Arkansas Private Security Officer License Information (Guard Card)
Sections
- Private Security Officer (PSO) (Unarmed Security Officer)
- Commissioned Security Officer (CSO) (Armed Security Officer)
- Commissioned School Security Officer (CSSO) (Armed School Security Officer)
- Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
- Fingerprinting/Background Check
- Disqualifying Convictions
Private Security Officer (PSO) – (Unarmed Security Officer)
All Private Security Officer (PSO) (unarmed) security guards must complete the basic, initial 8-hours training program. This is called "Phase I" training.
- NOTE: The actual license is issued by the State of Arkansas, not the trainer.
Commissioned Security Officer (CSO) (Armed Security Officer)
All Commisioned (armed) security guards must complete the basic, initial 8-hours training program, plus an additional 16-hours (minimum) firearms training. Furthermore, applicants must successfully qualify on the firing range, firing a course of instruction that has been approved by the Board.
This is called "Phase II" training.
- NOTE: A Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit does not qualify a security guard to carry armed.
Commissioned School Security Officer (CSSO) (Armed School Security Officer)
In addition to Phase I and Phase II training, the training requirements for Phase III must be taught to all CSSO applicants and shall consist of thirty-six (36) hours minimum.
Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
Renewal training for a PSO, CSO, or CSSO is required every two (2) years and must be completed within the twelve (12) month period prior to renewal. Renewal training must be completed and the applicant must submit certification that the renewal training requirements have been met before a credential or commission will be renewed. An individual may count completed hours of renewal training toward the minimum hours of refresher training required to be completed each year.
Renewal training requirements for PSOs - the training requirements for renewal of a PSO credential shall consist of a minimum of six (6) hours. The training shall include, but not be limited to, the subjects found in Phase I as described in Rule 10.3
Renewal training requirements for CSOs - the training requirements for renewal of a CSO commission shall consist of a minimum of twelve (12) hours. The training shall include, but not be limited to, the subjects found in Phase I and Phase II, as described in Rule 10.4 and Rule 10.5, above. The renewal training shall include firing range qualification on an ALETA qualification course and a safety course.
Renewal training requirements for CSSOs - the training requirements for renewal of a CSSO commission shall consist of a minimum of twenty four (24) hours. The training shall include, but not be limited to, the subjects found in Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III, as described in Rule 10.3, Rule 10.4, and Rule 10.5, above. The renewal training shall include firing range qualification on an ALETA qualification course and a safety course.
Annual
Commissioned individuals must complete annual refresher training. Failure to complete refresher training will result in suspension of the credential.
CSOs are required to complete a minimum of twelve (12) hours of refresher training each year. The refresher training shall include, but not be limited to, firing range qualification on an ALETA qualification course and a safety course.
CSSOs and Security Service Contractors holding a CSSO credential are required to complete a minimum of twenty four (24) hours of refresher training each year.
Fingerprinting/Background Check
All applicants must have a background check. Application fee, 2-classifiable fingerprint cards (FD-258 fingerprint card), and background check fees just be included with the submission of the application.
Convictions
The applicant must list all arrests, pending criminal charges, pleas of nolo contendere, pleas of guilty, or convictions for any felony, Class A misdemeanor offense involving theft, sexual offenses, violence, an element of dishonesty, or a crime against a person as determined by the department (See Rule 2.10). Include all those that have been sealed or expunged.
The Director of the Department shall deny an application if the applicant has been found guilty or has pleaded guilty or "nolo contendere" to any criminal offense listed in A.C.A. §17-39-202, §17-39-206, §17-39-304, §17-40-306, or §17-40-337. (a) A prior conviction will disqualify the applicant even if the conviction has been sealed or expunged; but (b) A prior conviction will not disqualify an applicant if the applicant has received a pardon for the conviction in accordance with A.C.A. §16-93-201, et seq. (i) To qualify for a commission, the pardon must include a provision for full restoration of firearm rights.
