Bodyguard Services: State Regulations

The California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, which licenses and regulates contract security guards, also regulates bodyguard services under all the same laws and license requirements. There is often a great deal of confusion over what types of licensure is required of individuals working in the field, especially since many of them come straight out of law enforcement into private security.

Let's set the record straight on bodyguards. All the same laws, training and registration requirements that apply to an unarmed security guard also apply to an armed security guard. The BSIS considers bodyguards to be security guards. Since an active law enforcement officer have already undergone extensive training and background checks, he or she can begin working as a security guard immediately upon registration with the state. However, if a security guard is to provide bodyguard services and carry a weapon, regardless of his or her law enforcement background, that guard must not only obtain a Private Patrol Officer (PPO) license but must also obtain an exposed firearm permit.

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Under the provisions of California law, PPO's who posses an exposed firearm permit cannot act as private bodyguards, and can only act as uniformed bodyguards (with exposed weapons) under the employ of a PPO. He/she cannot act as an independent contractor to provide private security services.

Many people become confused over bodyguard services, as they relate to plainclothes bodyguards with concealed weapons. An off-duty or honorably retired police office with a Private Investigator license and a concealed firearms permit can act as a plainclothes bodyguard to a client, provided that service is part of an private investigations contract.

If you are considering hiring a private security for yourself, your company or a special event, we welcome you to check out American Security Force in greater detail. We offer a free initial consultation so you can learn more about how our services can be tailored to your unique security needs. Call our L.A. headquarters at (877) 722-8585 or Contact Us with comments or questions by using the secure online form. An American Security Force representative will promptly respond to your correspondence.

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