Big news for private detectives and other private security professionals! As of Jan. 1, 2022, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) changed the law governing basic requirements for these areas:
- Private detective training
- Private security contractor training
- Private alarm contractor training
- Their employees’ training
We break down the law by profession. Please note that Attorney Fred Nickl and I (Attorney Ed Williams) wrote these new private security training provisions at the request of several private detectives and guard industry associations.
[Related: Changes to Training and FCC Requirements]
Private Detective Training (PD)
PDs now must obtain eight hours of training every calendar year on a topic of your choosing, provided that the subject matter reasonably relates to your PD practice.
The law specifically states that “it is the intent of the training requirements … to allow for a broad interpretation of the coursework, seminar subjects, or class topics to be considered reasonably related to the practice of any profession licensed under this Act.”
We wrote this provision to give a licensee the widest possible array of opportunities to obtain this training. Any topic within the spectrum of the professions of PD, private security contractor (PSC) or private alarm contractor (PAC) is an acceptable topic and considered valid training under the act.
For example, you’re free to take a seminar in basic alarm just out of academic curiosity. Even if you only serve process, you aren’t limited to taking process serving classes. You can complete your annual private detective training using any combination of hours obtained in a classroom or seminar setting or via online learning programs and events.
Private Detective Training Online and Outside the Classroom
That’s right — acceptable training may include any private detective online training in any form: YouTube, seminars and Zoom. Eight-hour annual training does not have to be in a classroom setting. For example, if you attend an industry association’s monthly meeting with a speaker presentation, that counts as an hour.
The IDFPR hasn’t yet passed any rules governing what does or doesn’t count as a valid training hour (and may not do so for years). But attending a speaker presentation at an association meeting counts.
You must document your training and keep it for at least five years (the statute of limitations). The IDFPR hasn’t provided guidance on whether it requires a specific training form. With that in mind, keep a detailed personal training log “of all training hours earned along with sufficient documentation for the Department to verify the annual training completed for at least 5 years.”
Note that you only have to take a maximum of eight hours of annual training under the statute, no matter how many other licenses you hold.
Click here to read the private detective training law.
[Related: Do I Need an Attorney for a Professional License Investigation?]
Private Detective Employee Training (PDE)
The law on basic training for new PDEs has changed. Previously, you had to receive it in a classroom setting. With the 2022 change, you can take the 20-hour basic training online.
However, you must keep a record of what materials, classes or other manner you used to furnish the 20 hours. If you can’t prove the subjects and hours, then the IDFPR assumes you didn’t receive the training. Worse, you have certification on a basic training form that you obtained the training, but you can’t prove it.
Now, for the first time ever, PDEs must complete eight hours of annual training. All the same rules that apply to annual private detective training apply to PDEs. However, if you employ a PDE, then you must certify that they completed their eight-hour annual training and maintain those records for five years.
Until the IDFPR passes new rules, use the Certification of Completion of a Basic Training Course form to certify completion. Cross out “Security Contractor” after “8-Hour Refresher Training” and write in “Detective.”
[Related: Supreme Court of Illinois Resolves Disagreement Over Service of Process on Cook County Residents]
Private Security Contractor Training (PSC)
PSCs must also complete annual training. However, the new law states you need only four hours.
The IDFPR originally wrote it as eight hours, like PDs, but changed it by mistake. This may change someday, but it remains at four hours for now. All other requirements — such as topics, manner and training documentation — remain the same as for PDs.
Read the private security contractor training law.
Private Security Employee Training (Guards)
You no longer need to take the 20-hour basic training class via classroom training. The IDFPR has also modernized the subjects. All other training requirements, including the eight-hour refresher training requirement, remain the same.
Read the private security employee training law.
Private Alarm Contractor Training (PAC)
PACs have no training requirements. You don’t need any kind of training throughout your entire career unless you simply want to train.
Private Alarm Contractor Employee Training
For private alarm contractor employees, you no longer have to take the 20-hour basic training course in a classroom setting. This is the same change that occurred for PDEs and guards.
Contact Williams & Nickl To Defend Your Professional License
At Williams & Nickl, we’re here to help if you run into any problems as an Illinois private detective or other private security business. We’re experts in handling license discipline and license application issues for your distinct industry. And we know exactly how the IDFPR ticks.
Call us at 312-335-9470 or contact us online to schedule your free one-hour consultation.
Read our testimonials to see how we assist business professionals like you.