| FAQ's for Private Security |
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| Becoming a Private Security Provider |
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I want to be certified or licensed for the first time, what do I need to complete?
All application packets consist of the following basic information:
PS-1 Application
PS-4 Fingerprint Affidavit
1 Printed Fingerprint Card (sealed with a PS-4 in a Tamperproof Bag)
$50 Fingerprint Processing Fee
Training
Certification or Licensure Fee
PS-20 Temporary Work Permit if employed.
Additional items needed per certification or license:
Unarmed or Alarm Professional
12 Hour Basic Training
$65 Certification Fee
PS-20 Temporary Work Permit (if employed)
Armed/Unarmed Professional
12 Hour Basic UnarmedTraining
24 Hour Armed Professional Training
$65 Certification Fee
PS-20 Temporary Work Permit (if employed and working unarmed)
Unarmed or Alarm Instructor
8 Hour Basic Training
Instructor Orientation
Resume*
$90 Certification Fee
* Resume must indicate when/where you obtained your high school diploma or GED, AND when/where you have 3 years experience in private security, law enforcement, or military police.
Firearms Instructor
8 Hour Basic Training
Firearms Instructor Orientation
Recent training as instructor via NRA, FBI, FLETC, or WA Dept of Licensing
Resume*
$90 Certification Fee
* Resume must indicate when/where you obtained your high school diploma or GED, AND when/where you have 3 years experience in private security, law enforcement, or military police.
Supervisory Manager
8 Hour Basic Training
Manager Orientation
$75 License Fee
Executive Manager
8 Hour Basic Training
Manager Orientation
$250 Lciense Fee
I am applying for multiple certifications, are there additional requirements?
Please contact DPSST. Some fees may not be required when certain certifications and licenses are combined.
What is the process to upgrade or add an additional certification/licensure?
All upgrades require re-submittal of PS-1 portions. Those portions are – personal information page, criminal page, and notary page. Please include a PS-20 (temporary work permit) if applicable.
If you are adding manager or instructor, in order to attend the manager or instructor class, we must first receive your paperwork, fees, and a written request to attend the class prior to the class deadline. The request must accompany the paperwork and fees. This request cannot be made via email or by telephone. Paperwork received without an attached written request, past the deadline, or a request received without the required fees and paperwork will not be registered in a class.
Below is a list of additional needs for upgrading.
Unarmed or Alarm
12hr Basic Training and $65 Certification Fee.
Armed/Unarmed Option 1
PS-23, 24hr Armed Training, and $20 Certification Upgrade Fee
Option 1 = Updates your current unarmed certification and doesn’t change your dates. For example, if your unarmed is current until 10/15/2010, your card will be switched to say Armed/Unarmed to expire 10/15/2010.
Armed/Unarmed Option 2
PS-23, 24hr Armed Training, 4hr Unarmed Renewal Training and $65 Certification Fee
Option 2 = Changes the dates on your card. Best if your card expires in less than a year. It expires out your current card which is why unarmed training is asked for again.
Unarmed or Alarm Monitor Instructor
Instructor Orientation for respected field, Resume (3yrs experience and GED or HS Diploma), and $90 Certification Fee.
Firearms Instructor
Firearms Instructor Orientation, recent training as instructor via NRA, FBI, FLETC, or WA Dept of Licensing, Resume (3yrs experience and GED or HS Diploma), and $90 Certification Fee.
Supervisory Manager
Manager Orientation and a $75 License Fee.
Executive Manager
Manager Orientation and a $250 License Fee.
How do I renew my certification/licensure?
I am currently certified and wish to renew my certification or license.
Unarmed or Alarm Monitor Professional
PS-21, 4hr Renewal Training and $65 Certification fee.
Armed/Unarmed Professional
PS-21, 4hr Unarmed Renewal Training and Armed Renewal Training/Requalification, and $65 Certification Fee. If you failed to take your annual armed maintenance, you must take the 24 hr basic armed training again.
Instructor (firearm, unarmed, and alarm)
PS-21, Instructor Orientation, Proof of at least eight hours of course-work relating to any of the specific subjects being taught or generally improving instructor skills and $90 Certification Fee.
Supervisory Manager
PS-21, Manager Orientation and $75 License Fee.
Executive Manager
PS-21, Manager Orientation and $250 License Fee.
I was previously certified or licensed but my card has since lapsed. Is there anything else I need?
Unless you have documented proof that you were not providing security since expiration, a $25 late fee will be automatically added for any renewal applications that come in, starting the day after expiration.
The exception for this is instructors. An instructor will only be assessed a late fee if he or she attempts to teach after expiration.
Armed/Unarmed Providers will need to resubmit basic armed training. All applicants who are currently working need to have a valid permit or a current PS-20 filled out on them while paperwork is being processed by our office.
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| Fingerprints |
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I have been fingerprinted before, do I need to do prints through DPSST too?
Yes. Our program cannot access your previous background information from any other agency per state and federal law as it is considered third party reporting.
If you are renewing your certification/licensure, fingerprints are not required at this time.
If I get fingerprint by someone, do I need to pay the fingerprint fee?
Yes. The fingerprint fee is actually your ‘background’ fee. It is what we are charged to run your background to obtain your criminal history. This is separate from the fee you pay to have someone print or scan your fingerprints.
My fingerprints were rejected again by your agency, what do I do?
Prints are rejected from Oregon State Police and FBI, and sent to us for follow up. Please review their attached form which explains the reason for the rejection. If you have a condition that makes fingerprinting you difficult, you may have your fingerprint technician attach a note explaining the reason for print quality. Sometimes the letter will give tips on correcting the issue, such as drying hands, using lotion, etc.
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| Training |
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Where do I get the training needed?
For unarmed, alarm, or armed training, please go to the List of Instructors. For manager and instructor, please refer to the PS & PI Training Calendar.
Where can I get training for baton, pepper spray, handcuffing, etc?
We do not regulate any training for restraints or weapons other than firearms. You are welcome to refer to the List of Instructors to find someone who may provide that training. The list is a courtesy only and not an endorsement of qualification.
I have prior experience in military, law enforcement, or security. Am I exempt from training?
No. Regardless of past experience, the required training must be taken. If you have 2 years prior experience in Private Security, Law Enforcement, or Military Police, you may challenge up to 8 hours of the basic 12 hour course. You must still attend and pass the 4 hour assessment at the end of that class. If you are going for instructor, there is no challenge for the basic class.
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| Restrictions/Regulations for Private Security Providers/Companies |
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Are there any restrictions or regulations for Private Security Providers or Companies?
If you have a private security certification or own a business that employs private security providers, it is your responsibility to be aware of other state and federals law that restrict or regulate you and your business.
For example, some relevant restrictions and laws that are not regulated or enforced by DPSST are: criminal impersonation, criminal impersonation of a peace officer, copying or imitating the standard Oregon State Police uniform, knowingly falsifying any information pertinent to an application for private security certification, prohibited lighting on vehicles, and misuse of the Oregon State Seal.
These items are examples of Oregon Revised Statutes, which if violated, may result in an arrest or citation by a law enforcement officer or sanctioned by the governing agency. Additionally, if there is a violation of Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) or Oregon Revised Statues (ORS) and it is directly related to your job and/or the functions of a private security provider or company, these violations could result in an investigation and sanctions by DPSST.
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| Out of State Inquires |
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Does your program have reciprocity with any other state?
No. Any individual applying to provide services in or for Oregon should refer to the Getting Started page for information.
What type of business license do I need for my company?
Our program certifies and licenses individuals, not companies. Please refer to the Getting Started page for more information.
Do we need to have a company in Oregon, or does there have to be a manager in Oregon?
No. We do not require a resident business or manager in Oregon.
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| General Questions |
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How long does it take to get a certification or license?
The process generally takes between one to four months. This time frame may vary depending on whether or not there are any delays in processing, such as deficiencies, fingerprints being rejected, or criminal history.
Certification cards are printed twice a month.
Do I need to be certified as unarmed before adding armed to my certification?
No. The unarmed training is a requirement of obtaining an armed/unarmed certification, but you don’t have to be certified as unarmed prior to applying for armed.
I received a Notice of Violation letter in the mail, what does it mean?
Notice of Violation letters are sent for various reasons, but overall it is because according to our records, or subsequent investigation, you failed to meet the minimum standards set forth in administrative law. The letter is an educational tool that gives you the opportunity to correct the immediate issue in lieu of receiving a potential civil penalty in the future.
I was recently arrested; do I need to report it to you?
Yes. If you were recently arrested, you or your employer must report it to us within 48 hours of being charged with a crime.
What is your fax number?
503-378-4600
How do I submit a supply order?
Please go to PS Forms and print off a PS-3 (supply form) and fax your order to 503-378-4600.
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