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PISGS
PO Box 182001
Columbus, OH 43218-2001
Overnight Address
1970 W. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43223
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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:
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)
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).
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.
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.
Yes, any change in license classification requires a new application and appropriate fees. RC 4749.03(E)
Once the license application and all required documents have been verified, you will be notified to schedule/attend an examination.
Yes. The $25.00 test fee must be submitted.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, persons that engage in the exempted activities (listed below) are not required to be licensed by the PISGS.
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.
In order to carry a firearm while working, ALL of the following steps must be taken:
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.
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.
Yes, you are only allowed to carry the type of weapon that is listed on the FAB endorsement on your registration card.
No. You must complete the above mention requirements and receive a firearm bearer (FAB) notation on your registration card.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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
Many companies provide the necessary training to enable you to perform the job.
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?
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1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223