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Points of Interest:
Texas Private Security Bureau
By Cliff Grumbles, Manager
TPSB
The Texas Department of Public Safety created a Regulatory Licensing Service to combine the pre-existing DPS Concealed Handgun Licensing program with the Private Security Licensing and Regulation function that had been added to the Department during the 78th Legislative Session. The new service is dedicated to the fair and impartial administration of DPS concealed handgun responsibilities through the Concealed Handgun Bureau and private security licensing and regulation responsibilities through the Private Security Bureau. The Concealed Handgun Licensing Bureau manages the approval or denial of original and renewal concealed handgun license applications. The Private Security Bureau provides licensing and regulation of companies and individuals within the security profession in Texas. The Private Security Bureau also investigates associated allegations of administrative or criminal violations. The Texas Private Security Bureau administers Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702, through the Texas Private Security Board. The Board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
Functions of the Bureau include the commissioning of private security officers, the licensing of private security companies and the registration of the following security individuals: private investigators, unarmed security officers, alarm system installers, security and alarm salespersons, personal protection officers, instructors, security consultants, locksmiths and electronic access control device installers. Companies licensed include private investigation, guard, alarm system, guard dog, armored car, electronic access control, armed courier and locksmith companies.
Texas On-Line
In September 2003 individual renewals became available on the Internet though Texas On Line. The Private Security Bureau, through the Information Management Service at DPS, are working hard to make the on line licensing system for private security better. Work is also ongoing to bring business/facility renewals on line in the next couple of months. The next project will bring the ability to do original applications for new registrations and licenses on line. I encourage you to go to
www.texasonline.com and see all the other information and services that are available on line.
Improving the Private Security Profession
For quite some time now, I have been encouraged by the ideas and actions of many private security individuals to �raise the bar� for the private security profession. These positive steps show the desire to provide the citizens of Texas with private security services of high quality by dedicated and concerned individuals. For example, at a recent Board meeting, concerned security and investigation professionals approached the Board to consider recertification for instructors and increased continuing education hours for private investigators. Accordingly, at the same meeting, an incentive was announced to develop college credit for the Level III Training. These are positive things that are happening and I believe will pay dividends in the future to those who continue to explore ways to improve their services and increase their knowledge.
The role of private security can be different from that of the police; however, there are aspects of the function that can be similar. Strive to develop a good working relationship with your local law enforcement authorities.
Keep the private security profession in Texas moving forward. Participate in the many educational opportunities that are being developed. You will benefit yourself and the citizens of Texas.
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