1. (1) Applicants with prior law enforcement experience may be exempt from the basic training requirements in OAR 259-060-0120 for certification as an armed, unarmed, or alarm monitor private security professional. This rule defines the eligibility for an exemption and the requirements for obtaining a private security professional certification using prior law enforcement experience as a substitute for the basic training.

2. (2) To be eligible for a basic training course exemption, the applicant must:

   1. (a) Have a minimum of two years of law enforcement experience;
   2. (b) Not have had their law enforcement certification denied, suspended, or revoked, or have an open or pending investigation, by any agency, into allegations of misconduct or a violation of the law; and
   3. (c) Apply for certification as a private security professional within four years from the last date of active service. The last date of active service refers to the final day the applicant actively performed the duties of their position. It does not include any leave taken between that date and their official separation date.

3. (3) Armed Private Security Professional Certification.

   1. (a) Prior law enforcement experience includes experience as:

      1. (A) A police officer or reserve officer as defined in ORS 181A.355;
      2. (B) A police officer or reserve officer employed by a federal, state, county, tribal, or municipal law enforcement agency whose training and experience is determined by the Department to be equivalent to that of a police officer or reserve officer as defined in ORS 181A.355; or
      3. (C) A Military Police Officer, Master-At-Arms, or other military law enforcement specialty determined by the Department to be equivalent to that of a police officer or reserve officer as defined in ORS 181A.355.

   2. (b) Eligible applicants must submit the application packet and fees required by OAR 259-060-0025 and successfully complete:

      1. (A) The unarmed renewal course and exam; and
      2. (B) The armed refresher course and exam, safe gun handling test, and firearms marksmanship qualification.

4. (4) Unarmed Private Security Professional Certification.

   1. (a) Prior law enforcement experience includes experience as:

      1. (A) A police officer, reserve officer, corrections officer, or parole and probation officer as defined in ORS 181A.355;
      2. (B) A police officer, reserve officer, corrections officer, or parole and probation officer employed by a federal, state, county, tribal, or municipal law enforcement agency whose training and experience is determined by the Department to be equivalent to that of a police officer, reserve officer, corrections officer, or parole and probation officer as defined in ORS 181A.355; or
      3. (C) A Military Police Officer, Master-At-Arms, or other military law enforcement specialty determined by the Department to be equivalent to that of a police officer, reserve officer, or corrections officer as defined in ORS 181A.355.
   2. (b) Eligible applicants must submit the application packet and fees required by OAR 259-060-0025 and successfully complete the unarmed renewal course and exam.

5. (5) Alarm Monitor Private Security Professional.

   1. (a) Prior law enforcement experience includes experience as a telecommunicator or emergency medical dispatcher as defined in ORS 181A.355;
   2. (b) Eligible applicants must submit the application packet and fees required by OAR 259-060-0025 and successfully complete the alarm monitor renewal course and exam.

6. (6) Applicants have one opportunity to successfully complete the training required under sections (3), (4), and (5) of this rule.

   1. (a) If an applicant fails the training required under sections (3), (4), or (5) of this rule, they are no longer eligible for the basic training course exemption for that private security professional certification and must complete the applicable basic training requirements in OAR 259-060-0120 for that certification.
   2. (b) For the purposes of this rule, an applicant fails the armed refresher course if they fail the exam, the safe gun handling test, or the firearms marksmanship qualification, or are otherwise terminated from training under OAR 259-060-0136 (6).
7. (7) The Department may require an applicant to provide proof of their prior law enforcement experience.
8. (8) Applicants with prior law enforcement experience must follow all other provisions for private security provider certification and licensure under ORS Chapter 181A and OAR Chapter 259 Division 60.

Statutory/Other Authority

ORS 181A.870

Statutes/Other Implemented

ORS 181A.870 & ORS 181A.855

History

DPSST 5-2026, adopt filed 04/23/2026, effective 04/23/2026