1.3 Mandatory DCJS Training Standards

1.2 Mandatory DCJS Training Standards

Quick Reference: Training standards for security guards in New York State are established by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) under General Business Law Article 7-A. Guard training follows a strict 3-tier progressive timeline: the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Course (before application), the 16-Hour On-the-Job Training (OJT) course (within 90 working days of employment), and the 8-Hour Annual In-Service Course (every calendar year).

---

Overview of the DCJS Training Framework

New York State mandates that all security personnel receive standardized instruction to ensure public safety, legal compliance, and operational competence. The curriculum for every approved security guard course is developed by the DCJS Office of Public Safety in consultation with the Municipal Police Training Council (MPTC).

All courses must be taken at an approved DCJS Security Guard Training School and taught by a DCJS-certified Security Guard Instructor. Unapproved courses or certificates from unauthorized vendors will be rejected by the Department of State.

---

Phase 1: 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course

The 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Training Course is the foundational entry requirement for anyone seeking to work as a security guard in New York State.

Key Course Parameters

• Mandatory Timing: Must be completed prior to submitting a registration application to the DOS.
• Duration: 8 instructional hours in a classroom or approved synchronous online setting.
• Prerequisites: None.

Core Curriculum Topics

1. Role of a Security Guard: Defining responsibilities, distinguishing guards from law enforcement, asset protection concepts.
2. Legal Powers & Limitations: Private citizen arrest authority under NY Criminal Procedure Law § 140.30, use of force standards, trespass laws, search and seizure limitations.
3. Emergency Situations: Response protocols for fire, medical emergencies, bomb threats, severe weather, and active shooter situations.
4. Communications & Public Relations: De-escalation techniques, customer service skills, clear verbal and written communication.
5. Ethics & Conduct: Professional boundaries, avoiding conflicts of interest, reporting violations.

Examination Requirement

At the conclusion of the 8 hours, students must pass a written examination administered by a DCJS-certified instructor (9 NYCRR § 6027.12). DCJS does not publish a statewide numeric cut score in regulation; most approved schools require about 70% correct to issue the certificate of completion.

---

Phase 2: 16-Hour On-the-Job Training (OJT) Course

The 16-Hour On-the-Job Training (OJT) Course bridges general security principles with post-specific and operational duties.

Key Course Parameters

• Mandatory Deadline: Must be completed within 90 working days of starting initial security employment.
• Duration: 16 instructional hours (typically conducted over 2 full days).
• Prerequisite: Successful completion of the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment Course.

Core Curriculum Topics

1. Site-Specific Post Orders: Understanding customized duties, patrol routes, access control logs, and visitor management.
2. Emergency Action Plans (EAP): Site emergency evacuation routes, fire alarm control panels, hazardous material safety protocols.
3. Incident Investigation & Report Writing: Documenting incidents accurately, maintaining logbooks, writing detailed factual reports for management or law enforcement.
4. Access Control & Physical Security: Operating screening equipment, key control systems, CCTV monitoring, and intrusion detection systems.
5. Conflict De-escalation & Practical Scenarios: Hands-on roleplay scenarios managing difficult visitors, trespassers, or uncooperative individuals.

Compliance Impact

Failure to complete the 16-Hour OJT course within the 90 working day window invalidates the guard's temporary working status. Employers are legally prohibited from keeping a guard on duty past day 90 without verified OJT completion.

---

Phase 3: 8-Hour Annual In-Service Training Course

The 8-Hour Annual In-Service Training Course provides ongoing professional education to keep registered guards updated on legal and operational changes.

Key Course Parameters

• Mandatory Timing: Must be completed within 12 calendar months of finishing the 16-Hour OJT course, and annually thereafter (DCJS / GBL § 89-n).
• Duration: 8 instructional hours.
• Prerequisite: Active security guard registration.

Core Curriculum Topics

• Legal Updates: Revisions to NY Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, or GBL Article 7-A regulations.
• Advanced De-escalation: Managing aggressive behavior and mental health crises.
• Access Control Refresh: Modern physical security technologies and cybersecurity awareness.
• Counter-Terrorism & Vigilance: Spotting suspicious packages, surveillance indicators, and reporting protocols.

Renewal Prerequisite

To renew a 2-year security guard card, guards must present certificates proving completion of two 8-Hour Annual In-Service courses (one for each year of the registration cycle).

---

Armed Security Guard Training Requirements

Security guards authorized to carry firearms on duty in New York State must satisfy extensive additional DCJS training mandates.

1. 47-Hour Firearms Training Course

Before receiving an armed security guard registration, the guard must complete this intensive 47-hour program:

• Classroom Instruction (7 Hours): NY Penal Law Article 35 (Use of Force / Deadly Physical Force), followed by a written examination on Article 35 (DCJS official course description).
• Range Instruction & Qualification (40 Hours): Live-fire range drills, holster draws, malfunction clearing, and weapons qualification with the firearm to be carried on post.
• Qualification Standard: Must pass the Article 35 written examination and the live-fire range qualification course.
• Prerequisite: Valid NYS Pistol Permit and completion of the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment course.

2. 8-Hour Annual Firearms In-Service Course

Armed guards must complete an 8-Hour Annual Firearms In-Service Training Course within 12 calendar months of the initial 47-hour course and annually thereafter (typically 3 hours of Article 35 classroom refresher plus 5 hours of range re-qualification).

---

Police Officer Training Waivers & Exemptions

Under General Business Law § 89-n and 9 NYCRR § 6027.13, active and retired law enforcement officers may qualify for training exemptions or waivers:

• Active Police Officers: Currently employed police officers certified under NY CPL § 1.20(34) are exempt from all security guard training requirements.
• Retired Police Officers: Police officers who retired within specific timeframes and completed MPTC-approved police basic training may apply to DCJS for a Training Waiver Certificate (Form DCJS-3204).
• Waiver Scope: Waives the 8-Hour Pre-Assignment, 16-Hour OJT, and 47-Hour Firearms requirements. Retired officers must still maintain a valid NYS Pistol Permit if armed.

---

Summary of DCJS Training Requirements