FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 2657

C 50 L 04

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Modifying training requirements for security guards.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Morrell and McDonald).

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Committee on Commerce & Trade

Background:

There are about 7,000 security guards licensed to work in Washington. They are employed by 150 security guard businesses, large and small.

Since 1991, when licensing requirements for security guards were first established, security guards have been required to complete four hours of training before beginning independent work. The Department of Licensing (Department) has, by rule, set content requirements for this training. Among the areas that must be covered are:

•    basic security, including the role of a security officer;

•    legal powers and limitations, including use of force;

•    emergency response;

•    preparing reports; and

•    public relations, including skills for communication and avoiding confrontation.

The Department may establish requirements for continuing education for security guards, but has not done so.

The Department may permit security guards licensed in other states where requirements meet or exceed those of Washington to work in Washington.

Summary:

Pre-Service Training. Beginning July 1, 2005, the amount of training that security guards must complete prior to beginning independent work is increased from four to eight hours. At least four of these hours must be classroom instruction, as opposed to on-the-job training. The Department may exempt an individual from pre-licensing training if he or she has passed the pre-licensing examination, last worked full-time as a law enforcement officer, and worked in that capacity no more than five years prior to applying for a security guard license.

Continuing Education. In addition, beginning July 1, 2005, security guards must complete eight hours of training after they begin working independently. It may take place in a classroom, in the field, or both. The Department must set topic areas to be covered in this training.

Four of these hours must be completed within the first six months of becoming licensed and the remaining four must be completed within the next six months. Security guards who are licensed when these provisions take effect are exempt from pre-licensing training, but must complete four hours of continuing education by December 31, 2005, and the remaining four hours by June 30, 2006.

The number of hours of continuing education increases by one hour each year until 2012, with these additional hours required to be completed within 18 months of licensure. By 2012, a total of 23 hours of training will be required for security guards: eight hours of pre-service training, and 15 hours of continuing education.

Trainers certified by the Department must report the pre-service training to the Department. Training completed after the security guard is working does not have to be reported to the Department, but the security guard company must keep training records on file and available for inspection.

Reciprocity. The Department is authorized to negotiate reciprocity agreements allowing guards licensed in Washington to work in other states.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 91  0

Senate 48  0    (Senate amended)

House 95  0    (House concurred)

Effective: June 10, 2004