Brief Description: Modifying requirements for security guard training.

Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Campbell, Simpson, DeBolt, Hinkle and O'Brien.

Hearing Date: 2/21/05

Staff: Rebekah Ward (786-7106).

Background:

There are about 7,500 security guards licensed to work in Washington. They are employed by 167 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 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 the use of force;
• Emergency response;
• Preparing reports; and
• Public relations, including skills for communication and avoiding confrontation.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Licensing (Department) must develop a standard curriculum as to training and testing requirements, including pre assignment and post assignment training for private security companies, and an award of a certificate of training by Department certified trainers to successful trainees is conclusive evidence of pre assignment training completion. Additionally, ongoing continuing education requirements are established, and the Department's consultation function for adoption and amendment of rules with regard to training, and testing requirements is broadened.

Record keeping requirements of training records for private security guards within the employ of private security companies are created and a monetary penalty for certain record keeping violations by private security companies is established. Additionally, record keeping violations by Department certified trainers may be penalized with revocation, suspension or non renewal of certification.

Training Content
The Department must develop and approve by regulation a standard course and curriculum for security officer skills training to promote and protect the safety of persons and the security of property. For this purpose, the Department must consult with consumers, labor organizations representing private security officers, private security companies, educators, and subject matter experts.

The course of training required may be administered, tested, and certified by any trainer, or by any organization or school approved by the Department. The department may approve any person or school to teach the course, but the majority of the instruction must be by verbal instruction.

Inquiries may be made by the Department to determine whether the agencies are complying with standards set forth in its regulations.

Certificate of Training
Upon completion of pre assignment training courses administered by a Department certified trainer, organization or school, and approved by the Department, the Department certified trainers will give successful trainees a certificate of training, which must be accepted as conclusive evidence of completion of pre assignment training by any licensed security company.

Certified Trainers
A"Department Certified Trainer" is defined as a licensed security guard, faculty, or staff of any department approved educational institution, organization, or program who has completed an application to the Department of Licensing for certification as a trainer, and has taken the Department of Licensing's exam for certification as a trainer. A trainer is certified to administer, test or certify pre assignment training.

Continuing Education
Security companies are required to provide each licensed security officer in their employ with eight hours of specifically dedicated review or practice of security officer skills taught by trainers certified by the Department. Security companies must maintain a record of administration of this review or practice training for each officer in their employ, available for inspection by the department, for at least three years.

Enforcement/Penalties
The Department may assess civil penalties against security contracting companies of $100 for the first violation and $200 for subsequent violations of the following requirements:

• Failure to maintain an accurate and current record of proof of completion of pre assignment training by each licensed officer employed by the company.
• Failure to provide each licensed officer with certification of completion of pre assignment training.
• Failure to administer to each licensed security officer the post assignment and refresher training according to the required schedule.
• Failure to maintain an accurate and current record of proof of completion of the post assignment and refresher training required according to the law.

Additionally, the Department may revoke, suspend, or refuse to accept or renew certification of any department-certified trainer for any of the above violations. The costs of compliance with orders are the obligation of the license holders or the certified trainers.

Rule making: The Department of Licensing is authorized to develop a standard curriculum as to training and testing requirements, certification of trainers, and assessment of penalties against private security companies and trainers for certain record keeping violations.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.