Do You Need to be a PPO or PSE?
If you are new to getting into hiring security officers, you may not be sure if you should register as a private security employer (PSE) or get a Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license. The table below is a summary of the differences between PSEs and PPOs. In general, if you are forming a Security Guard Company, you are a PPO. Companies whose primary business function isn’t security, but rather focus on things like hospitality, retail or education, are most often PSEs. When in doubt contact the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
- Registration & License Fee
- PPO = $1320
- PSE = $350
- Registration or License Renewal Frequency
- PSO = 2 years
- PSE = 2 years
- Registration or License Renewal Cost
- PPO = $900
- PSE = $350
- Fingerprinting and Background Check Required
- PPO = Yes
- PSE = No
- Experience as Security Guard or Equivalent Experience Required
- PPO = No
- PSE = No
- Training Required
- PPO = No
- PSE = No
- Can Train Own Security Employees with BSIS License
- PPO = Yes
- PSE = Yes
- Required to Keep Security Employee Training Records
- PPO = Yes
- PSE = Yes
- Company Insurance Required
- PSO = $1,000,000
- PSE = Unknown
- Security Employees can Be Armed
- PPO = Yes, with proper BSIS permits and additional armed guard training
- PSE = No
- Security Employees can be Undercover
- PPO = Yes
- PSE = No
What should I Read Next?
- For tips on what to look for in a licensed security guard Training Provider, read How to Select a Guard Card Training Provider.