Security firm |
A security firm is a person, partnership or corporation that provides security firm services.
Class 1 security firm services are provided by bodyguards, crowd controllers, private investigators or security officers.
Class 2 security firm services are provided by security advisers or security equipment installers.
If you carry on a business as a sole trader and personally provide the security services, you do not need a security firm licence, while you are the only person providing security services.
If you are trading as a corporation or in a partnership and providing security services, you need a security firm licence.
If you subcontract security services to others, you need a security firm licence.
If you employ security staff to protect your property, you do not need a security firm licence. The staff themselves must have their own individual licenses.
Apply for a licence
To apply, you must:
- meet the eligibility criteria
- provide proof of your membership with an approved security industry association
- complete the Security Providers Form 2 - Application for a security firm's licence (PDF, 554 KB)
- provide originals or certified copies of your birth certificate, birth extract, passport, Australian citizenship certificate or drivers licence
- pay the appropriate licence fee (fees are listed on the application form)
- pay the criminal history check fee
- pay the fingerprinting fee
- lodge the application (lodgement details are listed on the application form).
Fingerprinting
All security providers must be fingerprinted by the Queensland Police Service. If your name is included on the application form, you are required to have your fingerprints taken. This includes executive officers of a corporation (all directors and secretaries), any person who can substantially influence the conduct of the corporation´s affairs (e.g. a person on whose directions or instructions the corporation´s directors usually act) and all partners. After you've lodged your application, you will receive a letter from us that details the process for having your fingerprints taken.
If your firm supplies a mix of class 1 and class 2 services, you can use the same form to apply for a combined licence.
You only need a security firm licence if your firm provides security services.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a licence, all management staff must:
- be 18 years or older
- have no recorded conviction of a disqualifying offence within the previous 10 years
- have no unrecorded finding of guilt of a disqualifying offence in the previous five years
- not be considered a risk to public safety
- hold a security provider licence as an individual (if you are personally carrying out security functions)
- have a business address.
Every security firm in Queensland must be a member of an approved security industry association. These associations have a role in ensuring integrity in the security industry.
Training requirements
Currently there are no training requirements for this licence.
Criminal history checks
Applicants must undergo a criminal history check to confirm their suitability.
The criminal history check costs $35.90 (which includes $1.13 GST) for each person who appears on the application form. The fee applies to all applications and renewal notices.
Processing time
Processing time is 4-6 weeks. However, it can take longer if we need to contact you for missing information or fees.
The processing time may be up to six weeks because the criminal history check process, handled by the Queensland Police Service, is thorough and time consuming.
Send certified documents
Take the original document and a copy to a Justice of the Peace, Commissioner for Declarations, solicitor, barrister or a Notary Public. They will stamp and/or sign the copy and write ´This is a true copy of the original document´.
The Department of Justice and Attorney-General has a list of JPs in your area. Otherwise, contact your local post office, courthouse, bank, shopping centre manager or pharmacy who may be able to advise on the location of local JPs.
Please note that a photocopy is not a certified document.
Refunds
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to a partial refund if you withdraw your application or it is refused. We will also refund any unused criminal history check fees or fingerprinting fees.
Last reviewed 21/11/2011 |
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