks.
- You or your attorney attend the court hearing date.
- The attorney general or their representative attends the court hearing and gives their recommendation as to whether or not you should be awarded a security guard license.
- If the court grants you your license, pay the $200 license fee with cover letter to the court.
- You’ll get some type of license ID card from the county court.
Unarmed Security Guard Training Requirements in PA
No state or county level training required to become an unarmed security officer in Pennsylvania. However, since 2006, multiple state laws have been proposed that would mandate some training before you became a security guard. Most of these proposed laws also would change control of the licensing of private security officers from the county level to the state level.
Your employer may required that you be trained in-house on security officer basic knowledge and State/Federal laws. Most large security guard firms, such as Allied Barton, have excellent internal training programs.
Unarmed Security Guard Renewal Requirements in Pennsylvania
For an individual guard license issued through a court petition, the initial license length is 2 years. However, after that the county can set the renewal time up to 5 years.
- PA Security Guard License Length: 2-5 years
- PA Security Guard Renewal Fee: $58 (typical, cost varies by county)
- PA Security Guard License Renewal Issuance Fee: $0-200
- PA Security Guard Courses before You Renew Your Security Officer License: None required
Security Guard License Renewal Process
The procedure for renewing your security license varies somewhat by county, but the general procedure is similar in all counties. The fees charged vary by county.
Renew Your Security Guard License through a Private Security Company
The procedure for renewing your license that you got through your employer is unclear. Because your employer is responsible for your conduct while on duty, most security guard companies will periodically review and check the recent criminal history of any guards it employ.
Renew Your Individual Security Guard License
If you got your license through a court petition, to renew your license:
- Completion of Renewal Form including current/active phone number(s).
- Letter stating you are still in compliance with the Private Detective Act.
- Certified check or money order made payable to the Clerk of Court in the amount $258 (individual – $200 license/$58 processing).
Unarmed Security Guard Training Requirements in PA for License Renewal
No state or county level training required to renew your license. However, your employer may have continuing education or refresher security classes it requires you to take each year.
New Armed Security Guard Requirements in Pennsylvania
- PA Security Guard License Type: Lethal Weapons Act 235 Card
- PA Security Guard License Length: 5 years
- PA Security Guard Licensing Authority: Lethal Weapons Unit of the PA State Police
- PA Security Guard Licensing Code: Chapter 21: ADMINISTRATION OF THE LETHAL WEAPONS TRAINING PROGRAM
- PA Security Guard Licensing Website: Lethal Weapons Department
- PA Security Guard Licensing Phone Number: 717-346-4087
- PA Security Guard Licensing Address: 8002 Bretz Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112-9748
- PA Security Guard Fingerprinting & Background Fees: $0 included in application fee
- PA Security Guard Application Fee: $75.50
- PA Security Guard Application Fee Payment: Money Order, Certified Check, or Cashier’s Check payable to “The Commonwealth of PA” No personal or company checks.
- PA Security Guard Psychological Exam Fee: Unknown. Varies by psychologist.
- PA Security Guard Courses before You Apply for a Security Officer License: 40 hours (Cost varies, $300 typical)
- PA Security Guard Minimum Age: 18
Your Act 235 card doesn’t allow to be an armed bodyguard, doorman, etc within the premises of a location that holds, sells, or delivers any alcoholic beverage to the public.
Your Act 235 card is not a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
Armed Security Guard Application Process
This procedure is for non-police officer applicants to get their armed security license under Act 235 Certification in PA.
- Complete the Basic Application for Agent Certification (SP 8- 200).
- Get your Physical Evaluation (SP8-200A).
- Get your Psychological Evaluation (SP8-200B).
- Take your completed applications to any Pennsylvania State Police Station, except the Turnpike Stations.
- Present proof of your age and identity. If you’re not a resident of PA and don’t have a PA Drivers License or Photo ID from the Department of Transportation, submit two recent color photographs approximately 1 ¼ “ by 1 ¼ in size, full face and measure (from the top of the head to the point of the chin, without a hat). If you’re a PA resident, you don’t need to submit photos with your application.
- The police will take your fingerprints. Fingerprints may be taken via LiveScan OR hard copies (one blue and white FBI card, and one green and white PSP card).
- The Pennsylvania State Police station forwards to Lethal Weapons Department all your completed forms.
- If you pass your background check and the Lethal Weapons Department approval, you will receive an approval letter from them. This could take 2-3 months.
- Complete the required security guard training to get your training certificate.
- Submit an additional certification fee of $30.00 along with your successful completion of training certificate. The $30 fee must be by certified check, cashier’s check, or money order payable to the “Commonwealth of PA.” Usually the school you take your training at will submit these for you.
- In about 4 weeks, you’ll receive your license card. You can check your application status online.
Armed Security Guard Application Questions – Reasons for License Denial
The application to be an armed guard in PA has a lot of YES/NO questions regarding your criminal history. While the application doesn’t say you’ll be denied your license if you answer YES to any of these questions, you most certainly will be denied your license because of it. If you can answer YES to any of these questions, you might want to ask a security guard company or the State Police if you’d be denied your license before you spend the money to apply.
- Have you ever been convicted of a crime enumerated in section 6105(b)
- prohibited offensive weapons.
- corrupt organizations
- possession of weapon on school property
- murder
- voluntary manslaughter
- involuntary manslaughter, if the offense is based on the reckless use of a firearm
- §aggravated assault
- assault by prisoner
- assault by life prisoner
- harassment and stalking, if the offense relates to stalking
- kidnapping
- unlawful restraint
- luring a child into a motor vehicle
- rape
- involuntary deviate sexual intercourse
- aggravated indecent assault
- arson and related offenses
- causing or risking catastrophe
- burglary
- criminal trespass, if the offense is graded a felony of the second degree or higher
- robbery
- robbery of motor vehicle
- theft by unlawful taking or disposition, upon conviction of the second felony offense
- heft by extortion, when the offense is accompanied by threats of violence
- receiving stolen property, upon conviction of the second felony offense
- impersonating a public servant, if the person is impersonating a law enforcement officer
- intimidation of witnesses or victims
- retaliation against witness or victim
- escape weapons or implements for escape
- riot, if the offense relates to a firearm or other deadly weapon
- prohibiting of paramilitary training
- possession of firearm by minor
- corruption of minors
- sale or lease of weapons and explosives
- Any offense equivalent to any of the above-enumerated offenses under the prior laws of this commonwealth, or any offense equivalent to any of the above-enumerated offenses under the commonwealth.
- Are you now charged with, or have you ever been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year? (this does not include federal or state offenses pertaining to antitrust, unfair trade practices, restraints of trade, or regulation of business; or state offenses classified as misdemeanors and punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed two years.)
- Have you ever been convicted of an offense under the act of april 14, 1972 (p.l. 233, no. 64), known as the controlled substance, drug, device and cosmetic act?
- Are you an individual who is not of sound mind or who has ever been committed to a mental institution?
- Are you a United States citizen?
- If no, enter immigration identification number
- Are you an individual who has been discharged from the armed forces of the United States under dishonorable conditions?
- Is your character and reputation such that you would be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety?
- Are you a habitual drunkard?
- Have you ever been convicted of a crime of violence in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania or elsewhere?
Are you a person who?
- Is a fugitive from justice?
- Has been convicted of an offense under the act of april 14, 1972 (p.l. 233, no. 64), known as the controlled substance drug, device and cosmetic act, that may be punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding two years?
- Has been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance as provided in title 75, vehicle code, sections 3731 and/or 3802 (relating to driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance) on three or more separate occasions within a five-year period?
- Has been adjudicated as an incompetent or who has been involuntarily committed to a mental institution for inpatient care and treatment under section 302, 303, or 304 of the provisions of the act of july 9, 1976 (p.l. 817, no. 143), known as the mental health procedures act?
- Being an alien, is illegally or unlawfully in the United States?
- Is the subject of an active protection from abuse order issued pursuant to 23 pa.c.s. section 6108 (relating to relief), which order provides for the confiscation of firearms during the period of time the order is in effect. This prohibition shall terminate upon the expiration or vacation of an active protection from abuse order or portion thereof relating to the confiscation of firearms?
- Was adjudicated delinquent by a court pursuant to 42 pa.c.s. section 6341 (relating to adjudication) or under any equivalent federal statute or statute of any other state as a result of conduct which if committed by an adult would constitute:
-
- robbery
- robbery of motor vehicle
- burglary
- murder
- voluntary manslaughter
- assault by prisoner
- assault by life prisoner
- kidnapping
- rape
- involuntary deviate sexual intercourse
- aggravated indecent assault
- arson and related offenses
- theft by extortion, when the offense is accompanied by threats of violence
- Was adjudicated delinquent by a court pursuant to 42 pa.c.s. section 6341 or under any equivalent federal statute or statute of any other state as a result of conduct which if committed by an adult would constitute an offense enumerated in section 6105(b)? (see above.) The prohibition last for 15 years after the last application delinquent adjudication or upon the person reaching the age of 30, whichever is earlier.
Psychological Fitness Exam
In order to become an armed security guard in PA, you need to get and pass a psychological exam by a psychologist, who is licensed by a State Board of Psychologist Examiners. You have to pay for this exam. Your examination form must be forwarded by the examining physician to the state police lethal weapons department within 15 days of the date of examination, even if you are found unfit to carry a weapon.
This exam determines your psychological fitness to appropriately handle a lethal weapon. A lethal weapon includes, but is not limited to, a firearm, nightstick, billy club, or other weapon calculated to produce serious bodily harm or death. As an armed security guard you have a position of public/private trust and may be required to exercise significant physical strength and undergo high emotional stress. Your examining psychologist comments on your social comprehension, judgment, impulse control, potential for violence, or any psychological trait that might render you psychologically at risk to handle a lethal weapon.
The psychological fitness exam includes:
- Interview and History: The psychologist personally interviews you in regards to your personal, educational, employment, and criminal history.
- Personality Test: You must take a current standard form of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) as administered by the licensed psychologist or paraprofessional employed by and under the direct control and supervision of the licensed psychologist. These test results are reported to the PA State Police’s Lethal Weapons Department.
- Other Tests: If a licensed psychologist is unable to certify your psychological capability or risk to exercise appropriate judgment, and restraint in the handling of a lethal weapon at this time, after conducting the aforesaid test, the psychologist can personally employ whatever other psychological measuring instrument(s) and/or technique(s) deemed necessary to form their professional opinion.
Armed Security Guard Training Requirements in PA
You have to take 40 hours of training to meet Act 235 requirements. You should only take this training after your armed security guard application is approved.
General Principles
- Legal Authority
- Constitutional Restrictions
- Principles of Justification
- Pennsylvania Crime Codes
- Limited Authority
- Incident Investigation & Reporting
- Testifying in Court
Skills Training
- Armed & Unarmed Defense
- Disarming Techniques
- Come Along and Restraining Holds
- Use of Lethal Weapons Other Than Firearms
- Handcuffing, Searching & Securing a Prisoner
Firearms Module
- Introduction to Firearms
- Introduction to Handgun Combat Shooting
- Introduction to Shotguns
- Handgun Familiarization Firing
- Handgun Qualification
- Shotgun Familiarization Firing
Pro (Renewal) Armed Security Guard Requirements in Pennsylvania
- PA Security Guard License Type: Lethal Weapons Act 235 Card
- PA Security Guard License Length: 5 years
- PA Security Guard Licensing Authority: Lethal Weapons Unit of the PA State Police
- PA Security Guard Licensing Code: Chapter 21: ADMINISTRATION OF THE LETHAL WEAPONS TRAINING PROGRAM
- PA Security Guard Licensing Website: Lethal Weapons Department
- PA Security Guard Licensing Phone Number: 717-346-4087
- PA Security Guard Licensing Address: 8002 Bretz Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112-9748
- PA Security Guard Fingerprinting & Background Fees: $0
- PA Security Guard Application Fee: $30
- PA Security Guard Application Fee Payment: Money Order, Certified Check, or Cashier’s Check payable to “The Commonwealth of PA” No personal or company checks.
- PA Security Guard Training for Renewal: 8 hours (Cost varies, $150 typical)
- PA Armed Security Guard Minimum Age: 1
Armed Security Guard License Renewal Application Process
This procedure is for non-police officer applicants to renew their armed security license under Act 235 Certification in PA.
- Wait for your renewal application to arrive in the mail approximately 8 months before you security guard license card expires.
- Complete the Renewal of Agent Certification Lethal Weapons Training Act (SP 8- 205).
- Submit your completed renewal application and mail it to the Lethal Weapons Department along with your $30 renewal fee.
- The Lethal Weapons Department will send you back an approval letter.
- Complete the required 8 hours of security guard training to get your training certificate.
- Submit your renewal training certificate to the Lethal Weapons Department. You will get a new license card in the mail You can check your application status online.
Renewing an Expired Armed Security Guard Card
You can’t renew your Act 235 card once it expires. You must complete the application process just like you did the when you were a new armed guard. This new physical and psychological exams, new fingerprint cards, and re-taking the 40 hour security guard training classes. This is an expensive and time consuming process, so makes sure you renew your Act 235 card well before it expires.
Extension of an Armed Security Guard License
You can’t get an extension on your Act 235 card. If your card is expiring and you submit the renewal application before it expires, then you have 6 months to take the renewal training. This doesn’t extend your card’s expiration date. However, it gives you 6 months to take the security guard training.
Armed Security Guard Training Requirements in PA
You have to take 8 hours of security guard training every 5 years to meet Act 235 requirements. You should only take this training after your armed security guard renewal application is approved.
General Principles
- Legal Authority Updates
- Constitutional Restrictions Updates
- Principles of Justification Updates
- Pennsylvania Crime Codes Updates
- Limited Authority Updates
- Incident Investigation & Reporting Refresher
Firearms Module
- Handgun Combat Shooting Updates
- Firearms Refresher
- Handgun Qualification
- Shotgun Familiarization Firing