Maryland Security Guard Certification Information (Guard Card)
Sections
- Requirements to Become a Security Guard
- Security Guard Certification (Unarmed Security Officer)
- Wear and Carry Permit (Armed Security Officer)
- Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
- Fingerprinting/Background Check
- Disqualifications
Security Guard Certification (Unarmed Security Officer)
You must apply for a security guard certification through a valid security guard agency that is licensed to conduct business in Maryland.
There are no powers of arrest granted to a security guard, certified under Title 19, of Maryland's Business Occupations and Professions Article.
There is a narrow exception to the general rules of arrest by a private person pertaining to a property owner. Any property owner has a common law privilege to detain against his will any person he believes has tortuously taken his property. This privilege can be exercised only to prevent theft or to recapture property, and does not extend to detention for the purpose of punishment.
- NOTE: The actual license is issued by the State of Maryland, not the trainer.
Wear and Carry Permit (Armed Security Officer)
With regard to armed security, Maryland law generally prohibits the wearing, carrying or transportation of handguns. An exception exists for individuals who have obtained a Maryland handgun carry permit, under Title 5, Subtitle 3, of the Public Safety Article. Additionally, Criminal Law Article §4-203(b) (6), allows the wearing, carrying or transporting of a handgun by a person on real estate the person owns or leases or where the person resides or within the confines of a business establishment the person owns or leases. Additionally, Criminal Law Article §4-203(b) (7), allows the wearing, carrying or transporting of a handgun by a supervisory employee:
- in the course of employment;
- within the confines of the business establishment in which the supervisory employee is employed; and
- when so authorized by the owner or manager of the business establishment.
The Maryland State Police does not have the authority to waive the legal requirements of the State's security guard or handgun carry laws. However, in an effort to accommodate the needs of our citizens, the Department is working with the Maryland Investigators and Security Association Inc. to help facilitate private security needs, as they are articulated.
- NOTE: A Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit does not qualify a security guard to carry armed.
Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
A Security Guard Certification expires three (3) years after its date of issuance and upon the date the Secretary of State Police sets. By regulation, the Secretary shall stagger the terms of the certification. The license may be renewed for an additional 3-year term.
The renewal process is the responsibility of the applicant and should be started no less than 90 business days from expiration of the license. Timely renewal is the responsibility of the license holder. The renewal application and required material must be mailed to the Licensing Division at least 90 business days before a certification expires.
Fingerprinting/Background Check
All original applications require FBI and CJIS fingerprint submissions. Renewal applications only require FBI fingerprint submissions except for Security Systems Renewal applications. Security Systems Renewal applications require FBI and CJIS Fingerprint Submissions. Fingerprints must be submitted by way of an Electronic Fingerprint Processing Center authorized by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Applications associated with fingerprints submitted by way of an Electronic Fingerprint Processing Center will require payment to the Maryland State Police for the application only.
Disqualifications
Individuals who are not current employees of or a current applicant for employment with a licensed security guard agency shall not apply for a State of Maryland Security Guard Certification.
The Maryland State Police may deny certification as a security guard to any applicant:
- if the applicant or individual fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain certification as a security guard ; OR
- if, under the laws of the United States or of, any state, the applicant or individual plead(s) guilty or nolle contendre to or is convicted of (1) a felony; or (2) a misdemeanor that is directly related to the fitness and qualification of the applicant or individual to be certified as a security guard.
Maryland law mandates that all persons with a prior conviction for a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime are prohibited from using, possessing, or purchasing bulletproof body armor without a permit issued by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police.
