Part IV. Business License Application Procedures; Administrative Requirements; Standards of Conduct
6VAC20-172-40. Initial business license application.
A. Prior to the issuance of a private security services business license, the applicant shall meet or exceed the requirements of licensing and application submittal to the department as set forth in this section.
B. Each person seeking a license shall file a completed application provided by the department including:
1. For each principal and supervisor of the applying business and for each electronic security employee of an electronic security services business, his fingerprints pursuant to this chapter;
2. A certificate of insurance reflecting the department as a certificate holder and showing a policy of comprehensive general liability insurance in the minimum coverage amount of $1 million of general aggregate liability insurance issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in Virginia.
a. Every personal protection specialist and private investigator who has been issued a registration by the department and is hired as an independent contractor by a licensed private security services business shall maintain comprehensive general liability insurance in the minimum coverage amount of $1 million of general aggregate liability insurance; and
b. Documentation verifying the personal protection specialist or private investigator has obtained the required insurance shall be provided to the private security services business prior to the hiring of such independent contractor;
3. For each nonresident applicant for a license, on a form provided by the department, a completed irrevocable consent for the department to serve as service agent for all actions filed in any court in this Commonwealth;
4. For each applicant for a license except a sole proprietor or partnership, the identification number issued by the Virginia State Corporation Commission for verification that the entity is authorized to conduct business in the Commonwealth;
5. A physical address in Virginia where records required to be maintained by the Code of Virginia and this chapter are kept and available for inspection by the department. A post office box is not a physical address;
6. On the license application, designation of at least one individual as compliance agent who is certified or eligible for certification;
7. The applicable, nonrefundable license application fee; and
8. Designation on the license application of the type of private security business license the applicant is seeking. The initial business license fee includes one category. A separate fee will be charged for each additional category. The separate categories are identified as follows: (i) security officers/couriers (armed and unarmed), (ii) private investigators, (iii) electronic security personnel, (iv) armored car personnel, (v) personal protection specialists, (vi) locksmiths, and (vii) detector canine handlers and security canine handlers. Alarm respondents crossover into both the security officer and electronic security category; therefore, if an applicant is licensed in either of these categories, he can provide these services without an additional category fee.
C. Upon completion of the initial license application requirements, the department may issue an initial license for a period not to exceed 24 months.
D. The department may issue a letter of temporary licensure to businesses seeking licensure under § 9.1-139 of the Code of Virginia for not more than 120 days while awaiting the results of the state and national fingerprint search conducted on the principals and compliance agent of the business, provided the applicant has met the necessary conditions and requirements.
E. A new license is required whenever there is any change in the ownership or type of organization of the licensed entity that results in the creation of a new legal entity. Such changes include:
1. Death of a sole proprietor;
2. Death or withdrawal of a general partner in a general partnership or the managing partner in a limited partnership; and
3. Formation or dissolution of a corporation, a limited liability company, or an association or any other business entity recognized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
F. Each license shall be issued to the legal business entity named on the application, whether it is a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity, and shall be valid only for the legal entity named on the license. No license shall be assigned or otherwise transferred to another legal entity.
G. Each licensee shall comply with all applicable administrative requirements and standards of conduct and shall not engage in any acts prohibited by applicable sections of the Code of Virginia and this chapter.
H. Each licensee shall be a United States citizen or legal resident alien of the United States.
Statutory Authority
§ 9.1-141 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 31, Issue 25, eff. September 9, 2015; amended, Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 5, eff. December 1, 2017; Volume 35, Issue 5, eff. November 28, 2018.
6VAC20-172-50. Renewal business license application.
A. Applications for license renewal should be received by the department at least 30 days prior to expiration. The department will provide a renewal notification to the last known mailing address of the licensee. However, if a renewal notification is not received by the licensee, it is the responsibility of the licensee to ensure renewal requirements are filed with the department. License renewal applications must be received by the department and all license requirements must be completed prior to the expiration date or shall be subject to all applicable, nonrefundable renewal fees plus reinstatement fees. Outstanding fees or monetary penalties owed to DCJS must be paid prior to issuance of said renewal.
B. Licenses will be renewed for a period not to exceed 24 months.
C. The department may renew a license when the following are received by the department:
1. A properly completed renewal application;
2. A certificate of insurance reflecting the department as a certificate holder and showing a policy of comprehensive general liability insurance in the minimum coverage amount of $1 million general aggregate issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in Virginia.
a. Every personal protection specialist and private investigator who has been issued a registration by the department and is hired as an independent contractor by a licensed private security services business shall maintain comprehensive general liability insurance in the minimum coverage amount of $1 million of general aggregate liability insurance; and
b. Documentation verifying the personal protection specialist or private investigator has obtained the required insurance shall be provided to the private security services business prior to the hiring of such independent contractor;
3. Fingerprint records for any new or additional principals submitted to the department within 30 days of their hire date provided, however, that any change in the ownership or type of organization of the licensed entity has not resulted in the creation of a new legal entity;
4. On the application, designation of at least one compliance agent who has satisfactorily completed all applicable training requirements;
5. The applicable, nonrefundable license renewal fee and applicable category of service fees; and
6. On the first day of employment, each new and additional supervisor's fingerprints submitted to the department pursuant to § 9.1-139 I of the Code of Virginia.
D. Each business applying for a license renewal shall be in good standing in every jurisdiction where licensed, registered, or certified in a private security services or related field. This subsection shall not apply to any probationary periods during which the individual is eligible to operate under the license, registration, or certification.
E. Any renewal application received after the expiration date of a license shall be subject to the requirements set forth by the reinstatement provisions of this chapter.
F. On the renewal application the licensee must designate the type of private security business license he wishes to renew. The fee will be based upon the category selected on the renewal application.
Statutory Authority
§ 9.1-141 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 31, Issue 25, eff. September 9, 2015; amended, Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 5, eff. December 1, 2017; Volume 35, Issue 5, eff. November 28, 2018.
6VAC20-172-60. General requirements.
All private security services licensed businesses are required to maintain administrative requirements and standards of conduct as determined by the Code of Virginia, department guidelines, and this chapter.
Statutory Authority
§ 9.1-141 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 31, Issue 25, eff. September 9, 2015.
6VAC20-172-70. Business administrative requirements.
A licensee shall:
1. Maintain at all times with the department its physical address in Virginia where records required to be maintained by the Code of Virginia and this chapter are kept and available for inspection by the department, the physical address of all locations in Virginia utilized by the licensee in which regulated services are offered, and email address if applicable. A post office box is not a physical address. Notification of any change shall be in writing and received by the department no later than 10 days after the effective date of the change.
2. Maintain at all times with the department its current operating name and all fictitious names. Any name change reports shall be submitted in writing within 10 days after the occurrence of such change and accompanied by certified true copies of the documents that establish the name change.
3. Report in writing to the department any change in its ownership or principals that does not result in the creation of a new legal entity. Such written report shall be received by the department within 30 days after the occurrence of such change to include fingerprint cards pursuant to this chapter.
4. Report in writing to the department any change in the entity of the licensee that results in continued operation requiring a license. Such written report shall be received by the department within 10 days after the occurrence of such change.
5. Maintain at all times current liability coverage at least in the minimum amounts prescribed by the application requirements of this chapter. Each day of uninsured activity would be construed as an individual violation of this requirement.
6. Maintain at all times with the department a completed irrevocable consent for service if the licensee is not a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Licensees that move their business from the Commonwealth shall file a completed irrevocable consent for services within 15 days of the change in location.
7. Employ at all times at least one individual designated as a compliance agent who is in good standing and is certified pursuant to this chapter. In the event there is more than one compliance agent designated for the business, designate one as the primary compliance agent and point of contact.
8. Maintain at all times and for a period of not less than three years from the date of termination of employment the following documentation concerning all regulants: documentation or electronic images of the date of hire in the regulated category; documentation that the fingerprint processing application was submitted on the date of hire; verification that the employee is a United States citizen or legal resident alien and is properly registered or certified and trained; and current physical and mailing addresses for all regulated employees and telephone numbers if applicable.
9. Upon termination of employment of a certified compliance agent, notify the department in writing within 10 calendar days. This notification shall include the name of the individual responsible for the licensee's adherence to applicable administrative requirements and standards of conduct during the period of replacement.
10. Within 90 days of termination of employment of the sole remaining compliance agent, submit the name of a new compliance agent who is eligible for certification. Individuals not currently eligible may pursue certification pursuant to this chapter. This notification shall be in writing and signed by a principal of the business and the designated compliance agent.
11. Prominently display at all times for public inspection, in a conspicuous place where the public has access, the business license issued by the department.
12. Ensure that all individuals submit fingerprint cards pursuant to this chapter and as required by the Code of Virginia.
13. Inform the department in writing within 10 days of receiving knowledge of any principal, partner, officer, or compliance agent regulated by this chapter or any employee regulated or required to be regulated by the board, pleading guilty or nolo contendere or being convicted or found guilty of any felony or of a misdemeanor as outlined in § 9.1-139 K of the Code of Virginia.
14. Inform the department in writing within 10 days of receiving knowledge of any principal, licensee, subsidiary, partner, officer, or compliance agent regulated by this chapter, or any employee regulated or required to be regulated by the board, having been found guilty by any court or administrative body of competent jurisdiction to have violated the private security services business statutes or regulations of that jurisdiction.
15. On a form provided by the department and within 10 calendar days of receiving knowledge of an incident, submit a report of any incident in which any registrant has discharged a firearm while on duty, excluding any training exercise.
16. In the event a complaint against the licensee is received by the department, be required to furnish documentary evidence (written agreement) of the terms agreed to between licensee and client, which shall include at a minimum the specific scope of services and fees assessed for such services. The licensee shall retain a copy for a period of not less than three years from completion of said agreement.
17. Not fail to honor the terms and conditions of a warranty or written agreement.
18. In the event a licensee sells or otherwise transfers the ownership of a monitoring agreement of an electronic security customer in Virginia, notify the end user, in writing, within 30 days of the transfer of monitoring services. No licensee shall sell or otherwise transfer to an entity not licensed in Virginia.
19. Ensure that all employees regulated by the board carry a department issued registration card or temporary registration letter along with a photo identification while on duty.
20. Ensure that all regulated employees authorized to provide private security services while completing compulsory minimum training standards pursuant to § 9.1-139 H of the Code of Virginia carry a photo identification along with an authorization form provided by the department while on duty.
21. Maintain a written use of force policy dictating the business' policy for using deadly force and for use of less lethal force. A statement certifying that the employee has read and understands the business' use of force policy must be signed by each employee who is permitted to carry firearms or intermediate weapons and maintained in the employee's file.
22. Maintain records for individual employees permitted to carry intermediate weapons while on duty to verify training in the use of the permitted intermediate weapons.
23. Maintain at all times and for a period of not less than three years from the date of termination, decertification, or other separation records of detector canine handler team certifications to include a photo of detector canine teams utilized to provide regulated private security services.
Statutory Authority
§ 9.1-141 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 31, Issue 25, eff. September 9, 2015.
6VAC20-172-80. Business standards of conduct.
A licensee shall:
1. Conform to all requirements pursuant to the Code of Virginia and this chapter.
2. Ensure that all employees regulated or required to be regulated by the board conform to all application requirements, administrative requirements, and standards of conduct pursuant to the Code of Virginia, 6VAC20-174, and this chapter.
3. Not direct any employee regulated or required to be regulated by the board to engage in any acts prohibited by the Code of Virginia, 6VAC20-174, and this chapter.
4. Employ individuals regulated or required to be regulated as follows:
a. A licensee shall employ or otherwise utilize individuals possessing a valid registration issued by the department showing the registration categories required to perform duties requiring registration pursuant to the Code of Virginia;
b. A licensee shall not allow individuals requiring registration as armored car personnel, armed security officers/couriers, armed alarm respondents with firearm endorsement, private investigators, personal protection specialists, detector canine handlers, or security canine handlers to perform private security services until such time as the individual has been issued a registration by the department;
c. A licensee may employ individuals requiring registration as an unarmed alarm respondent, a locksmith, a central station dispatcher, an electronic security sales representative, an electronic security technician, an unarmed armored car driver, an unarmed security officer, or an electronic security technician's assistant for a period not to exceed 90 consecutive days in any registered category listed in this subdivision 4 c while completing the compulsory minimum training standards as set forth in 6VAC20-174 provided:
(1) The individual's fingerprint card has been submitted;
(2) The individual is not employed in excess of 120 days without having been issued a registration from the department; and
(3) The individual did not fail to timely complete the required training with a previous employer;
d. A licensee shall not employ any individual carrying or having access to a firearm in the performance of his duties who has not obtained a valid registration and firearms endorsement from the department; and
e. A licensee shall maintain appropriate documentation to verify compliance with these requirements. A licensee shall maintain these documents after employment is terminated for a period of not less than three years.
5. Not contract or subcontract any private security services in the Commonwealth of Virginia to a person not licensed by the department. Verification of a contractor's or subcontractor's license issued by the department shall be maintained for a period of not less than three years.
6. Enter into contracts with self-employed personal protection specialists and private investigators to work as independent contractors in accordance with § 9.1-144 of the Code of Virginia and require documentation verifying the personal protection specialist or private investigator has obtained the required insurance in accordance with 6VAC20-172-40 and 6VAC20-172-50 prior to the hiring of such independent contractor.
7. Ensure that the compliance agent conforms to all applicable application requirements, administrative requirements, and standards of conduct pursuant to the Code of Virginia and this chapter.
8. Permit the department during regular business hours to inspect, review, or copy those documents, electronic images, business records, or training records that are required to be maintained by the Code of Virginia and this chapter.
9. Not violate or aid and abet others in violating the provisions of Article 4 (§ 9.1-138 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1 of the Code of Virginia, 6VAC20-173, 6VAC20-174, or this chapter.
10. Not commit any act or omission that results in a private security license or registration being suspended, revoked, or not renewed, or the licensee or registrant otherwise being disciplined in any jurisdiction.
11. Not have been convicted or found guilty in any jurisdiction of the United States of any felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, assault and battery, damage to real or personal property, controlled substances or imitation controlled substances as defined in Article 1 (§ 18.2-247 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 of the Code of Virginia, prohibited sexual behavior as described in Article 7 (§ 18.2-61 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 18.2 of the Code of Virginia, or firearms. Any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for the purpose of this chapter. The record of conviction certified or authenticated in such form as to be admissible in evidence under the laws of the jurisdiction where convicted shall be prima facie evidence of such guilt.
12. Not obtain or aid and abet others to obtain a license, license renewal, registration, registration renewal, certification, certification renewal, or firearms endorsement through any fraud or misrepresentation.
13. Include the business license number issued by the department on all business advertising materials pursuant to the Code of Virginia. Business advertising materials containing information regarding more than one licensee must contain the business license numbers of each licensee identified.
14. Not conduct a private security services business in such a manner as to endanger the public health, safety, and welfare.
15. Not falsify or aid and abet others in falsifying training records for the purpose of obtaining a license, registration, or certification.
16. Not represent as one's own a license issued to another private security services business.
17. When providing central station monitoring services, attempt to verify the legitimacy of a burglar alarm activation by calling the site of the alarm. If unable to make contact, call one additional number provided by the alarm user who has the authority to cancel the dispatch. This shall not apply if the alarm user has provided written authorization requesting immediate or one-call dispatch to both his local police department and his dealer of record. This shall not apply to duress or hold-up alarms.
18. Not perform any unlawful or negligent act resulting in loss, injury, or death to any person.
19. Utilize vehicles for private security services using or displaying an amber flashing light only as specifically authorized by § 46.2-1025 A 9 of the Code of Virginia.
20. Not use or display the state seal of Virginia or the seal of the Department of Criminal Justice Services, or any portion thereof, or the seal of any political subdivision of the Commonwealth, or any portion thereof, as a part of any logo, stationery, letter, training document, business card, badge, patch, insignia, or other form of identification or advertisement.
21. Not provide information obtained by the firm or its employees to any person other than the client who secured the services of the licensee without the client's prior written consent. Provision of information in response to official requests from law-enforcement agencies, the courts, or the department shall not constitute a violation of this chapter. Provision of information to law-enforcement agencies pertinent to criminal activity or to planned criminal activity shall not constitute a violation of this chapter.
22. Not engage in acts of unprofessional conduct in the practice of private security services.
23. Not engage in acts of negligent or incompetent private security services.
24. Not make any misrepresentation or false promise to a private security services business client or potential private security services business client.
25. Not violate any state or local ordinance.
26. Satisfy all judgments to include binding arbitrations related to private security services not provided.
27. Not publish or cause to be published any material relating to private security services that contains an assertion, representation, or statement of fact that is false, deceptive, or misleading.
28. Not conduct private security business under a fictitious or assumed name unless the name is on file with the Department of Criminal Justice Services. This does not apply to a private investigator conducting a "pretext," provided that the private investigator does not state that he is representing a private security business that does not exist or otherwise prohibited under federal law.
29. Not act as or be an ostensible licensee for undisclosed persons who do or will control directly or indirectly the operations of the licensee's business.
30. Not provide false or misleading information to representatives of the department.
31. Not provide materially incorrect, misleading, incomplete, or untrue information on any email, application, or other document filed with the department.
Statutory Authority
§ 9.1-141 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 31, Issue 25, eff. September 9, 2015; amended, Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 5, eff. December 1, 2017.