LICENSING:

Extract from Victoria Police Web Site

Private Security Industry

This section provides information for those wishing to become licensed or registered in the Private Security Industry.

Victoria Police's Licensing Services Division regulates the Private Security Industry and is responsible for:

• Issuing of private security licences and registration 
• Renewal of private security licences and registration
• Monitoring of private security licence and registration holders
• Approval of training
• Accreditation of training organisations
• Implementation of the Private Security Act 2004

A Private Security Industry Reference Group has been established by Licensing Services Division to represent the interests of members of the Private Security Industry in Victoria.

Who must be licensed?

The following activities require licensing in Victoria:

Security guard

Security guards are employed to protect, watch or guard property by patrolling the property in person or by monitoring the property through operating a security system that utilises closed circuit television, a closed monitoring system, radio or other similar alarm device.

Crowd controller

Crowd controllers are employed to maintain order at any public place, including licensed venues and events. They undertake the following activities:

• screening entry
• monitoring or controlling behaviour
• removing persons from venues
• maintaining order

Investigators

Also known as Inquiry Agents, investigators are employed to obtain and provide information about the personal character or actions of any person; or the nature or business/occupation of any person. Investigators may be employed to search for missing persons.

Bodyguards

Bodyguards are employed to provide a close personal protection service. Bodyguards don't require licensing until after 1 July 2005.

Security firms and businesses (includes alarm installations and servicing)

Defined as persons wishing to provide the services of other persons to operate in any of the above activities.

Upcoming changes to the industry:

New legislation is being introduced in 2005 for the Private Security Industry. The new legislation will affect all sectors of the industry, including some previously unregulated occupations, such as bodyguards, security equipment installers and security advisors.  See the New laws for the Private Security Industry page for more information.

Licence categories:

Private Security Individual Operator Licence

The following licence categories require a Private Security Individual Operator Licence:

• Security guard
• Crowd controller
• Investigator
• Bodyguard

Private Security Business Licence

A Private Security Business Licence is required for persons wishing to provide the services of other persons to operate in any of the above activities.

Private Security Individual Registration

Private Security Individual Registration is required for persons operating as a security adviser or a security equipment installer.

Private Security Business Registration

Private Security Business Registration is required for persons wishing to provide the services of other persons operating as security advisers or security equipment installers.

More information on requirements for the above license categories and the associated application processes can be found at the Victorian Police web site