(a) To qualify for certification as a security guard, an individual shall: (1) meet the standards set by the Secretary;(2) be an employee of or an applicant for employment with a licensed security guard agency or a security guard employer;(3) be of good moral character and reputation;(4) submit to the licensed security guard agency or the security guard employer, for forwarding to the Secretary: (i) a sworn application in the manner and format designated by the Secretary;(ii) the fingerprints required under § 19-304(c) of this title; (iii) a nonrefundable application fee of $15; (iv) a declaration under the penalties of perjury stating whether:1. the individual has been convicted of: A. a disqualifying crime, under § 5-101 of the Public Safety Article; orB. a crime of violence, under § 14-101 of the Criminal Law Article;2. if currently or formerly employed as a police officer, the individual has had any formal findings by a court, hearing board, or other governmental entity of unlawful or excessive use of force or of making a false statement during the individual's employment with the law enforcement agency; and3. the individual plans to carry a handgun in the course of providing security guard services; and(v) documentation that the individual has either:
1. satisfactorily completed 12 hours of initial security training that is approved by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission under § 19-412 of this subtitle; or2. been employed as a police officer in the 3 years immediately preceding the application;(5) pay to the licensed security guard agency or the security guard employer, for forwarding to the Secretary, the fees authorized under § 19-304(c) of this title; and(6) be at least 18 years old.(b) On receipt from an applicant for certification as a security guard, a licensed security guard agency or security guard employer shall forward to the Secretary the applicant's application , fingerprint cards, and criminal history records check fees.(c)(1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an applicant for certification as a security guard shall complete 12 hours of initial security training that is approved by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission under § 19-412 of this subtitle.(2) An applicant for certification may not be required to complete the training specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection if the applicant:(i) has been employed as a police officer in the 3 years immediately preceding the application; and(ii) provides supporting documentation with the application for certification as a security guard in accordance with subsection (a)(4)(v)2 of this section.Amended by 2024 Md. Laws, Ch. 737,Sec. 1, eff. 6/1/2024.Amended by 2024 Md. Laws, Ch. 738,Sec. 1, eff. 6/1/2024.Amended by 2023 Md. Laws, Ch. 763, Sec. 1, eff. 6/1/2024.