A felony conviction introduces complexity to any career path, especially for those seeking to become a security guard in California. The state’s licensing body maintains strict standards for public safety professions, but having a felony on your record does not automatically result in a permanent ban. While the process involves a detailed review of your past, the law provides mechanisms for individuals to demonstrate their rehabilitation. The possibility of obtaining a Security Guard Registration Card, often called a Guard Card, depends on the nature of the crime and the steps taken since the conviction.
Understanding the California Security Guard Card Requirement
Anyone intending to work as a security guard in California must first obtain a Guard Card issued by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). This state agency regulates the private security industry and sets minimum standards for all registrants. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and submit to a comprehensive criminal history review.
The background check requires applicants to complete a Live Scan fingerprinting process, which sends data to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Before submitting the application, a candidate must complete a mandatory initial training course, including the eight-hour “Power to Arrest” module.
Defining Disqualifying Offenses
The BSIS reviews felony convictions to determine if the crime is “substantially related” to the duties of a security guard. Certain offenses are viewed as direct threats to public safety and trustworthiness, which are central to security work. Crimes involving violence, theft, fraud, or offenses classified as moral turpitude are primary reasons for denial.
The agency focuses on the specific nature and gravity of the offense, and the time that has passed since the conviction. Serious felonies, especially those involving violence, may result in an automatic and permanent disqualification from licensure. The California Business and Professions Code (BPC) governs these prohibitions, ensuring that individuals entrusted with protecting people and property meet a high standard.
The Application and Denial Process for Felony Applicants
The application process requires complete honesty regarding all past convictions, including those that may have been dismissed or expunged. The BSIS has access to comprehensive criminal history records and will automatically disqualify an applicant who fails to disclose a conviction. Once the Live Scan results reveal a conviction, the BSIS begins a discretionary review to evaluate the circumstances.
The agency assesses the conviction’s relevance to the security guard’s duties during this review. If the BSIS determines the conviction is a disqualifier, they issue a formal denial notice. This denial is not the final step, as the applicant is provided the opportunity to formally appeal the decision to the BSIS Disciplinary Review Committee.
Pathways to Re-Eligibility: Rehabilitation and Expungement
Applicants with convictions can improve their eligibility by pursuing legal remedies and demonstrating a clear pattern of reform. Obtaining a dismissal of the conviction under California Penal Code Section 1203.4, often referred to as an expungement, is a significant step. This dismissal does not erase the conviction but changes the record to reflect that the case was dismissed after successful completion of probation.
Despite an expungement, the BSIS still requires the conviction to be disclosed on the Guard Card application because it is a state-issued license. To counter the conviction, applicants must provide compelling evidence of rehabilitation. This evidence often includes:
Character reference letters.
Proof of completion of all probation or parole requirements.
Documentation of community service.
Maintaining a clean record over a substantial period since the offense occurred.
Misdemeanors and Other Factors Affecting Licensure
While the focus is often on felonies, certain serious misdemeanors can also lead to the denial or delay of a Guard Card application. Misdemeanor convictions for offenses like domestic violence, assault, or specific fraud and theft crimes are viewed negatively by the BSIS. The agency treats these serious non-felony offenses similarly to less severe felonies due to their direct link to public trust and security duties.
The BSIS also considers non-conviction factors when evaluating suitability for licensure. A documented history of severe substance abuse or mental health issues that could impair a person’s ability to perform security duties safely may lead to a denial. All factors are assessed to ensure the applicant is fit to be entrusted with public safety responsibilities.
Maintaining Your License
Obtaining the Guard Card is the first step, and maintaining it requires ongoing compliance with state regulations. The registration is valid for two years and must be renewed before its expiration date. Renewal requires the payment of a fee and the completion of continuing education.
Security guards must complete eight hours of refresher training annually to stay current with industry standards and legal changes. The state requires all licensed guards to notify the BSIS immediately of any new arrests or convictions while employed. Failure to report a new criminal incident can result in the immediate suspension or revocation of the license, regardless of the offense’s nature.