Hawaii Security Guard Registration Information (Guard Card)
Sections
- Overview
- Acting in a guard capacity ACT 208 (SLH 2010)
- Requirements to Become an Unarmed Security Guard
- Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
- Fingerprinting/Background Check
- Requirements to Become an Armed Security Guard
- Other Restrictions
Overview
In Hawaii, the guard card is for "Guard Employees" "acting in a guard capacity" (see below).
An 8-hours pre-assignment course is required to apply for the guard card. The instructor must sign off on the paperwork before it is submitted. The guard card is valid for 3 years.
An 4-hours refesher course is required to re-apply for the guard card. The instructor must sign off on the renewal paperwork before it is submitted.
Acting in a guard capacity ACT 208 (SLH 2010)
At its May 9, 2013 meeting, the Board of Private Detectives and Guards approved the following definitions of "acting in a guard capacity," "safekeeping," and "physical presence" to implement HRS section 463-10.5 (aka Act 208 (SLH 2010)).
In general, if an employee falls within the following definitions and none of the exemptions below are applicable, that employee is subject to and must comply with the training and other requirements of HRS section 463-10.5.
- "Act in a guard capacity" or "acting in a guard capacity" means the performance of safekeeping, observation, and reporting functions by a uniformed or nonuniformed employee for the person's employer; provided that:
- An employee who performs safekeeping, observation, and reporting functions only incidentally to the employee's primary job functions and responsibilities shall not be considered to be acting in a guard capacity; and
- "Safekeeping" means protecting property, assets, or persons through a physical presence to detect and deter illegal actions, inappropriate actions, violations of the property's or premise's rules or code of conduct, or unsafe conditions; including but not limited to theft, damage, harm, or risk of injury to such persons or property, as applicable.
- "Physical presence" means maintaining a post (e.g., a stationary guard, bouncer, etc.) or patrolling the premises (e.g., physically responding to alarms or incidents on the property, etc.).
- NOTE: The actual license is issued by the State of Hawaii, not the trainer.
Requirements to Become an Unarmed Security Guard
In 2010, the Legislature established new training requirements for guards in HRS chapter 463 (see, Act 208, SLH 2010) and in 2017, changes were made (see Act 160, SLH 2017).
Pursuant to HRS section 463-10.5, all guards, and all agents, operatives, and assistants employed by a guard agency, private business entity, or government agency who act in a guard capacity shall apply to register with the Board, and meet the following registration, instruction, and training requirements prior to acting as a guard:
- Be not less than eighteen (18) years of age;
- Possess a high school education or its equivalent; provided that effective 07/01/17, the applicant may satisfy this requirement by attesting that the applicant possesses a high school education or its equivalent;
- Not be presently suffering from any psychiatric or psychological disorder which is directly related and detrimental to a person’s performance in the profession; and
- Not have been convicted in any jurisdiction of a crime which reflects unfavorably on the fitness of the individual to act as a guard, unless the conviction has been annulled or expunged by court order; provided that the individual shall submit to a national criminal history record check as authorized by federal law, including, but not limited to the Private Security Officer Employment Authorization Act of 2004, and specified in the rules of the Board;
- Successfully complete eight (8) hours of classroom instruction given by a Board approved instructor on a Board approved curricula before the first day of service; and
- Submit to a FBI and Hawaii State fingerprint check through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center ("HCJDC").
Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
Effective with the June 30, 2018 renewal, all registrations, are subject to renewal on or before June 30, every three years (2021, 2024, 2027). All guard employee registration holders will need to complete at least 4 hours of continuing education requirements prior to the time of renewal, unless exempt. The 4 hours of classroom instruction shall be approved by the Board and shall be given by a Board approved instructor. Payment of renewal fees, information relative to conviction of the registrant of a crime which reflects unfavorably on the fitness of the registrant to engage in the profession, and information on any psychiatric or psychological disorder you are presently suffering from must be provided. Registrations NOT renewed by June 30 are forfeited and the holders of a forfeited registrations are considered unregistered and may not engage in the trade or profession. Forfeited registrations may be restored upon written application within one year and upon submittal of all required documents, continuing education requirements, fees, delinquent fees, and a penalty fee.
Registrants who do not restore their registrations within the one year period are required to file as new applicants.
Fingerprinting/Background Check
Applicants must submit to a FBI and Hawaii State fingerprint check through the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center ("HCJDC").
Applicants shall be fingerprinted electronically at Fieldprint Inc. locations nationwide or any other fingerprinting agency approved to send electronic fingerprints to the HCJDC.
Please visit Fieldprint Inc. at http://fieldprinthawaii.com to make an appointment, inquire about other available site locations on the Continental United States, or call (877) 614-4361.
Requirements to Become an Armed Security Guard
To become an armed security guard, the guard must apply to the appropriate state agency or chief of police in the county or counties in which the guard is doing business. The type, number of training hours, requalifications, and renewals are set by the appropriate local law enforcement agency.
- NOTE: A Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit does not qualify a security guard to carry armed.
Other Restrictions
Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 16, Chapter 97, §16-97-17 Carrying of weapons prohibited.
Private detectives or guards shall not carry firearms, blackjacks, batons, night sticks, chemical sprays, stun devices, or other weapons unless specifically authorized in writing by the appropriate state agency or chief of police in the county or counties in which the private detective or guard is doing business.
