Brief Description: Modifying training requirements for security guards.

Sponsors: Representatives Morrell and McDonald.

Hearing Date: 1/28/04

Staff: Susan Kavanaugh (786-7106).

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 has authority, but no requirement, to establish requirements for continuing education for security guards. The Department has not adopted rules mandating continuing education.

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

Summary of Bill:

Pre-Service Training Increased. The volume 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.

Training During the First Year Added. In addition, 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. Four of these hours must be completed within the first six months of becoming licensed and the remaining four must be completed within the following six months. The Department is to set topic areas to be covered in this training. The number of hours of continuing education increases by one hour each year until 2011. By that year, a total of 23 hours of training will be required for security guards, eight hours pre-service, and 15 hours once the guard is working independently.

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 given the authority to negotiate reciprocity agreements allowing guards licensed in Washington to work in other states.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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