How to become a BSIS-APPROVED unarmed security guard instructor in California

As a provider of approved BSIS training materials, Security Training Center^® receives many calls and emails regarding the process of establishing a BSIS-licensed training facility. This page was established to address the most common questions and misconceptions about facility licensing.

There is no "license" to teach the California Power to Arrest (unarmed security guard card) course. Rather, the BSIS Chief issues an approval letter to specified individuals to teach the unarmed course without any other licenses.

• Security Training Center^® does not guarantee approval of a Powers to Arrest trainer by the BSIS.

California Code of Regulations

Title 16. Professional and Vocational Regulations, Division 7. Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Article 6. Private Security Services, Alarm Company Operators, Guards, Patrolperson, Alarm Agents (Installer/Responder), §628. Training in Exercising the Powers to Arrest.

(b)...The course of training and administration of the examination may be given by a training school approved by the bureau or by the employer or such uniformed employees provided that such employer has a designated instructor and such instructor is knowledgeable in the powers to arrest as set forth in the Standard Training Manual issued by the bureau and is able to assist employees who cannot read or write.

Request Approval for Teaching

The Power to Arrest course may be taught by any "BSIS-approved" employee of a licensed Private Patrol Operator (PPO) or licensed training facility (TFF or TFB). A special training license is not required to teach the unarmed courses, only the employer/facility requires licensing.

The training facility or PPO employer must send a letter to the BSIS Chief requesting approval for specifically designated employees to teach the unarmed courses. If approved, a letter of approval with the instructor's name, an identification number, and the state seal will be sent to the licensed facility. Only those specifically listed in the letter may teach the unarmed guard card course without already holding a TIF or TIB.

Cover Letter Notes

Here are some suggestions to include in the cover letter:

• Provide the current/active facility license number (TFF, TFB, PPO, PPSO).
• Clearly state that the requested instructors will teach the unarmed courses only.
• List the full names of each instructor requested.
• If appropriate, call out academic, law enforcement, and military teaching experience.

Cover Letter Sample

On behalf of our company, XXXX, we request written approval for three (3) of our personnel to teach the unarmed "Skills Training Course for Security Guards." All three have teaching experience and two have law enforcement experience. Their resumes accompany this letter.

• Full Name #1
• Full Name #2
• Full Name #3

These personnel will follow our established training plan and use our approved training materials. Additionally, these instructors are specifically designated to exclusively teach non-firearm and non-baton courses.

Resume Notes

A professional resume for each personal seeking approval must accompany the submission package. Teaching experience should be emphasized in the resume (as appropriate). Note that all identified teaching credentials must be verifiable and the certificates/proof should also accompany the submission package.

• Place the list of teaching credentials at the top of the resume in a section entitled "Teaching Credentials".
• List any and all teaching credentials.
  This can include other state credentials, NRA, USCCA, POST, military teaching, etc.

Remember that the BSIS is looking for people with teaching experience to run the courses, especially the Use of Force lesson. Real-world experience is nice, but the BSIS is looking for people who can already teach.

Mailing Address

Chief Lynne Jensen Andres
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
P.O. Box 989002
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002

A BSIS-licensed weapons trainer, firearm or baton, may teach any unarmed course.

Course Materials

The California BSIS provides mandatory training materials and examinations the initial 8-hours standard course in the powers of arrest, weapons of mass destruction/terrorism awareness. The remaining 32-hours of full guard card must be created and submitted to the BSIS for review and approval. This process entails submitting the curricula, lesson plans, manuals, worksheets, exams and presentations to the BSIS for review and approval.

Coursework for the 8-hours Unarmed Annual Refresher, 20-hours School Security Officer, and 16-hours Proprietary Security Guard courses must be created and submitted to the BSIS for review and approval. This process entails submitting the curricula, lesson plans, manuals, worksheets, exams and presentations to the BSIS for review and approval.

Licensing Training Materials

Trainers and facilities are not required to write their own programs. It is possible to license BSIS-approved training materials from other, approved training providers. Costs and fees vary depending upon the provider.

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Disclaimer

Security Training Center^® is not a government department or organization. The information and links on this page are provided as a courtesy. Although great pains have been taken to collect the information provided here, Security Training Center^® does not guarantee the accuracy, currency, or completeness of the information provided.

All questions regarding trainer licensure, applications, notices, and announcements should be directed to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS):

https://www.bsis.ca.gov/about_us/contact_us.shtml