Private Security The Private Security Section is responsible for the processing, training, and licensing of all applicants for security licenses in the City of St. Louis. With the exception of St. Louis Police Officers, all persons performing a security function in the City of St. Louis must be licensed to do so through the Private Security Section. This includes police officers from other jurisdictions who are working in the City of St. Louis.Basic Licensing Requirements Licensing Categories Watchman – A person employed without police powers and without authorization to carry weapons or protective devices. A watchman performs the tasks of observation and reporting on or in a designated area and may include patrolling a public street. A watchman has no powers of arrest, search or detention and must wear an approved uniform. Courier – A person employed to carry out the assignment of protecting/transporting property from one designated area to another. A courier must wear an approved military style uniform. A courier has no powers of arrest, search or detention. If qualified, a courier may carry a firearm. Security Officer – A person employed with certain police powers to protect life or property on or in designated premises. A security officer’s powers exist only within the established property owned or leased by the contracting employer and to incidents occurring on the premises. If qualified, a security officer may carry a firearm and certain protective devices. Frequently Asked Questions About Private Security What must I bring with me when I come to the Private Security Section to apply for a license? What type of background check is conducted when I apply for a license? Must I carry a security identification card while working? As a security officer, may I make an arrest? Do all security officers wear a uniform? How many licenses may one person hold? How long is a license valid? May I work on an expired license? What are the requirements if I want to open my own contract security business? Information
Private Security 7900 Forsyth Boulevard, B021 Monday-Friday Main Office: 314-615-4272 Guidelines - Opening a Security Agency (PDF) Title 17 Periodic Rule Review - July 2019 (PDF) If you are interested in hiring off-duty police officers for security at an event or business, please contact the Division of Professional Standards at 444-5419. |