Here is What You Need to Know

If you’re a security professional or company in California, it’s important to stay updated with the latest training requirements. Assembly Bill 229 has introduced new regulations to ensure security personnel are well-prepared for their roles. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes and how GuardAlly can help you navigate them.

Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force Training Requirements

Training Course Overview

The Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force training now totals eight hours, divided into two key subjects:

• Power to Arrest – 3 Hours
• Appropriate Use of Force – 5 Hours

In-Person Training Requirements

At least half of the training must be conducted in-person through traditional classroom instruction. The following topics must be covered in-person:

• Use of objectively reasonable force
• Use of force review and analysis
• De-escalation and interpersonal communication
• Active shooter situations

Elective Courses

Weapons of Mass Destruction

The Weapons of Mass Destruction course, previously mandatory, is now an elective, totaling four hours.

Proprietary Security Officers

Proprietary Security Officers must complete the full eight-hour Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force training.

Firearms Qualification Training Requirements

The initial Course of Firearms Training now includes the Appropriate Use of Force course content. Additional topics covered include:

• Legal standards for use of force
• Duty to intercede
• Supervisory responsibilities
• De-escalation techniques
• Implicit and explicit bias and cultural competency
• Interacting with people with disabilities or behavioral health issues
• Use of force scenario training
• Mental health and policing
• Active shooter situations

Approved Firearm Calibers

The Bureau will only approve the following calibers for firearms:

• .357
• .38
• .45
• 9 mm
• 10 mm
• .40
• .380

Shooting Stances and Practice Rounds

Applicants must use specific shooting stances: isosceles, weaver, modified weaver, and one-handed. Practice rounds are now optional and can be fired at the instructor’s discretion.

Course of Fire Schedule for Semi-Automatic Firearms

1. 15 yards: 5 rounds in 30 seconds
2. 10 yards: 20 rounds in 30 seconds (includes one reload)
3. 7 yards: 10 rounds in 20 seconds (5 rounds with dominant hand, 5 rounds with non-dominant hand)
4. 5 yards: 10 rounds in 30 seconds
5. 3 yards: 5 rounds in 8 seconds

Certificate of Proficiency

The Firearms Training Instructor must issue a Certificate of Proficiency, including:

• A statement confirming completion of required firearms training hours
• Certification of proficiency in handling and using firearms
• Proficiency in each caliber qualified on the firearms range

Firearm Requalification and Renewals

Changes have also been made to renewal requirements, detailed in section 633.

Alarm Company Training Requirements

For Alarm Company Operators, the Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force training has been reduced to four hours:

• Power to Arrest – 2 Hours
• Appropriate Use of Force – 2 Hours (must be held in-person)

Elective Course

The Weapons of Mass Destruction course is now an elective, totaling four hours.

Implementation

The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) will provide adequate time for licensees to familiarize themselves with the revised training materials. All available materials can be found on the BSIS Resources Page.

Staying compliant with the latest training requirements is crucial for the safety and effectiveness of security personnel. GuardAlly makes it easy to find licensed security guards who meet these updated standards, ensuring your team is well-prepared and certified. With our easy-to-use interface, free project submissions, secure payment system, and extensive network, GuardAlly is your trusted partner in security.

Need more information?

Click here for the updated 2024 BSIS notice.

BSIS Resources.