Utah Private Security Officer Licensing

NO PREVIOUS SECURITY EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

The Division Of Professional Licensing (DOPL) regulates all private security officer licenses to work as a security officer for a Contract Security Company. We have provided all the information you need to know below, but you can also see the DOPL website Security Companies and Guards for information.

1. Eligibility

To obtain an unarmed or armed private security officer license in Utah all applicants must;

  1. Be at least 18 years old.
  2. Meet the minimum requirements as described under 58-63-302 Qualifications for licensure and R156-63a-302f Qualifications for Licensure – Good Moral Character – Disqualifying Convictions. If you have a criminal conviction you may be prohibited from obtaining or holding a private security officer license.
  3. Complete the appropriate basic education and training program(s) approved by DOPL.
  4. Apply for and obtain the appropriate private security officer license before being able to work.

IMPORTANT

All individuals who had a Utah unarmed or armed private security officer license within the past 2 years (expired on 11/30/2022) cannot apply as a new applicant. The individual is required to complete ALL applicable continuing education and renew the license by paying the renewal fee and applicable late fee. See the Security Officer Continuing Education tab above.

License By Endorsement | Military and Military Spouses | Internationally-Trained Applicants

Individuals who currently have a VALID and active security license, for at least one year, as a security professional in another state, territory, or district of the United States may qualify for licensure by endorsement to obtain a Utah private security officer license without having to complete the required training. Select a link below for approved jurisdictions and additional information.

If you are a military member or military spouse, please review the DOPL Military Resources page before applying.

Individuals who have international training or education, particularly new Americans such as immigrants and refugees, who have completed extensive education, job training, or work experience abroad may be eligible to have a license issued to qualified professionals with international training or education. You can find more information on the DOPL website and their FAQs.

2. Complete The Required Training

Applicants can complete the unarmed training online or in person (classroom environment).

Applicants must complete an approved basic education and training program which consists of at least eight hours and obtain a score of at least 80% on the final examination.

It is illegal for an unarmed private security officer to carry or have access to a firearm while on duty, even if the individual has a concealed firearm permit.

Defencify Is The Premier Online Security Training

You can now easily complete the required 8-hour training to obtain the unarmed private security officer license ONLINE conveniently on your own schedule at any time, anywhere, on your computer, tablet, or cellphone. There is no need to take time off work, travel, worry about being late due to traffic, or miss out on other things you want to do.

Cost: $108.99
Use Our Code “utahfast” And Save An Additional 10%!

NOTE: If your plan is to obtain the armed private security officer license DO NOT submit the license application until you have completed an approved basic firearms training program or you will have to pay for ALL application fees again.

Start Your Unarmed License Training Today!

Applicants must complete all armed training in person (in a classroom environment). Armed training cannot be completed online.

  1. Applicants currently have a valid Utah unarmed private security officer license or completed an approved basic education and training program within the last year, which consisted of at least eight hours, and obtained a score of at least 80% on the final examination.
  2. Applicants must then complete an approved basic firearms training program, at least 12 hours, which consists of at least six hours of classroom firearms instruction and the applicant obtains a score of at least 80% on the final examination and at least six hours of firearms range instruction on which the applicant achieves a minimum score of 80% on a recognized practical pistol course.

As described in R156-63a-601. Operating Standards – Firearms. (1) An armed private security officer shall carry only that firearm with which the officer has passed an approved basic firearms training program.
This means an armed private security officer is ONLY authorized to carry the firearm if they have passed the firearm live-fire qualification course. If an individual wants the option of carrying a different firearm, the individual must pass the live fire qualification course with each additional firearm.

Sign Up For Our Armed License Training Today!

3 Complete An Application

  1. $90.00 non-refundable application processing fee, made payable to “DOPL”. (not included in any training costs)
  2. A completed and legible application that includes ALL of the following:
    • Page 1: The correct box marked for the private security officer license the individual is applying for, Applicant Information and Affidavit And Release.
    • Page 2: Qualifying Questionnaire, Affidavit, and other Professional Licenses. If an applicant marks “yes” to any of the questions an individual must include all supporting documentation for EACH and EVERY incident.
    • Page 3: Criminal History Disclosure Statement and Optional Interim License Information
      – If requesting an interim license, an applicant must provide a current criminal history report, “Right of Access” from the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) showing “No Criminal Record Found” attached to the application. This option is a separate $15.00 cost and must be obtained from BCI.
      – If an applicant marked “Yes” to any question on the Qualifying Questionnaire, an interim license will not be issued.
    • Page 4: Certification of Education Requirements. This page includes two sections the “Certification Of Initial Basic Education” is for the unarmed private security officer license. The “Certification Of Initial Firearm Education” is for the armed private security officer license. See more information about this page below.
    • Page 5: Application Checklist And Instructions. The checklist is for your convenience and does not need to be included in the application. It is to assist the applicant to ensure they know what must be submitted with the application.
  3. Two (2) completed FD-258 fingerprint cards. DOPL provides fingerprint services (appointment required) for all applicants and is included in the licensing fee.
    We also provide fingerprints for all of our students at no additional cost. Schedule an appointment.

 

Certification Of Initial Basic Education
– Unarmed License Training –

  • If the applicant completed the approved basic education and training program in person (classroom environment), this section must be completed and signed by an approved instructor.
  • If the applicant completed online training, this section is left blank and the applicant must attach a certificate showing completion of an approved online basic education and training course.
  • If the applicant has a current and valid unarmed private security officer license and is completing this application to obtain an armed private security officer license, this section is left blank.

Certification Of Initial Firearm Education
– Armed License Training –

  • If the applicant is applying for an unarmed private security officer license, leave this section blank. DO NOT fill out any information.
  • If the applicant is applying for an armed private security officer license, this section must be completed and signed by an authorized instructor showing completion of an approved armed basic education and training course. Armed training cannot be completed online.

 

Submit all required items listed above to DOPL

Or

  • The application processing fee can be made by check or money order made payable to “DOPL”.
    Mail To:
    Division Of Professional Licensing
    PO BOX 146741
    Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741
  1. $90.00 non-refundable application processing fee. (not included in any training costs) can be paid when submitting the online application.
  2. If you previously had a Utah unarmed or armed private security officer license at any time in the past, DOPL does not allow you to submit an online application for a new license. You must use a paper application.
  3. Any required documents that need to be uploaded with your application cannot be larger than 3 MB. Documents can be emailed to doplweb@utah.gov and include your name and profession.
  4. If you apply by Endorsement, select your endorsement state.
  5. If you are requesting an interim license, you must obtain a criminal history report, “Right of Access” from the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) showing “No Criminal Record Found” and upload or email the report to DOPL. The report cannot be more than 30 days old. This option is a separate $15.00 cost. If an applicant marked “Yes” to any question on the Qualifying Questionnaire, an interim private security officer license will not be issued.
  6. Upload or email the Certification of Education Requirements.
    Unarmed License – Certification Of Initial Basic Education
    – If the applicant completed an approved basic education and training program in person (classroom environment), the applicant must upload or email the Certification of Initial Basic Education (page 4 of the paper application) completed and signed by an approved instructor.
    – If the applicant completed an approved basic education and training program online, the applicant must upload or email the certificate showing completion of an approved online basic education and training course.
    Armed License – Certification Of Initial Firearm Education
    If the applicant is applying for an armed private security officer license, the applicant can upload or email the certificate showing completion of an approved online basic education and training course or the Certification of Initial Basic Education (page 4 of the paper application) that was completed and signed by an approved firearms instructor.
    Armed training cannot be completed online.
  7. Two (2) completed FD-258 fingerprint cards. DOPL provides fingerprint services for all applicants at no additional cost (included in the licensing fee). You must schedule an appointment online.
    YOU CAN NOT UPLOAD THE FINGERPRINT CARDS
    We also provide fingerprints for the public.

    The two fingerprint cards can be submitted to DOPL:
    – In Person: Heber M Wells Building, 1st Floor Lobby 160 East 300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84111
    – By Mail:
    Division of Professional Licensing
    PO BOX 146741
    Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741

4. Application Process

No Utah Criminal Record

  • If the applicant requests to obtain an interim license and provided a current criminal history report “Right of Access” from BCI showing “No Criminal Record Found” attached to the application, and has not had a license to practice an occupation or profession denied, revoked, suspended, restricted, or placed on probation DOPL will email the temporary private security officer license within 2 business days to the applicant’s email address provided on the application. The temporary private security officer license expires 90 days after it is issued or on the date on which the applicant is issued a license, whichever is earlier.
  • When the FBI fingerprint background check is clear DOPL will then email the active private security officer license to the applicant’s email address provided on the application, usually within approximately 2 weeks.

Past Criminal Record

  • If an applicant marked “yes” to any of the questions on the Qualifying Questionnaire the applicant is not eligible to receive an interim private security officer license even if the applicant attached a current criminal history report “Right of Access” from BCI.
  • The applicant will have their criminal history reviewed by the DOPL board to determine if the applicant is qualified to obtain a private security officer license. If the FBI fingerprint background check is clear, and DOPL approves the applicant, DOPL will email the active security license to the applicant’s email address provided on the application, usually within approximately 2 to 3 weeks.

5. License Denial

  • Grounds for denial of license can be found in UCA 58-1-401.
  • DOPL cannot automatically deny an applicant based on their criminal history.  However, some crimes may result in DOPL denying a license. DOPL must carefully review crimes that may “substantially” relate to an individual’s ability to safely or competently practice their profession. This is in keeping with one of DOPL’s main goals when issuing licenses, protecting the citizens of Utah.
  • A few license statutes require automatic denial of the license for certain crimes.  For example, you cannot hold an armed private security officer license if you have a conviction that restricts you from possessing a firearm.
  • To assist applicants, DOPL has created Criminal History Guidelines for each occupation and profession it licenses which can help applicants identify particular crimes that may “substantially” affect their ability to safely or competently practice a specific profession.
  • If an applicant’s application is denied, a private security officer license will not be issued and the applicant will receive notice and reason for the denial.
  • If an applicant was issued an interim private security officer license it shall automatically expire.

Utah Private Security Officer Licenses Expire On
November 30th Of Every Even Numbered Year (2024)

R156-63a-304. Continuing Education for Armed and Unarmed Private Security Officers as a Condition of Renewal.
(1) Armed and unarmed private security officers shall complete at least 32 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle. A minimum of 16 hours shall be core continuing education; the remaining hours may consist of professional continuing education or core continuing education.
(2) In addition to the 32 hours of core/professional continuing education, an armed private security officer shall complete at least 16 hours of continuing firearms education and training during each two-year renewal cycle.

Continuing Education Requirements

ALL unarmed AND armed private security officers are required to complete 32 hours of core and professional continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle.

Security officers can complete the training online or in person.

Core continuing education includes the following topics:

  • Company Operational Procedures Manual
  • Applicable State Laws and Rules
  • Legal Powers and Limitations of Private Security Officers
  • Observation and Reporting Techniques
  • Ethics
  • Management of Aggressive Behavior
  • Use of Force De-Escalation Techniques
  • Emergency Techniques
  • Basic Life Saving Course (CPR, AED, First Aid)

Professional continuing education includes one or more of the following topics:

  • Executive Protection
  • Driving Techniques for the Security Professional
  • Basic Self-Defense Escort Techniques
  • Crowd Control
  • Access Control and the Use of Electronic Detection Devices
  • Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance
  • Use of Defensive Items and Objects
  • Homeland Security – Bomb Threat/Anti-Terrorism
  • Any Other Topic Relevant to the Education of Security Professionals

Defencify Is The Premier Online Security Training

Defencify makes it extremely easy to complete the required 32 hours of continuing education to renew a Utah private security officer license ONLINE conveniently on your schedule at any time, anywhere, on your computer, tablet, or cellphone. There is no need to take time off work, travel, worry about being late due to traffic, or miss out on other things you want to do.

Cost: $136.99
Use Our Code “utahfast” And Save An Additional 10%!

Complete Your Training Online Today!

Utah Private Security Officer Licenses Expire On
November 30th Of Every Even Numbered Year (2024)

R156-63a-304. Continuing Education for Armed and Unarmed Private Security Officers as a Condition of Renewal.
(1) Armed and unarmed private security officers shall complete at least 32 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle. A minimum of 16 hours shall be core continuing education; the remaining hours may consist of professional continuing education or core continuing education.
(2) In addition to the 32 hours of core/professional continuing education, an armed private security officer shall complete at least 16 hours of continuing firearms education and training during each two-year renewal cycle.

In addition to the 32 hours of continuing education, ALL armed private security officers must complete at least 16 hours of continuing firearms education and training during each two-year renewal cycle. This means an armed security officer must complete a total of at least 48 hours of continuing education.

The 16 hours of continuing firearms education and training shall be completed in four-hour blocks every six months.

NOTE: Core and professional continuing education hours will NOT be counted as completing firearm continuing education hours.

The required 6-month reporting periods are:

  • December 1st, 2022 to May 31st, 2023
  • June 1st, 2023 to November 30th, 2023
  • December 1st, 2023 to May 31st, 2024
  • June 1st, 2024 to November 30th, 2024

Firearm continuing education shall include at a minimum:

  • Live classroom instruction covering restrictions in the use of deadly force and firearm safety on duty, at home, and on the range.
  • A recognized practical pistol recertification course on which the licensee achieves a minimum score of 80% using regular or low light conditions.

Penalty Hours

An armed security officer who fails to complete the required four hours of continuing firearms education and training within the appropriate six-month period is required to complete one and one half times the number of hours the licensee was deficient for the reporting period, refered to as “penalty hours”. 4 x 1.5 = 6 hours. Penalty hours shall not satisfy in whole or in part any of the continuing firearms education and training hours required for subsequent license renewal.

EXAMPLE:
As shown in the table below John Doe, an armed private security officer, failed to complete the required 4-hour firearm continuing education within the appropriate six-month reporting period of June 1st, 2023 to November 30th, 2023.
There are two reporting periods left for the renewal cycle. This means, to get caught up, officer Doe has to complete the required 4 hours during the appropriate reporting period and make up the hours he missed by completing 6 penalty hours. To get caught up, officer Doe must complete 10 hours of continuing firearms education and training during one of the reamining reporting periods.
Officer Doe made a good decision and completed the six penalty hours in the next appropriate six-month period of December 1st, 2023 to May 31st, 2024.

12/1/22 to 5/31/23
4 Hours

6/1/23 to 11/30/23
0 Hours

12/1/23 to 5/31/24
6 Hours + 4 Hours

6/1/24 to 11/30/24
4 Hours

Utah Private Security Officer Licenses Expire On
November 30th Of Every Even Numbered Year (2024)

R156-63a-304. Continuing Education for Armed and Unarmed Private Security Officers as a Condition of Renewal.
(1) Armed and unarmed private security officers shall complete at least 32 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle. A minimum of 16 hours shall be core continuing education; the remaining hours may consist of professional continuing education or core continuing education.
(2) In addition to the 32 hours of core/professional continuing education, an armed private security officer shall complete at least 16 hours of continuing firearms education and training during each two-year renewal cycle.

Unlawful Conduct: Your license will automatically expire unless you renew it before its expiration date. If your license expires, you may not practice until a new license is issued. Utah laws 58-1-501(1)(a) and 58-1-502 make it unlawful and punishable as a criminal offense to practice your occupation or profession beyond the expiration of your license.

Before you can renew an armed or unarmed private security officer license you must have completed ALL applicable continuing education requirements. Failure to complete this requirement can result in having your license suspended or revoked and criminal penalties.

If you previously had an unarmed license and obtained an armed license on or after December 1st, 2022 you DO NOT need to maintain both unarmed and armed licenses. ONLY renew your armed license and let the unarmed license expire. Armed private security officers can perform all unarmed security duties. Renewing the unarmed license is a waste of money and it is useless to you.

If you have an armed license and you did not complete the required firearm continuing education or you no longer want or need the armed license and you want to “downgrade” to an unarmed private security officer license, you must;

  1. Complete the required 32 hours of continuing education.
  2. Contact DOPL notifying them that you no longer want to keep the armed license.
  3. Complete the unarmed private security officer paper renewal application. You cannot renew online.

If you are a member of the U.S. military and your security license expired while you were deployed it will continue to be valid for 90 days after the last date of the deployment listed on the service member’s deployment order.

As provided in 71A-8-103 DOPL will reactive your unarmed or armed private security officer license until the next date that the license expires or for the period that the license is normally issued, at no cost to the service member, member of the National Guard , or reserve component of the armed forces if all of the following conditions are met:

  1. The service member, National Guard member , or reservist requests renewal of the license within 90 days after the termination date of the activation or deployment orders.
  2. The service member, National Guard member , or reservist provides the licensing agency with a copy of the individual’s official orders calling the member or reservist to active duty or deployment, and official orders discharging the member or reservist from active duty or deployment. and
  3. The service member, the National Guard member , or reservist meets all the requirements necessary for the renewal of the license, except the member or reservist need not meet the requirements, if any, that relate to continuing education or training.

This option DOES NOT apply to:

  • Regularly scheduled annual training;
  • In-state active National Guard and reserve orders; or
  • Orders that do not require the service member to relocate outside of this state.

If you have questions about this information please contact us.

RENEWAL FEE

$42.00

LATE FEE

Private Security Officer Licenses that are expired:

  • Within 30 days, you must pay the renewal fee plus a $20 late fee. Total = $62
  • Over 30 days but within 2 years, you must pay the renewal fee plus a $50 late fee. Total = $92
  • Over 2 years, you must retake all required initial training and apply as a new applicant.

HOW TO RENEW

DOPL will email all valid Utah private security officers a notice to renew approximately 90 days prior to expiration. It is your responsibility to ensure DOPL always has your current email address. AFTER completing ALL applicable continuing education, you can renew a private security officer license anytime after September 1st of the expiration year.

To renew online you must have the Renewal ID that is provided in the renewal email sent to you from DOPL. If you do not have or lost the Renewal ID you can request a renewal ID

Renew on the DOPL website.
https://secure.utah.gov/doplrenewal/doplrenewal

You can download an application from the DOPL website.

You have two options to submit the completed application to DOPL.

  1. Mail the application to the Division of Professional Licensing:
    DOPL
    P.O. Box 146741
    Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-6741
  2. Take the application in person to the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing:
    Heber M. Wells Building
    160 East 300 South
    Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
    Phone: (801) 530-6628
    Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Closed holidays)

If you need to change your name or addreass associated with your security license, you can do so on the DOPL website.

ASP Baton Training

This Training Is Sanctioned By
Armament Systems And Procedures (ASP)

The motto “Protecting Those Who Protect” says it all. For more than forty years, ASP has had a single-minded focus on providing law enforcement officers with the finest tools for the safe performance of their duties, and industry-leading training in the use of those tools. Every day, professionals in over 100 countries trust our products and training with their lives – so they can’t afford less than the very best. Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP) is the largest manufacturer and the industry’s foremost supplier of Tactical Batons®, Tactical Handcuffs™, and Performance Lighting to over 4 million state and federal law enforcement, and military professionals in the world – those who demand the absolute best. The ASP Tactical Baton is the dominant intermediate force impact weapon in the law enforcement community. ASP training is the most widely utilized baton program in the profession. The techniques are universal. The curriculum is constant. The instruction is dynamic. Each officer completing ASP training will endure the most rigorous curriculum of its type in the world. This is a program for the street officer. Easy to learn. Effective when used. Defensible in court. ASP techniques are designed to work for all officers, not just those with a high level of physical skill. These are honest techniques with over a decade of experience, and it has been proven that they work on the street, not just in the ideal environment of a classroom or gymnasium. Simple to learn and easy to remember. ASP techniques will be used long after training has ended. While no training program can assure that an agency or officer will not be sued. However, field evaluations have demonstrated that ASP training reduces the number of injuries sustained by both officers and assailants and reduces the number of lawsuits filed for excessive force. The ASP program is based upon extensive input from the nation’s most senior police trial attorneys. The techniques are court-defensible and are backed by the nation’s most experienced use-of-force consultants.

Courses Are Only Scheduled When The Minimum Participant Requirements Have Been Met

Cost

$200/person

  • Company/Agency discount rates are available for 6 or more participants
  • Registration is required at least 3 weeks prior to the course date.

Cost includes the following items for each participant:

  • Training Manual
  • Certificate
  • ID Card
  • Information/Test/Waiver & Answer Sheet
  • Injury Evaluation Form
  • Lapel Pin
  • Mouthguard
  • Training Critique Form
  • Use of Force Card

Contact Us to let us know you are interested. When the minimum number of participants has been met we will contact you to purchase this course.

Length

16 Hours / 2 Days

Class hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day, with a total program length of 16 hours unless otherwise noted. Lunch breaks and other breaks will be provided throughout the day. This is a physically demanding course, so participants are encouraged to bring what they need to stay hydrated.

Participants are on their own for lunch. Due to the limited time to leave for lunch, it is recommended that they bring food and snacks, especially depending on the training location.

Schedule:

Day 1:

  • Course Introduction
  • Fundamentals PowerPoint
  • Baton PowerPoint
  • TRAINING SESSION ONE
  • Baton Training

LUNCH

  • Test Review
  • TRAINING SESSION TWO
  • Baton Drills
  • Debrief Day 1

Day 2:

  • Restraint PowerPoint
  • TRAINING SESSION THREE
  • Handcuff Training

LUNCH

  • Test Review
  • PowerPoint Flashlights
  • TRAINING SESSION FOUR
  • Flashlight Drills
  • Written Test
  • Program Debrief and Evaluation

Prerequisites

Participants must have a valid security officer license.

Course Requirements

A Minimum Of 6 Participants Is Required
This Is Physically Demanding Training

Fitness Criteria

  • No known heart or lung problems
  • No known bone or joint disorders
  • No history of back problems
  • Mouthguards are required

Preparation
Regular exercise is recommended in preparation, with a focus on:

  • Wrist, elbow, and shoulder limbering and strengthening
  • Leg strengthening
  • Back limbering
  • Aerobics conditioning (fast walking, jogging, running, swimming, and bicycling)

Liability Release
A Release from Liability must be signed by each participant before the training program.

Participants Must Successfully Pass:

  • Written Examination
  • Physical Performance Test

ASP Basic Certification (ABC)
This field-level certification program is designed to acquaint participants with the operational use of the ASP Tactical Baton, Tactical Restraints, and Performance Flashlights. The training includes basic portation (carrying) and presentation (drawing) techniques and defensive application procedures. Certification acknowledges that the individual officer met a competency-based standard of knowledge and performance.
This is a competency-based training program; mere participation does not guarantee certification. “ASP Certification is Earned NOT Given”.

Safety Warning

  • No jewelry will be worn during training, including watches, necklaces, rings, etc.
  • Students will be exposed to dynamic defensive activities that may bend, twist or pin the body in ways that may result in bruising, temporary pain, and possible severe discomfort as a result of the dynamic nature of the training.
  • No functional firearms, knives or other weapons, ammunition, or OC spray are allowed in the classroom or training area

See our Safety & Risk Of Injury in our Training Policies for more information.

Clothing Requirements

  • Pants suitable for training (e.g., uniform/tactical) with belt
  • A sturdy leather belt or duty belt with belt keepers
  • Athletic groin protector (optional)
  • Shoes/boots that have good lateral and linear support (not running shoes)

Equipment Requirements

Only ASP Batons, Handcuffs, And Flashlights Are Allowed In This Course

ASP techniques are court defensible and backed by the nation’s most experienced use-of-force consultants but only when ASP batons or handcuffs are used. Due to this liability participants CANNOT use any other type of baton or handcuffs during training. In addition, this protection will not be available if you carry and/or use any other manufacturer of batons or handcuffs while on duty. If you do not agree with this requirement or have these required items, you will not be able to attend this course

If you decide to purchase any item, contact us, and we will give you a discount.

You also have the option to get a complete tactical setup “KIT,” including a baton, handcuffs, flashlight, and belt cases for each, in one value-priced bundle, which also includes three FREE items. Our discount does not apply to the KITs below.

Optional / Recommended Items

  • Red Gun or another plastic training firearm, which is the same as your duty firearm
  • Duty Belt for equipment
  • Pen and paper to take notes in the classroom

Security Licensing / DOPL

Certification in this training program does not automatically authorize an individual to carry or use batons. It is the responsibility of the individual student to obtain permission from their agency or company to carry any less-lethal device and follow all laws.
The information contained within this training program may only be used by security officers while in the performance of official duties. Any unauthorized, illegal, or unethical use of the information in this training program is prohibited.
Although every effort has been made for this training course, manual, and related materials to be complete and accurate, it is impossible to predict, discuss or plan for every circumstance or situation which might arise in the course of training, or when encountering a resistive or aggressive individual. Each trainee assumes the risk of loss, injury, and damages associated with this training and the use of the information obtained through this program.
Therefore, the trainee must always take into consideration the trainee’s experience, physical abilities, professional responsibilities, agency procedures, legal requirements and the recommendations and techniques contained in this training course, manual, and related materials, before deciding which techniques should be used and under what circumstances.

Currently there is no state certificate or permit required for a security officer to carry a baton or handcuffs in Utah. However, most contract security companies as well as their clients have policies which require a security officer to obtain proper training and certification in the use of all less lethal devices and restraints such as Baton, Taser, OC Spray and Handcuffs before they can be carried or used by a security officer.
If a licensed security officer abuses and/or fails to use these items correctly, the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) could file criminal charges against the security officer and revoke his/her license. You may also be terminated by your employer and open yourself, your employer, and your client to Civil lawsuits. You must be aware of the following:

58-1-501 Unlawful Conduct
(2)(i) Practicing or attempting to practice an occupation or profession regulated under this title beyond the scope of the licensee’s competency, abilities, or education”.

58-1-502 Unlawful Conduct – Penalty
(1) Unless otherwise specified in this title, a person who violates the unlawful conduct provisions defined in this title is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

R156-63a-502 Unprofessional Conduct
(7) being incompetent or negligent as an unarmed, an armed private security officer or by a contract security company that results in injury to a person or that creates an unreasonable risk that a person may be harmed;
(8) failing as a contract security company or its officers, directors, partners, proprietors or responsible management personnel to adequately supervise employees to the extent that the public health and safety are at risk.

Armed Security Officer Equipment

We do not provide or rent firearms, duty gear, or ammunition for armed security officer courses. If you need any of the items below, you can shop on our website or let us know what you need, and we will get it for you.

Students must bring the following 10 items to attend our armed security courses. Special circumstances can be made for companies and officers who carry their firearm concealed, have a low profile, or do not use a duty belt, but you must contact us for approval BEFORE the training course.

If a student has a firearm or item that is determined by the instructor to be unreliable or unsafe, the student will not be allowed to use the item, which may affect the student’s ability to attend or continue the course. This may seem harsh, but the safety of our students and instructors is our top priority. A reliable firearm and equipment can be very expensive. While we understand that you may not have a lot of money to purchase these items, you must do your own research to ensure the firearm and items you purchase and use are reliable. We have provided the expected cost to purchase each item to assist you. Prices are examples only and may differ depending on when and where you purchase the firearm or items. If you are currently employed by a contract security company as a private security officer you must ensure you know your employer’s policies concerning firearms, ammunition, and duty gear.

If you have any questions about any equipment listed below please contact us.

Required Items

1. Handgun

$400 to $700 and up
Must be a full-sized (recommended), or compact semi-automatic handgun.
We do not allow unreliable handguns (Hi-Point) or firearms smaller than subcompacts (micro pistols, pocket pistols, etc.).
It is very important to purchase a high-quality handgun because it may be used to protect your life or the life of another person.

R156-63a-604 (c), armed security officers are prohibited from making alterations to the firing mechanism.

2. Duty Holster

$80 to $150 and up

The holster must be designed specifically for the handgun and should have at least a Level 2 retention (explanation).

Holsters such as the Blackhawk SERPA CQC (pictured) or ANY other holster in which the index finger is used to press a button on the side of the holster to release a security “locking” mechanism in order to remove the firearm from the holster are PROHIBITED in our training courses.

As a result of four separate incidents related to auto-lock, trigger finger manipulation holsters [Blackhawk SERPA CQC Level II holsters (low wall)], the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) requested that a study be conducted to identify any common causative factors unique to this holster design. The study was assigned to Fireanns Division (FAD) at FLETC-Glynco with assistance from the FLETC Field Training Directorate (FTD). A subsequent companion study of the Blackhawk SERPA CQC Level II Holster (high wall) was also conducted which resulted in similar findings. The scope of both holster studies was devised to identify any safety related problems unique to the deactivation of the retention device while drawing and presenting the firearm.
See Study

3. Hangun Magazines

$35 to $50 and up
You must have at least three (3) magazines made specifically to fit your handgun.
While any brand of magazines will work, we recommend only purchasing magazines made by the pistol manufacturer.

4. Magazine Holder

$40 and up
The holder must be made specifically to fit your magazines and properly secure [snap, retention screw, velcro, etc.] The holder must hold at least two (2) magazines.

5. Duty Belt

$50 and up

  • A duty belt can be used to go over a leather belt and used to hold more equipment.
    It is also much easier than having to put on and take off the duty gear daily if using a leather dress belt.

6. HIGH OUTPUT TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT

$50 to $120 and up
Having a flashlight is vital to being able to see at night, during power outages, in dark areas, used while handcuffing, and during self-defense with a baton (ASP) or handgun. The flashlight should be about 4 to 8 inches and should not be longer than 15 inches. The flashlight must be LED and have an end push button. No cheap made flashlights are allowed.

7. Flashlight Holder

$20 to $40 and up
The holder must be made to fit the flashlight.

8. Ammunition

$100 and up

  • Students attending an initial armed private security officer licensing course must have at least 300 rounds.
  • Students attending a semi-annual firearm qualification course must have at least 200 rounds.

Per R156-63a-304 armed private security officers are required to qualify with their firearm every six months.

9. Cleaning Kit

$15 and up
You must keep your firearm properly lubricated to allow proper function and to reduce malfunctions, stopages, and rust. Cleaning kits should have brushes, patches, cleaning/ lubrication oil, etc. specifically designed for your handgun.

10. Eye & Ear Protection

$15 and up
Eye Protection must be at least ANSI Z87.
Hearing Protection recommended NRR 33.

IMPORTANT LICENSING INFORMATION

Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Phone: (801) 530-6628
Address: Heber M Wells Building, 1st Floor Lobby 160 East 300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Email: doplweb@utah.gov
Website: https://dopl.utah.gov/sec/index.html