All About The Bureau Of Security And Investigative Services

The private-security industry in this country dates back to the 19th century with private citizens performing many duties that today are associated with federal and state law enforcement. The growth in the number of individuals and breadth of activities performed (guarding railroad shipments, detective work to investigate crimes, tracking down and apprehending criminals, and providing security advice to banks) was integral in determining that regulation of the industry was necessary.

In California, regulatory oversight of the private-security industry began in 1915 with the creation of the Detective Licensing Board under the State Board of Prison Directors to license and regulate private detectives. The Detective Licensing Board was subsequently renamed the Detective Licensing Bureau, and today its statutes are known as the Private Investigator Act. In 1955, the Detective Licensing Bureau became the Bureau of Private Investigators and Adjustors, which in 1970 was combined with the Collection Agency Licensing Bureau and renamed the Bureau of Collection and Investigative Services.

As a result of legislation (Assembly Bill 936, Chapter 1263, Statutes of 1993), the Bureau was formally renamed the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). BSIS issues licenses, registrations, certificates, and permits; however, for the purpose of this report, the terms “license” and “licensee” will be used. There are currently over 433,000 BSIS licenses held by about 350,000 businesses and individuals carrying out activities relating to alarm systems, locks, private investigation, private security, repossession, and firearm and baton training.

Mission: To protect and serve the public and consumers through effective regulatory oversight of the professions within the Bureau’s jurisdiction.

Vision: To be a regulatory leader of the industries within the Bureau’s jurisdiction to promote consumer protection and public safety.

Values:

·       Accountability

·       Consumer Protection

·       Customer Service

·       Effectiveness

·       Integrity

·       Professionalism

·       Teamwork

·       Equity

Visit the Security and Investigative Services Bureau’s website at: https://www.bsis.ca.gov/ or connect on Facebook and Twitter. 

CONSUMER RESOURCES:

·       Consumer Guide to Alarm Companies

·       Consumer Guide to Locksmiths

·       Verify a License

·       Subscribe to E-mail Notifications