Kara Sears
In the state of Illinois, security guards are required to obtain a PERC Card and complete basic training, regardless of whether they are armed or unarmed. For security guards who will be carrying a firearm, an additional firearm control card is needed. The firearm training requirement can be waived for those with law enforcement training. Security guards can join the United Federation LEOS-PBA Law Enforcement Officers Security & Police Benefit Association, which represents law enforcement officers, protective service officers, and security guards, among others. While the specific requirements for security guards in Illinois have been outlined, it is unclear whether security guards are able to apply for an Illinois liquor license.
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What You'll Learn
Security guard licensing requirements in Illinois
Private Security Contractors
Private security contractors hold licensing instead of registration. To be license-eligible, security professionals must have supervisory experience. The licensing process is more expensive, with higher fees and insurance policies required. An employee or guard who will be carrying a firearm will need an additional credential: a firearm control card.
Employees of Security Agencies
Employees of security agencies are required to complete 20 hours of basic training during their first 30 days on the job. If armed, they must complete this basic training. Unarmed security guards must be at least 18 years old and meet fitness requirements. They must also obtain a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC Card) before applying. A PERC card costs $55 and requires fingerprinting. Armed security employees must be at least 21 and complete a 40-hour training course, including a written and range test. The firearm training requirement can be waived with proof of law enforcement training.
Employees of Proprietary Security Forces
Employees of proprietary security forces must complete the same 20 hours of basic training as employees of security agencies during their first 30 days on the job, but only if they are armed. Guards employed by these agencies will need an additional eight hours of training within their first six months, as well as eight hours of refresher training each calendar year.
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Firearm training requirements for security guards
In Illinois, security professionals can be employees of security contractor agencies, employees of proprietary security forces, or private security contractors. The requirements for each of these roles vary, with private security contractors facing the most stringent requirements. Security guards employed by private security contractor agencies, for instance, need an additional eight hours of training within their first six months.
Armed security guards in Illinois must be licensed and undergo additional firearms training. The Illinois firearm training requirement can be waived if the applicant has prior law enforcement training, though a detailed description of the training must be submitted if it was completed out-of-state. Additionally, a waiver can be granted if the applicant holds Illinois firearm instructor registration.
To obtain a firearm control card, applicants must complete firearm training, pass a background check, and fulfill other requirements. The prospective armed security employee can expect a written test and a range test. The training covers handgun safety, handling, and time on the firing range. The mandatory training duration is 20 hours, according to one source, while another source mentions a 40-hour training course.
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Illinois Liquor Control Commission's role
The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) is a state government commission that plays a crucial role in regulating and overseeing the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages in the state of Illinois. It is responsible for ensuring compliance with the state's liquor laws and promoting the safe and responsible consumption of alcohol.
The ILCC is organized into four divisions, each with specific responsibilities:
- Licensing Division: This division handles the review of state liquor license applications and the issuance of new and renewal licenses. There are numerous license categories that the division manages, including those for airplanes, trains, liquor stores, non-beverage users, out-of-state distributors, special events, and brand registration. The division processes over 2,000 renewals and 200 new licenses each month.
- Investigations Division: The Investigations Division employs Special Agents to conduct inspections, enforce underage drinking laws, investigate complaints against licensed entities, and coordinate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. They play a vital role in ensuring compliance with the Illinois Liquor Control Act and its regulations.
- Legal Division: This division provides legal counsel and guidance to the Commissioners and the Executive Director of the ILCC. They interpret the Illinois Liquor Control Act and its Rules and Regulations, ensuring that the Commission's actions are in line with the law.
- Enforcement Division: While specific details about this division are scarce, it is likely responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations set forth by the ILCC and taking disciplinary action against violators.
The ILCC's role is primarily regulatory and administrative, focusing on licensing, compliance, and enforcement. It does not appear that security guards or law enforcement officers are specifically mentioned in relation to the ILCC's functions. However, security professionals in Illinois, including security guards, have their own set of requirements and licensing processes, separate from the ILCC, which are overseen by entities like the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
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Liquor license categories in Illinois
The Illinois Liquor Control Commission is responsible for reviewing and issuing state liquor licenses. There are 39 different license categories, including:
- Airplanes
- Trains
- Liquor stores
- Non-beverage users
- Out-of-state distributors
- Special events
- Non-resident dealers
- National and foreign licensing
- Brand registration
In the City of Chicago, there are several classes of liquor licenses, including:
- Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity (COP) License: Required for the retail sale of alcohol consumed on the premises where the sale of liquor is secondary to the primary activity. Restaurants, hotels, banquet halls, theaters, and bowling alleys need a COP license to sell liquor.
- Packaged Goods or Tavern License: These licenses are for businesses that primarily sell alcoholic beverages, such as bars or liquor stores.
- Caterer's License: Allows catering companies or restaurants to cater food and alcoholic beverages off-site within Chicago.
- Sidewalk Cafe Permit: Required for businesses with a Retail Food Establishment license that wish to operate on the public sidewalk.
- Late Hour Liquor License: Permits businesses to remain open until 4:00 a.m. (Monday to Saturday) and 5:00 a.m. on Sundays to sell alcoholic beverages.
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Qualifications for security guards in Illinois
To become a security guard in Illinois, you must obtain a license to work as a private security contractor. This license is issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and is known as a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC).
Before applying for a PERC license, you must complete a few requirements. These include:
- Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years old to work in an unarmed capacity. Private security contractors must be at least 21 years old.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work legally in Illinois.
- Education: A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
- Training: You must complete a 20-hour basic security training course within your first 30 days on the job. If employed by a private security contractor agency, you will need an additional eight hours of training within the first six months. If you will be carrying a firearm, you must complete an additional 20 or 40-hour firearm training course.
- Background check: Conducted by the Illinois State Police, this will review your criminal history, including arrests, convictions, and outstanding warrants. Fingerprints are made electronically for in-state candidates, while out-of-state candidates should request a fingerprint card.
- Exam: You must sit for an exam covering federal and state law, licensing requirements, and the general practice of security, passing with a minimum of 70%.
- Driver's license: Many roles require armed security personnel with valid driver's licenses.
- Supervisory experience: Security professionals must have supervisory experience to be license-eligible. This requirement can be substituted with business or police-related education.
The PERC application will require you to provide personal information, employment history, and training details. There is a $55 fee for the background check and a $75 application processing fee for the firearm control card.
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Frequently asked questions
To become a security guard in Illinois, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, and be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work legally in Illinois. You must also complete a 20-hour unarmed security officer certification course through a licensed training provider and obtain a PERC Card, which requires passing certain background checks.
Security guards in Illinois who wish to carry a firearm must be 21 years or older and complete an additional 20- or 40-hour firearm training course. They will also need a firearm control card.
To apply for a liquor license in Illinois, you must submit an application to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. There are 39 different license categories, including for airplanes, trains, liquor stores, and special events. The Licensing Division is responsible for reviewing applications and issuing new and renewal licenses.
