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California's Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (BSIS) does offer some exemptions to active law enforcement officers. See the lists below for guidance.
These exemptions only apply if you are active, not retired or on administrative leave. (Level I or II Reserve Peace Officers also qualify for exemptions).
If you cannot find an answer to your question, reach out to us at info@tactical-ish.com
Get your permits before you retire! It will save you significant time and money.
If you already were issued a guard card firearms permit, and/or a baton permit with peace officer exemptions you get to keep them after you retire. However, you are now subject to the all requirements of civilians like biannual (twice-a-year) shooting requalifications and biennial (every-two-years) baton recertification.
Active law enforcement officers (and Level I or II reserve officers) are exempt from the guard card training (also called powers to arrest) and fingerprinting (livescan) background check. However, you still need to submit your application and wait for approval before engaging in any security work.
Check our downloadable files below for the guard card application filled out for a peace officer requesting exemption and a submission guide.
For further questions, check our BSIS' Peace Officer Exemption Page here:
Do not be the next cop in the news for ignoring this permit. Security work is regulated by BSIS and even though you have the authority to carry concealed off-duty, you are required to have a BSIS Firearms Permit to carry while being compensated for any type of security or private investigation work. Failure to have this permit makes it a CRIME to carry a firearm while working off-duty gigs.
Active peace officers (and Level I or II reserve officers) are exempt from the firearms training but NOT the Livescan/Fingerprinting).
You must submit your application requesting peace officer exemption, proof of your peace officer status (ID or letter from Commanding Officer), and proof of completion of a course in the study of firearms (Academy Cert or CA POST Profile is the easiest). Then, complete a Livescan and wait for approval before working.
Check out this link to a BSIS video on how to fill out an application for peace officer exemption. Video Tutorials
For further questions, check our BSIS' Peace Officer Exemption Page here:
Once you have a firearms permit, you are required to qualify with your weapon twice per year.
Active peace officers (and Level I or II reserve officers) are exempt from this qualification requirement if you can show proof you qualify with your agency at least as often and with the same caliber.
To request exemption, you must provide your renewal application requesting peace officer exemption, proof of your peace officer status (ID or letter from Commanding Officer), and proof of qualifications (a letter from a commanding officer or range master will suffice). We can help your agency draft this letter if they will allow.
If your agency will not sign-off on your qualifications (maybe, it's a policy violation to work off-duty) we can conduct your shooting quals. It is a very simple 50-round qual and we do offer first responder discounts.
For further questions, check our BSIS' Peace Officer Exemption Page here:
Surprisingly, there are no exemptions for peace officers allowing the carry of OC/Pepper Spray while working security; a permit is required!
However, it is the easiest permit as BSIS does not process any paperwork. The training company (us) can directly issue you the permit. Many clients will require you to carry OC/Pepper Spray.
Just give us a call or email and we can get you certified. And no, you don't have to get sprayed again.
This has changed as of 2024!! Please read!
Active peace officers (and Level I or II reserve officers) are exempt from the training requirement but now must apply for and receive a baton permit before carrying one.
Similar to a firearms permit, you must submit your application requesting peace officer exemption, proof of your peace officer status (ID or letter from Commanding Officer), and proof of completion of a course in the study of batons (Academy Cert or CA POST Profile is the easiest). There is no livescan.
Failure to have this permit makes it a CRIME to carry a baton while working off-duty gigs.
BSIS does not govern Taser use. This confuses some people but think of it this way:
Any company can make a gun or baton or pepper spray; so, a standardized training and certification process can be made and enforced.
Only Axon can make Tasers, they are proprietary; so, only Axon can design training and certification.
While BSIS does not require Taser training, you still need to be certified. Remember Taser certification is annual and model (handle) specific. If you carry a different model off-duty you need a different certificate.
We are a Law Enforcment and Civilian Taser Training provider; give us a call or email and we can get you certified.
Guard Card: Active peace officers (and Level I or II reserve officers) are exempt from Livescans.
Firearms Permit: No Peace Officer Exemption-You must get a Livescan.
OC/Pepper Spray: No Livescan required.
Baton permit: No Livescan required.
Taser: No Livescan Required.
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