Private Patrol Operators and Operating within the Scope of your License

As a private patrol operator (PPO) it’s important to know WHEN a special license is needed. With a lack of knowledge on everything the Business and Professions Code (BPC) or California Code of Regulations covers, PPOs must assume that a special license is required for anything that does NOT include protecting places or property with the use of private security guards. 

PPOs must also not partake in contracts or activity that are outside the scope of protecting places and property with private security guards. For example, a client who asks a private security guard to paint a wall is asking the PPO for that guard to perform outside the scope of security services. The same goes with EP agents being asked to carry their client’s baggage. When you’re carrying baggage, you leave your client more vulnerable to an attack since your hands have limited use. And yes, I already know it’s the polite thing to do if you want to retain clients.

California Contractors State License Board 

Some may also think that you do not need a special license for something seemingly simple—such as installing a closed-circuit video camera (CCTV) for your client. However, anyone who accepts for payment of $500 or more for building improvement, is required to have a California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license.  So, is installing a CCTV a “building improvement?” The State of California believes it is!

If you install, service, or maintain communication and low voltage systems which are energy limited and do not exceed 91 volts, you need to have a C-7- Low Voltage Systems Contractor license. According to California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Division 8, Article 3, “closed-circuit video systems”, “including “telephone systems,” are included in this section that requires a C-7 license. Also, if there are wires involved, then you also need a C-10 license, according to California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Division 8, Article 3.

Private Investigator License Requirement

In Chapter 12, Section 7 in my book, The Private Patrol Operator (2018), I discuss 7582.1(b) - Business and Professions Code, that states in part you can investigate an incident if it is “…incidental to the theft, loss, embezzlement, misappropriation, or concealment of any property...” Otherwise, you need a CA PI license!

Bottom Line: Know what you can do with your PPO license and DO NOT exceed the scope!