By definition, private security police are security guards who are employed by a business organization for the purpose of protecting the premises of that specific employer. Security guard agencies, employing security personnel who provide protection to other business entities, and licensed by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), are not eligible for the security police license or the arrest authority granted in PA 330, Section 30.
Licensed private security police agencies are empowered to hire licensed private security police officers. Licensed private security police officers, also referred to as "arrest authority" security guards, have misdemeanor arrest authority while on active duty, on their employer's premises and in full uniform. One person, usually a security manager, is responsible for licensure and all of the employees that have the "arrest authority." Employees with "arrest authority" must meet minimum requirements related to age, security or law enforcement experience and are subject to completion of a suitable background investigation to ensure the absence of felony convictions and prohibitive misdemeanor convictions.
The law requires licensed private security police officers to be trained as required by the Commission. Currently, private security police officers are required to be trained in the following areas:
- Legal
- Special Curriculum
- Critical Incident Curriculum
- Annual, Mandatory Maintenance Curriculum
