Requirements for Becoming a Wisconsin Security Guard, Private Security Person Permit

Fingerprinting/Background Check

All applicants must submit fingerprints electronically for a background check. For any Wisconsin resident or out of state applicant, schedule an appointment with the Department's approved vendor, Fieldprint, by visiting their web site at: http://www.FieldprintWisconsin.com/. Use the Fieldprint code "FPWISecurity" when prompted.

The cost for the digital fingerprints is $34.75. Payment is expected at the time of reservation. Plan to arrive at the test center 15 minutes before the scheduled start time of the appointment for check-in.

You must submit your application to the Department within 14 days after submission of fingerprints.

Legal Status

The applicant must be:

• A citizen or national of the United States
  Or,
• A qualified alien or nonimmigrant lawfully present in the United States who is eligible to receive this professional license or credential as defined in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Reconciliation Act of 1996, as codified in 8 U.S.C. §1601 et. Seq. (PRWORA).

Should the applicant's legal status change during the application process or after a credential is granted, the applicant must report this change to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services immediately.

Convictions and Other License Disqualifiers

A security guard registration/license will be denied for any of the reasons listed below.

All applicants will be required to answer questions on the application form about convictions of any crime, other violations and pending charges in Wisconsin or any other state. The Department will obtain a state and federal criminal records search on all applicants. If any applicant was ever convicted of a felony in Wisconsin or any other state and not pardoned, the applicant's application will be denied. There are no exceptions.

If an applicant has been convicted of one or more misdemeanor or other violations or has pending charges, and if the Department determines that the crimes or violations are substantially related to the practice of a private detective, the Department will not grant a license until it has received sufficient information to determine whether the license should be granted, denied or limited. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide complete information to the Department. Applications are deemed complete after submission of all relevant background information by the applicant. A certified copy of the police report, criminal complaint, and judgment of conviction is required for each conviction.

If an applicant was EVER convicted of a felony in Wisconsin or any other state and not pardoned, the applicant's application will be denied. There are no exceptions.

Wisconsin Statutes, §440.26, 5M, 4(am). The department may refuse to issue a private security permit to a person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor or found to have violated any state or local law that is punishable by a forfeiture, subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.335.

Information provided on this site is for educational purposes. It is not legal advice.