Online News Vol. 1, Issue 3 |
Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies |
Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards: This quarter we have continued to make improvements to the licensure process by implementing the first online applications. We currently have online applications available for 23 license types with plans to add more throughout the remainder of the year. There are many advantages to online applications, including ensured completion, decreased paper use, a higher degree of accuracy, and a faster application process. You can visit our website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb to see a complete list of online applications. Finally, during the third quarter we made significant progress in the outsourcing of the PLB Examination section. Outsourcing the exam function of PLB allows us to offer more testing locations for some license types, more testing opportunities and overall budget savings for the State of Georgia. More information will be available in the coming weeks as all outsourcing contracts are finalized. PLB is committed to continually seeking and implementing initiatives to enable us to provide you with the best service possible. We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in the very near future.
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| The Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies consists of seven members: two private detectives, two private security businessmen, two state, county or municipal law enforcement officers and one consumer member. Typically, the Board meets six times each year. Board meetings are open to the public, with the exception of executive session, in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed.
The Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies was created for the purpose of safeguarding the citizens of this state by regulation of the private detective and security businesses. The regulation of such business is declared to be in the public interest. Private detective businesses and private security companies are required to have a company license issued by the Board. The private detective employee, armed or unarmed, must be registered as an employee with the private detective company. Armed security guards must also be registered with a security company. Unarmed security guards are not required to be registered but must have completed the minimum number of training requirements set by board rule. The Board also licenses training instructors to regulate all training requirements for licensure, registration, and weapon permits required by the law. Concealed and exposed weapon permits are issued only upon a complete employee application submitted by the company. The company certifies that the employee has met the training requirements of the law and rules. Minutes from the Board meetings can be found on the Board’s website: www.sos.ga.gov/plb/detective. |
2009 Meeting Dates: November 5, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. |
The Board meets at the Professional Licensing Board office in Macon. |
Board Members: James “Tripp” Mitchell, Chairman |
Board Staff: Steve Lindsey |
Number of Active Licensees: Company - Private Detective: 560 |
Actions Taken by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies July: The Board ratified the following Voluntary Cease and Desist Orders for unlicensed practice: The Board voted to lift the probation status for the following licensees: The Board voted to adopt a new policy to allow the executive director and board staff to administratively approve applicants requesting concealed weapon and shotgun permits who have submitted complete applications and who do not have criminal records. The Board voted to allow the board staff to act on committee recommendations upon receipt and have actions ratified at the next board meeting. August: The Board voted to allow an applicant to retake the exam on September 15, 2009, after receiving a clarification in reference to Board Rule 509-2-.02(d), from the Attorney General’s office. The Board voted to form a committee to review and prepare the current exam prior to having the exam outsourced. The following Board members were selected to serve on the exam review committee: The exam review committee will hold its first meeting on Friday, September 4, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. at the Professional Licensing Boards Office located in Macon. |
License Renewals: Licenses expire as follows: It is illegal to practice as a private detective or private security officer with an expired license. How do I renew my license? You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website with a credit card. Click on the “License Renewal” icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been arrested, convicted or received a board sanction since your last renewal, whether you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether or not you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license. The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the licensee by calling the Board office at (478) 207-2440, or submitting a written request. Licensees may also call our automated system at (404) 463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice. Disciplinary Issues: The Board addresses these issues on a case-by-case basis and applies sanctions to those who violate the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/detective. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies website. Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-38-11 or at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19, which can be found on the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies website. |
Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies Complaints Process Information: The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies to regulate the licensing and practice of private detectives and security agents. The responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 43-38 is given to the Board, whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints against licensees and allegations of unlicensed practice. The process for disposing of complaints is as follows: Complaint Form: Complaints must be reported to and received by the Board in writing. Written complaints may be submitted to the Board office or on-line at http://sos.georgia.gov/myverification/submitcomplaint.aspx. Documents received in connection with a complaint will not be returned. The complaint must contain sufficient factual evidence indicating a clear violation of Georgia law or Board rules. Investigations: The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority. Notification Process: While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the Board has completed the case, the complainant will be notified in writing of the Board’s actions. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Board’s website. |
Frequently Asked Questions: A list of frequently asked questions may be found on the Board’s website. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440. |