What You Should Know

  • A Private Security Officer is licensed by the State that they work in.
  • Private Security Officers are insured by the company that they are employed with. The security company is mandated to carry liability insurance to cover you and your business in case there is an incident.
  • The security company is liable for attorney fees in the event of litigation
  • As a business owner- you must decide which is in the best interest of your business
  • Does the cop have your best interest in mind, or the best interest of his department where he works full-time?
  • If you have a policy in place restricting access to people or providing random searches, a cop could be held liable for violating civil rights of those individuals.

Off-Duty Cop vs Licensed Security Officer

Off-Duty Cop
  • Is trained in criminal law
  • Works full-time as a cop and then comes to work for you
  • Is not trained in the Private Security Laws
  • When the off-duty cop acts YOU are Liable
Licensed Security Officer
  • Is trained in civil matters
  • Is licensed and insured to protect you and your property
  • Works full-time as a security guard
  • Is trained in the Private Security Laws

Off-Duty Cop Facts

  • I am NOT licensed by the State to provide security services
  • I am NOT insured to provide security for your business
  • I am NOT trained as a security guard
  • I am NOT obligated to protect your company. I enforce law not policies
  • I wear a cop uniform but I am NOT a cop working for you
  • I work a long shift then come to work for you
  • If I use my bullet- YOU are LIABLE
  • I can NEVER work plain clothes security
  • I Can NOT question people or check identification without probable cause

Security Officer Facts

  • I am licensed by the State
  • I am insured to provide these services
  • I am trained as a security guard
  • I am obligated to protect your company
  • Security is my job
  • I do armed uniformed security
  • I do armed plain clothes security
  • I have a drug detection dog
  • I can question people and check identification without cause

What are the requirements for peace officers working off-duty jobs?

TCLEOSE does not set those requirements, the Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Bureau establishes those requirements. There are some exemptions for law enforcement personnel under 1702.322 of the Occupations Code. Please call (512) 424-7710 or see the Private Security Bureau web site for additional information. Texas Department of Public Safety

What’s a Guard Company?

  • To prevent entry, larceny, vandalism, abuse, fire or trespass on private property
  • Prevent, observe, or detect unauthorized activity on private property
  • Control, regulate, or direct the movement of the public, whether by vehicle or otherwise, only to the extent and for the time directly and specifically required to ensure the protection of property
  • Protect an individual from bodily harm, including through the use of a personal protection officer
  • Perform a function similar to a function listed above

What is an Investigator?

  • The location, disposition, or recovery of lost or stolen property
  • The cause or responsibility for a fire, libel, loss, accident, damage, or injury to a person or to property
  • Engages in the business of securing, or accepts employment to secure, evidence for use before a court, board, officer, or investigating committee
  • Engages in the business of protecting, or accepts employment to protect, an individual from bodily harm through the use of a personal protection officer

What are your security needs?

  • Do you have employees?
  • Have you terminated employees?
  • Do you have disgruntled employees?
  • Do you have employee theft?
  • Do you have valuables in your establishment?
  • Do you have loss prevention?
  • Do you have worker’s compensation claims?
  • Do you keep money on your property?
  • Do you transport money or other valuables from point A to point B?

Do you have valuable assets on your property?

  • The basic role of the security officer is to protect the property and people of the business that employs him/her. A public police officer is sworn to protect all people and property, and is authorized to enforce the laws of his city and county.
  • Security officers work either directly for a security company or for a specific business. Police officers are commissioned by their local or state governments and are employed by them.
  • Texas PSB offers an exception to law enforcement for training purposes only. They should be registered with a licensed security company.
  • Off duty Law Enforcement working security cannot operate or function as an unlicensed security/bodyguard/private investigation company at any time.