The process of becoming a licensed security officer in Alabama is overseen by a state regulatory body that sets clear standards for eligibility, training, and conduct. Obtaining this license is necessary for employment in the private security industry, ensuring all officers meet minimum qualifications for public safety. Applicants must demonstrate personal integrity and professional competence before legally assuming the duties of a security guard. Successfully navigating the required steps involves confirming eligibility, completing mandatory training, submitting a comprehensive application, and maintaining compliance through renewal.
Essential Requirements for Eligibility
Prospective officers must satisfy several prerequisites established by the state. Applicants must be a citizen of the United States or a legally authorized resident alien. The minimum age is 18 for an unarmed license, and 21 for individuals intending to carry a firearm while on duty.
A clear background history is required, and the state prohibits applicants with certain criminal convictions from being licensed. Any prior felony conviction in any jurisdiction is disqualifying unless the applicant has received a full pardon. A conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude also disqualifies an applicant unless a full pardon has been granted. Certain misdemeanor offenses, such as those involving violence, can result in a ten-year waiting period before eligibility.
Mandatory Training and Certification
Applicants must meet the state’s minimum training standard before filing an application for an unarmed license. All applicants must complete at least eight hours of initial classroom instruction. This instruction must be conducted by an approved training provider certified by the state’s regulatory body.
The basic training curriculum covers foundational topics necessary for the profession. Coursework includes instruction on the legal powers and limitations of a security officer, ethics, and proper coordination with local law enforcement and emergency services. Other areas of focus are observation and detection techniques, emergency response procedures, and accurate report writing. Upon successful completion of the coursework and a final examination, the applicant receives a certification of training required for the official licensing process.
Navigating the Official Application Process
Once eligibility requirements are met and training is finished, the applicant must formally submit credentials to the Alabama Security Regulatory Board (ASRB). The application requires completing official forms, providing personal details, and submitting supporting documentation. Required paperwork typically includes a copy of a valid government-issued photo identification and two passport-style photographs.
Applicants must submit fingerprints for a comprehensive background check conducted by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The applicant must pay the required registration and processing fees. These fees include a $37.00 background check fee and a $75.00 personal license fee, totaling $112.00 for the initial submission. The application also requires listing at least three unrelated persons to serve as references for character inquiries by the Board.
Understanding Armed Versus Unarmed Status
The registration card defines the scope of the security officer’s duties, specifically whether they are authorized to carry a weapon. An unarmed registration card is the baseline authorization, permitting the officer to perform security functions without a firearm. Attaining armed status is a separate authorization requiring a higher level of training and a distinct permitting process.
Unarmed Security Officer Training Requirements
The unarmed license is attained by completing the state-mandated eight hours of initial training focusing on security fundamentals. This baseline certification is necessary for all security officers, even those who later pursue armed status. The training confirms the officer’s understanding of their legal authority and proper procedure for handling common security situations. The completed training certificate is required for the issuance of the basic personal registration card.
Armed Security Officer Training Requirements
To carry a firearm while on duty, a security officer must complete a specialized firearms training course in addition to the basic unarmed training. This course requires a minimum of 14 hours of instruction administered by a certified Trainer II. The curriculum includes detailed instruction on state-specific use of force laws, safe handling and storage procedures, and advanced range qualification.
The officer must achieve a qualifying score of no less than 80% on a Board-mandated course of fire using the specific handgun they intend to use. In addition to the ASRB’s armed certification, the officer must obtain a separate pistol permit from their county of residence, typically issued by the sheriff’s office.
License Renewal and Maintaining Compliance
Maintaining the legal authority to work as a security officer requires adherence to the state’s renewal cycle and continuing education requirements. The license expires two years from the date of issuance. To renew the unarmed license, the officer must complete at least eight hours of refresher training before the expiration date.
The renewal process involves submitting the required forms and paying the $75.00 license fee. Armed security officers must meet these requirements but also need an additional two hours of firearms refresher training, which includes an annual range re-qualification with their duty weapon. License holders are responsible for notifying the Alabama Security Regulatory Board of any changes to their name, address, or employment status.