Utah: Armed Security Officers
Legislation and Details for Utah
Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 63 Security Personnel Licensing Act
And
Utah Administrative CodeRule R156-63a Security Personnel Licensing Act Security Rule
UPDATE 1/1/22: DOPL Extends Temporary Suspension of “Live” CE Requirements until 12/31/22.
UPDATE 10/28/21: DOPL is transitioning to electronic-only renewal notifications. Licenses expiring between now and May 31, 2023 will receive one last postcard renewal reminder. Beginning June 2023, ALL renewal notices will be sent ONLY to your email address on file with DOPL.
In Utah, individuals require a license to engage in the practice of an armed private security officer.
See: Utah Code Section 58-63-301
Fees:
$95 non-refundable application-processing fee, made payable to “DOPL”.
See: Security Officer Application
Temporary Licensure
Utah permits security officers to work with an interim and temporary license until the issuance of a formal license.
In the event the full license is denied, the security officer must cease to work in that capacity.
Before issuance of an interim license, the officer must submit a full Criminal History, confirm the lack of a status that would preclude
license issuance and confirm no previous negative history in the licensure process.
See: Utah Admin Code R156-63a-302
According to UT Admin Code R-156-63a-302e. Qualifications for Licensure – Age Requirement for Armed Private Security Officer.
In accordance with Subsections 76-10-509(1) and 76-10-509.4, an armed private security officer must be 18 years of age or older at the time of submitting an application for licensure.
United States citizen or a qualified alien who is lawfully able to work in the United States
See: Security Officer Application
In addition, the applicant for an armed status must not be prohibited from possession of a firearm or ammunition under 18. U.S.C. Sec. 922(g).
See: Utah Code 58-63-302(2)(d)
No baseline requirement
Security Personnel Licensing Act (Utah Code 58-63-304)
(1) In addition to the exemptions from licensure in Section 58-1-307, an individual may engage in acts regulated under this chapter without being licensed under this chapter if the individual is: Utah Code Page 8
• a peace officer employed by, or licensed as, a contract security company, as provided in Subsection (2); or
• employed by a contract security company for the sole purpose of operating or staffing security apparatus, including a magnetometer, magnetometer wand, x-ray viewing device, or other device approved by rule of the division.
(2) A peace officer may only engage in off-duty employment as a security officer if:
• the law enforcement agency employing the peace officer has a written policy regarding peace officer employees working while off duty as a security officer and the written policy addresses the issue of financial responsibility;
• the agency’s chief administrative officer, or that officer’s designee, provides written authorization for an off-duty peace officer to work as a security officer; and
• the business or entity employing the off-duty peace officer to work as a security officer complies with state and federal income reporting and withholding requirements regarding the off-duty officer’s wages.
(3) In addition to the exemptions from licensure in Section 58-1-307, an individual holding a valid license as an armed private security officer under this chapter may also function as an unarmed private security officer without the additional license.
(4) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the division may make rules approving security apparatus under Subsection (1)(b).
Security Personnel Licensing Act (Utah Code 58-63-310)
(1) The division may issue an interim permit to an applicant for licensure upon receipt of a complete application for licensure in accordance with Section 58-63-302.
(2) Each interim permit expires 90 days after it is issued or on the date on which the applicant is issued a license, whichever is earlier.
• The division may reissue an interim permit if the delay in approving a license is beyond the control or influence of the interim permit holder.
• An interim permit holder may engage in the scope of practice defined for the license classification that the interim permit holder is seeking.
Security Personnel Licensing Act (Utah Code 58-63-308)
An individual licensed as an armed private security officer, armored car security officer, or unarmed private security officer shall:
(1) carry a copy of the individual’s license on the individual’s person at all times while acting as a licensee; and
(2) display the license upon the request of a peace officer, a representative of the division, or a member of the public.
See: Utah Code 58-63-308
All armed private security officers shall carry a valid security license together with a government-issued identification card or a current state-issued driver license whenever performing the duties of an unarmed private security officer and shall exhibit said license and identification upon request.
See: R156-63a-609
Applicant must have good moral character
• Submit fingerprints to be used by DOPL for a fingerprint search through the files of the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
• If you wish to challenge the accuracy of the information in your FBI record, you should contact the agency that contributed the information in question. You may also direct the challenge to the FBI, Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division, Attn. SCU, Mod. D-2, 1000 Custer Hollow Road, Clarksburg, WV 26306.
• Electronic fingerprinting is offered to DOPL applicants, with no additional charge, at the DOPL office. A current government issued picture ID is required (driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.).
• If you are unable to obtain fingerprints at DOPL’s office, fingerprint services are available from most local law enforcement agencies. You are required to submit two (2) blue “Applicant” cards (Form FD-258) with your application; these cards will be provided by the agency that rolls your prints.
Security Personnel Licensing Act (Utah Code 58-63-302(2)(f))
Not be currently suffering from habitual drunkenness or from drug addiction or dependence
Security Personnel Licensing Act (Utah Code 58-63-302 (2)(e)
Not have been declared incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction by reason of mental defect or disease and not been restored
See: Utah Code 58-63-302
Security Personnel Licensing Act (Utah Code 58-63-302 (2)(c))
Applicant must not have been convicted of:
• a felony;
• a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; or
• a crime that when considered with the duties and responsibilities of an unarmed private security officer by the division and the board indicates that the best interests of the public are not served by granting the applicant a license;
Background reviews are subject to governmental scrutiny at the state, local and federal level. The criminal histories of applicants will be evaluated by the Utah Criminal Records Office and The Federal Bureau of Investigation.
See: Utah Code 58-63-302
Not required
According to Utah Code Ann. 58-63-302. Qualifications for licensure.
2. Each applicant for licensure as an armed private security officer shall:
(g) successfully complete basic education and training requirements established by rule by the division in collaboration with the board, which shall include a minimum of eight hours of classroom or online curriculum;
(h) successfully complete firearms training requirements established by rule by the division in collaboration with the board, which shall include a minimum of 12 hours of training
According to UT Admin Code R-156-63a-603. Content of Approved Basic Education and Training Program for Armed and Unarmed Private Security Officers.
In accordance with Subsection 58-63-302(2)(g), an approved basic education and training program for armed and unarmed private security officers shall have at least eight hours of classroom or online instruction including:
1. The nature and role of private security, including a private security officer’s
(a) scope and limits of authority;
(b) civil liability; and
(c) role in today’s society;
2. State laws and rules applicable to private security;
3. The legal responsibilities of private security; including
(a) constitutional law;
(b) search and seizure; and
(c) other such topics;
4. Situational response evaluations
(a) protecting and security crime or accident scenes;
(b) notifying internal and external agencies; and
(c) controlling information;
5. Security ethics
6. The use of force, emphasizing the de-escalation of force and alternatives to using force;
7. Documentation and report writing, including:
(a) preparing witness statements;
(b) performing log maintenance;
(c) exercising control of information;
(d) taking field notes;
(e) organizing information into a report; and
(f) performing basic writing;
8. Patrol techniques, including:
(a) mobile patrol versus fixed post;
(b) accident prevention;
(c) responding to calls and alarms;
(d) security breaches;
(e) monitoring potential safety hazards; and
(f) police and community relations, including fundamental duties and personal appearance of security officers;
9. Sexual harassment in the workplace; and
10. A final examination that:
(a) competently examines the student on the subjects included in the eight hours of basic instruction; and
(b) mandates a minimum pass score of 80%.
According to R156-63a-604. Content of Approved Basic Firearms Training Program for Armed Private Security Officers.
In accordance with Subsection 58-63-302(2)(h), an approved basic firearms training program for armed private security officers shall have the following components:
1. At least six hours of classroom firearms instruction to include the following:
(a) the firearm and its ammunition;
(b) care and cleaning of the firearm;
(c) the prohibition against alterations of the firearm’s firing mechanism;
(d) firearm inspection review procedures;
(e) firearm safety on duty;
(f) firearm safety at home;
(g) firearm safety on the range;
(h) legal and ethical restraints on firearms use;
(i) explanation and discussion of target environment;
(j) stop failure drills;
(k) explanation and discussion of stance, draw stroke, cover and concealment, and other firearm fundamentals;
(l) armed patrol techniques;
(m) use of deadly force under Utah law and the provisions of Title 76, Chapter 2, Part 4, and a discussion of 18 USC 44 Section 922; and
(n) instruction that an armed private security officer shall not fire the officer’s weapon unless there is an imminent threat to life, and at no time shall the weapon be drawn as a threat or means to force compliance with any verbal directive not involving imminent threat to life;
2. A final examination that demonstrates the competency of the participant on the subjects included in the six hours of classroom firearms instruction, with a passing score requirement of 80%; and
3. At least six hours of firearms range instruction to include the following:
(a) basic firearms fundamentals and marksmanship;
(b) demonstration and explanation of the difference between sight picture, sight alignment, and trigger control; and
(c) a recognized practical pistol course on which the applicant achieves a minimum score of 80% using regular and low light conditions.
According to R156-63a-304: Continuing Education for Armed and Unarmed Private Security Officers as a Condition of Renewal.
In accordance with Subsections 58-1-203(1)(g) and 58-1-308(3)(b), the following continuing education requirements are established as a condition of renewal or reinstatement of licenses issued under Title 58, Chapter 63 in the classifications of armed private security officer and unarmed private security officer:
(1) Armed and unarmed private security officers shall complete at least 32 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle. A minimum of 16 hours shall be core continuing education; the remaining hours may consist of professional continuing education or core continuing education.
(2) In addition to the 32 hours of core/professional continuing education, an armed private security officer shall complete at least 16 hours of continuing firearms education and training during each two-year renewal cycle. Continuing firearms education and training:
See: R156-63a-604
See: Utah Code Ann. 58-63-302
See: Training Program Requirements for Armed and Unarmed Private Security Officers
Achieve at least a minimum score of 80% on the basic education and training final exam in accordance with R156-63a-302c(1)(c)(ii).
See: 156-63a
See: Security Officer Application
The Utah Office of Recovery Services has the power to pursue through court action the withholding, suspension, and revocation of driver’s licenses, professional and occupational licenses, and recreational licenses of individuals owing overdue support or failing, after receiving appropriate notice, to comply with subpoenas or orders relating to paternity or child support proceedings pursuant to Section 78B-6-315.
See: Utah Code § 62A-11-107