PISGS Frequently Asked Questions

Licenses

What are the types of licenses? [ + ]

Private investigation and security services providers in Ohio are required by law to obtain a license from the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS). There are three types of licenses:

1. Class A – Private Investigation & Security Services
2. Class B – Private Investigation
3. Class C – Security Services

When must a private investigation provider be licensed? [ + ]

Any person that is in the business of providing private investigation services must be licensed by Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS). The business of private investigation is the conducting, for hire, in person or through a partner or employees, of any investigation relevant to any crime or wrong doing or threatened, or to obtain information on the identity, habits, conduct, movements, whereabouts, affiliations, transactions, reputation, credibility, or character of any person, or to locate and recover lost or stolen property, or to determine the cause of or responsibility for any libel or slander, or any fire, accident, or damage to property, or to secure evidence for use in any legislative, administrative, or judicial investigation or proceeding. RC 4749.01(B)

When must a security guard provider be licensed? [ + ]

Any person that is in the business of providing security services must be licensed by PISGS. The business of security services includes: the furnishing, for hire, watchmen, guards, private patrolmen, or other persons whose primary duties are to protect persons or property; furnishing, for hire, guard dogs, or armored motor vehicle security services, in connection with the protection of persons or property. RC 4749.01(D).

Do I need insurance to qualify for a PISGS license? [ + ]

Yes. All licensed providers must carry comprehensive general liability insurance, and must be in force at the start of your business and maintained at all times.

After I am licensed, can I add a Trade Name or change it? [ + ]

Yes. Submit a Multiple Change Application (form PSU 0011) and enclose your Secretary of State registration, and your current business wall license. A new license will be issued reflecting the change.

If I want to change the classification of my license, does it require a new license? [ + ]

Yes, any change in license classification requires a new application and appropriate fees. RC 4749.03(E)

 

Qualifying Agent (QA)

How do I sign up to take the Qualifying Agent (QA) examination? [ + ]

Once the license application and all required documents have been verified, you will be notified to schedule/attend an examination.

If I fail the exam, am I allowed to re-take it? [ + ]

Yes. The $25.00 test fee must be submitted.

How often is the QA examination given and where? [ + ]

The exam is scheduled once per month at the Ohio Department of Public Safety, 1970 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223. It can also be proctored on a different date at a different location, by request.

 

BCI/FBI

How do I submit fingerprints for a BCI and/or FBI background check? [ + ]

There are numerous WebCheck facilities around Ohio that will take electronic fingerprints (locations are available on the Attorney General's website). The reason for fingerprinting is "license for private investigator/security guard." Be sure to request your background check results be sent "Direct Copy" to PISGS, Ohio Department of Public Safety.

How do I submit fingerprints for a BCI and/or FBI background check if I live out of state? [ + ]

If you are able to travel to Ohio to complete fingerprints, this is highly encouraged. Otherwise, you can contact the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and request they send you a fingerprint card. You will need to take this card to your local law enforcement office to be fingerprinted and the card mailed to BCI for processing. Be sure to include reason code ORC 4749, and make check payable to BCI.

 

Exemptions

Are there exemptions from licensure requirements? [ + ]

Yes, persons that engage in the exempted activities (listed below) are not required to be licensed by the PISGS.

1. Public officers and employees whose official duties require them to engage in investigatory activities;
2. Attorneys at law or any expert hired by an attorney at law for consultation or litigation purposes;
3. A consumer reporting agency, as defined in the "Fair Credit Reporting Act," 84 Stat. 1128, 15 U.S.C.A. 1681a, as amended, provided that the consumer reporting agency is in compliance with the requirements of that act and that the agency's activities are confined to any of the following:
   1. The issuance of consumer credit reports;
   2. The conducting of limited background investigations that pertain only to a client's prospective tenant and that are engaged in with the prior written consent of the prospective tenant;
   3. The business of pre-employment background investigation. As used in division (H)(3)(c) of this section, "business of pre-employment background investigation" means, and is limited to, furnishing for hire, in person or through a partner or employees, the conducting of limited background investigations, in-person interviews, telephone interviews, or written inquiries that pertain only to a client's prospective employee and the employee's employment and that are engaged in with the prior written consent of the prospective employee.
4. Certified public insurance adjusters that hold a certificate of authority issued pursuant to sections 3951.01 to 3951.09 of the Revised Code, while the adjuster is investigating the cause of or responsibility for a fire, accident, or other damage to property with respect to a claim or claims for loss or damage under a policy of insurance covering real or personal property;
5. Personnel placement services licensed under RC 4143. and persons who act as employees of such entities engaged in investigating matters related to personnel placement activities;
6. An employee in the regular course of the employee's employment, engaged in investigating matters pertinent to the business of his or her employer or protecting property in the possession of his or her employer, provided the employer is deducting all applicable state and federal employment taxes on behalf of the employee and neither the employer nor the employee is employed by, associated with, or acting for or on behalf of any private investigator or security guard provider;
7. Any better business bureau or similar organization or any of its employees while engaged in the maintenance of the quality of business activities relating to consumer sales and services;
8. An accountant who is registered or certified under RC 4701 or any of the accountant's employees while engaged in activities for which the accountant is certified or registered
9. Any person who, for hire or otherwise, conducts genealogical research in this state.
10. Any person residing in this state who conducts research for the purpose of locating the last known owner of unclaimed funds, provided that the person is in compliance RC 169.
11. A professional engineer or any of the employees of the engineer who are registered under RC 4733
12. Any person residing in this state who conducts research for the purpose of locating persons to whom the state of Ohio owes money in the form of warrants, as defined in RC 131.01, that the state voided but subsequently reissues.
13. An independent insurance adjuster who, as an individual, an independent contractor, an employee of an independent contractor, adjustment bureau association, corporation, insurer, partnership, local recording agent, managing general agent, or self-insurer, engages in the business of independent insurance adjustment, or any person who supervises the handling of claims except while acting as an employee of an insurer licensed in this state while handling claims pertaining to specific policies written by that insurer.. As used in division (H)(13) of this section, "independent insurance adjustment" means conducting investigations to determine the cause of or circumstances concerning a fire, accident, bodily injury, or damage to real or personal property; determining the extent of damage of that fire, accident, injury, or property damage; securing evidence for use in a legislative, administrative, or judicial investigation or proceeding, adjusting losses; and adjusting or settling claims, including the investigation, adjustment, denial, establishment of damages, negotiation, settlement, or payment of claims in connection with insurance contractors, self-insured programs, or other similar insurance programs. "Independent adjuster" does not include either of the following:
    1. An attorney who adjusts insurance losses incidental* to the practice of law and who does not advertise or represent that he or she is an independent insurance adjuster;
    2. A licensed agent or general agent of an insurer licensed in this state who processes undisputed or uncontested losses for insurers under policies issued by that agent or general agent. ORC 4749.01(H)

 

Firearms/FAB O.R.C.

Can a security guard or private investigator carry a firearm? [ + ]

Yes. A security guard or private investigator is permitted to carry a firearm while working IF he/she has completed the appropriate firearm training and has a PISGS registration card in hand with a firearm-bearer (FAB) endorsement that has not expired.

What are the training requirements for carrying a firearm while working as a security guard or private investigator? [ + ]

1. For non-peace officers: Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) Private Security Firearms Training Program Certificate or equivalent from OPOTC.
2. Passes an FBI background check

What are the steps to getting a firearm-bearer (FAB) endorsement? [ + ]

In order to carry a firearm while working, ALL of the following steps must be taken:

1. Successfully complete a private security firearm training course (20 hours) at an approved Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) training facility and receive a completion certificate
   OR, for currently commissioned Ohio peace officers, provide OPOBTC certificate and most recent score sheet
2. Pass an FBI background check
3. The company for which the individual is registered submits an application to PISGS for a firearm-bearer endorsement (FAB) on the individual’s registration
4. The individual receives a registration card from their company with the firearm-bearer (FAB) endorsement from PISGS
5. The individual carries the registration card with the FAB endorsement whenever carrying a firearm while working
6. The type of weapon carried matches the type of weapon the FAB endorsement lists on the registration card

What are the steps to renewing a firearm-bearer (FAB) endorsement? [ + ]

1. Complete an OPOTC certified requalification course
2. The company for which the individual is registered submits an FAB renewal application prior to the current FAB expiration date

Note: The initial private security firearm training course through OPOTC is good for 18 months; requalification is good for 12 months.

If I am a registered security guard with an FAB endorsement, does this permit me to carry a firearm when I am not working? [ + ]

No, the firearm-bearer endorsement only applies while working for your company performing private investigator or security guard duties. Refer HERE for concealed handgun carry information.

If I have a current FAB with a PISGS licensed company, does that cover me to carry a firearm for all PISGS licensed companies with whom I am registered? [ + ]

No. If you work for multiple companies, you can only carry a firearm while working for the company(ies) with whom you have a current FAB.

Once I have an FAB on my registration card, does it matter what type of firearm I carry? [ + ]

Yes, you are only allowed to carry the type of weapon that is listed on the FAB endorsement on your registration card.

 

CCW

Does a Conceal Carry Weapon (CCW) permit qualify me to carry a firearm while working as a security guard or investigator? [ + ]

No. You must complete the above mention requirements and receive a firearm bearer (FAB) notation on your registration card.

 

Registration

Can I work for more than one company at a time? [ + ]

You can be hired, registered, and work for as many licensed companies as you like; however, some companies may have internal policies that prohibit working for any other company.

 

Enforcement

How do I file a complaint against a private investigator or security guard? [ + ]

A complaint may be filed online at HERE or may be emailed to the PISGS Enforcement Unit at pisg@dps.ohio.gov. If you wish to speak with someone, you may call (614) 752-7743. You can also Text-a-Tip to 614-705-2TIP (2847).

What happens if a licensed company is found in violation? [ + ]

If a licensed company is found to be violating any sections of ORC 4749 or OAC 4501:7-1, the Department can impose a civil penalty, a license suspension, or a license revocation. In the case of a license suspension or revocation, all registered employees would be suspended or revoked as well.

 

Misc.

What are some considerations I should have when hiring a private investigation or security service company? [ + ]

• Request that the company provide proof of licensure and that the private investigator or security officer show their registration card.
• Verify licensure at HERE
• If hiring armed security, verify that the individual has a current firearm bearer certification with the PISGS by calling (614) 466-4130.

How do I know a company is properly licensed? [ + ]

• A person can search the directory of licensed companies HERE.
• Licensed businesses are issued a wall license, which must be displayed in a conspicuous place in the principal place of business. See sample of a wall license.
• The qualifying agent and all registered employees are issued an identification card. See sample of a registration card.

Does Ohio have reciprocity agreements with any other states? [ + ]

No. Any person or entity providing investigatory or security services in the state of Ohio must have a license from PISGS to provide such services.

How can I gain the necessary experience to become licensed as a private investigator or security guard provider? [ + ]

If you do not already meet the requirements, you can work for a licensed company in the capacity of a private investigator or security guard until you have the necessary experience (hours). RC 4749.03

How do I get hired by a licensed company if I have no previous experience? [ + ]

Many companies provide the necessary training to enable you to perform the job.

How do I make a Public Record request? [ + ]

Email your request to pisglr@dps.ohio.gov. Please include your full name, email address, and phone number. Be specific in records you are requesting; include name of company or individual and date range.

What are the associated costs of licensure and registrations?