Private Security FAQs

This term refers to the date any employee of a private security services business or training school performs services regulated or required to be regulated by DCJS. 

Yes, please note, some employers may prohibit such actions when acting in a dual capacity between private security services businesses, as it may be considered a conflict of interest.  You should check with your employer's policy for more clarification.

No, a compliance agent must be designated in writing on forms provided by DCJS. 

Yes, but they only have 60 days to complete training provided they submit a renewal application, renewal fee and reinstatement fee.

This training must be completed within 12 months preceding the expiration date. 

The business must notify the department in writing within 10 calendar days and provide the name of the individual responsible for the licensee's adherence to applicable administrative requirements and standards of conduct during the period of replacement. A new certified compliance agent must be designated within 90 days following the sole compliance agent's termination.

Documents must be maintained after employment is terminated for a period of not less than 3 years. 

No, the compliance agent does not have to be trained and registered in any category unless he/she is actually providing regulated services in addition to compliance agent duties. 

We try to schedule training all over Virginia. All of our training dates/locations are posted on the website about one year in advance. We try to accommodate everyone, but you will need to take training prior to your expiration date in order to remain current. Sometimes, that means attending a training in a location that is farther away than you would like. However, you now have the option of completing training online. Go to the Training Alternatives webpage for details. 

Individuals are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. If the training you requested was already full, you were scheduled for the next available training date prior to your expiration date. Apply early to reserve the training you wish to attend. If it is prior to your expiration date, we will try to put you in a training that is closer to you. However, you now have the option of completing your training online. Go to the Training Alternatives webpage for details. 

Individuals are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. If the training you requested was already full, you were scheduled for the next available training date prior to your expiration date. 

Please visit the Compliance Agent page of our website for details. 

Employment in a related field is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Such fields may include loss prevention or assets protection for a proprietary business; electrical work if applying for an electronic security business; military experience and/or other employment or experience that relates to security functions. 

1. Be a minimum of 18 years of age
2. Be a United States Citizen or legal resident alien of the United States
3. File a properly completed application and fingerprints
4. Pay the nonrefundable certification fee
5. Satisfactory completion of department regulatory compliance entry-level training 

Compliance agents ensure that the licensee and all employees conform to all application requirements, administrative requirements and standards of conduct pursuant to the Code of Virginia and the state regulations.  In addition, the agent ensures that all regulated employees carry proper credentials while on duty. Compliance agents also maintain documentation for all employees, or persons otherwise utilized, that verifies compliance with requirements pursuant to the Code of Virginia and the state regulations.

A natural person employed by a licensed private security services business to assure the compliance of the private security services business and its personnel with the Code of Virginia and the state regulations relating to private security services.