CA Private Security Officer (PSO)

PSO Guard Training in California

PSE Info for Businesses in CA that want to Hire their own Security Guards

Proprietary Private Security Employer (PSE) Information

As of January 1, 2011 any person, partnership, corporation or limited liability company who employs one or more employees to provide security services for that employer and only for that employer is required by the State of California to register as a Proprietary Private Security Employer (PSE). You could be a single or multiple venue operator, own a hotel or motel, or operate a health care or nursing care facility and need to register as a PSE, if you directly pay your security employees.

PSE Exceptions

A limited number of employers with security employees don’t have to register as PSEs. These exempt employers are described in the CA Business and Professions Code 7574.14. These exemptions include most charitable organizations, attorneys, collection agencies, insurance brokers, banks, savings associations, motion picture studios and armored contract carriers. If you think you may be exempt from registering as a PSE, please verify this exemption with your lawyer or the BSIS.

PSE Registration Process

To apply for a proprietary private security employer registration, the applicant must submit the application for registration along with a $75 application fee to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002. You must renew your registration every 2 years.  Get an application from the BSIS Website.

Go to the Proprietary Security Services Act (Business & Professions Code § 7574) and CCR § 645 for more information.

PSE Registration Updates and Renewals

You must update your registration record if you change your or your business information, such as name, phone, email and/or address.

You must renew your private Security Employer registration every 2 years from the date of its issuance. The PSE renewal fee is $35. You must renewal prior to your PSE registration expiration date.

PSE must report PSOs involved in a Use of Force Incident

AB 2515 signed in September 2022 came into effect on January 1, 2023. This bill requires a PSE to submit a written report to the BSIS regarding any physical altercation between a PSO and a member of the public. The new PSO/PSE incident report is available on the BSIS website.

The written report must describe the circumstances surrounding any physical altercation by a registered proprietary PSO with a member of the public while on duty and while acting within the course and scope of their employment within seven business days after the qualifying incident.

A PSE must file a report only for physical altercations that result in any of the following:

  • The arrest of a proprietary private security officer.
  • The filing of a police report by a member of the public.
  • A member of the public requiring any type of first aid or other medical attention.
  • The discharge, suspension, or reprimand of a proprietary private security officer by their employer.
  • Any physical use of force or violence on any person while on duty.

The report must include, but is not limited to, a description of any injuries or damages incurred, the identity of all participants, and whether a police investigation was conducted.

A report may be investigated by the BSIS to determine if any disciplinary action is necessary.

A PSE does not need to file a report when a proprietary PSOr or multiple proprietary security officers are requested by hospital staff to assist in restraining a patient by either holding the patient or limiting the movement of the patient for medical or mental health reasons.

PSE Fine for not Filing a Use of Force Report

If a PSE doesn’t submit a written report to the BSIS will be subject to a fine of $2,500.

What should I Read Next?