Being a Bodyguard in California

SECURITY GUARDS AND BODYGUARDS:

Under the B&P Code, security guards and bodyguards are the same and are covered by the same laws. A bodyguard is a security guard.

A security guard may not act as an independent contractor to provide security services. A security guard must be employed as an employee of either a PPO, or the person, or business for whom the guard is providing security services.

The laws, rules and regulations that apply to security guards apply to bodyguards. A bodyguard who works in civilian clothes with a concealed weapon must possess a guard card, an exposed firearm permit and either possess a CCW, or be an honorably retired peace officer with an endorsement to carry a concealed weapon, or be an active duty peace officer.

EXPOSED FIREARM PERMIT AND CONCEALED FIREARM PERMIT (CCWS):

The B&P Code authorizes BSIS to issue Exposed ONLY Firearm Permits. The Penal Code authorizes local law enforcement agencies to issue CCWs. BSIS is not authorized to issue CCWs.

Q: What BSIS license and permit must someone possess to provide armed bodyguard services for VIPs or celebrities?

A: A BSIS-issued Private Patrol Operators (PPO) license and an exposed firearm permit are required. Only a licensed PPO may contract to provide bodyguard services or security guard services to any person or entity.

Q: May anyone with a BSIS guard card and exposed firearm permit contract with a VIP or celebrity to provide bodyguard services in civilian clothes while carrying a firearm?

A: No. Only a BSIS licensed private patrol operator (PPO) may contract to perform security guard or bodyguard services to any person or business. An active duty peace officer with a guard card and an exposed firearm permit issued by BSIS may perform armed security guard (bodyguard) duties only as a security guard employee.

Q5: Is a bodyguard required to submit fingerprints for a criminal record review as an applicant for a BSIS-issued guard card, firearm permit, Private Patrol Operator license, or a PI license?

A: Yes. The B&P Code requires that applicants undergo a BSIS criminal record review. If an applicant does not submit fingerprints to DOJ, BSIS is not authorized to receive the criminal record from DOJ.

Q: May an active duty peace officer contract to provide armed bodyguard services?

A: No. Only a person with a BSIS-issued private patrol operator's license (PPO) may contract to provide security services. A PPO license is required to provide security guard (bodyguard) services on contract to any person or business. The employment relationship must be with either a PPO, who has the contract to perform the service, or with the person or business for whom the security service is being performed.

The Center for Law Enforcement Training can assist the aspiring EP agent/bodyguard with security licensing, firearm permits, academic & physical training, all in conjunction with the Firing Line and Bodyguard Training International. For more information contact: jfelperin123@earthlink.net.

See detailed information on bodyguard training courses.

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