Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 509-3-.12 - Continuing Education Requirements; Exemptions; Providers

(1) Registered employees must comply with continuing education requirements contained in this rule in order to renew their registration.

(2) Private detective and security employees renewing their license for the first time since the license was initially granted are exempt from the continuing education requirement for that first renewal period.

(3) Registered security employees must have eight (8) hours of continuing education prior to their registration renewal. Registered private detective employees must have sixteen (16) hours of continuing education prior to their registration renewal. Employees registered as private detective and security guards must have sixteen (16) hours of continuing education prior to their registration renewal. Continuing education requirements shall include:

(a) Security Continuing Education: two (2) hours in Homeland Security, to include indicators of terrorism, and cooperation with Homeland Security agencies; two (2) hours in Firearms-related training; four (4) hours in industry-related training.

(b) Private Detective Continuing Education: two (2) hours in Homeland Security, to include indicators of terrorism, and cooperation with Homeland Security agencies; two (2) hours in ethics; twelve (12) hours in industry-related training, which may include up to four (4) hours of firearms-related training.

(4) Acceptable Continuing Education Providers. An Acceptable Continuing Education Provider (ACEP) is defined as any individual, organization, institution, association, firm, or other entity that provides ongoing training services to the private detective or security profession that directly relates to the scope of practice.

(a) Training provided by ACEPs must be facilitated by or provided by an instructor licensed by the Board, unless otherwise noted in this section.

(b) The Board may, at its discretion, request continuing education course documentation be submitted to the Board for review.

(c) Companies that have developed continuing education courses to provide training solely for their own registered employees are exempt from (a) of this section.

(d) Entities providing training for profit that meet the criteria as listed in Rule 509-3-.12(4) must maintain an attendance sheet or roster that is signed or initialed by the participant and have a written agenda or lesson plan that covers the subject matter presented. Electronic signatures are acceptable for distance learning purposes.

(e) The Board will accept continuing education hours for instruction provided by legitimate state and national private detective and/or security associations which are properly incorporated and in good standing with the appropriate incorporating body. These associations are exempt from (a) of this section.

(5) A certificate of completion must be presented to each participant upon successful completion of the training in accordance with Rule 509-3-.01.

(6) It is the responsibility of the registrant and the registrant's employer to provide proof to the Board, upon request, of completion of the required continuing education hours. Providers must retain records of training and instruction for a minimum of five (5) years. The Board reserves the right to conduct an audit of registered employees to determine compliance with continuing education requirements. Proof of continuing education hours should only be submitted to the Board when a licensee has been selected for a CE audit.

(7) In the sole discretion of the Board, waivers of the requirement of continuing education may be granted in cases of hardship, disability, illness, or under such circumstances as the Board deems appropriate. Such waiver must be requested in writing to the Board and must be accompanied by acceptable documentation.

(8) Licensees or registrants with a valid peace officer certification issued pursuant to Chapter 8 of Title 35, the "Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Act," may meet the continuing education requirements by showing proof of having completed P.O.S.T. mandated in-service hours, including but not limited to training on ethics, homeland security, and weapons requalification.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 509-3-.12

O.C.G.A. §§ 43-38-4(d), 43-38-7, 43-38-7.1, 43-38-14(b).

Original Rule entitled "Continuing Training Requirements" adopted. F. Apr. 5, 2002; eff. Apr. 25, 2002. Repealed: F. Dec. 8, 2003; eff. Dec. 28, 2003. Amended: New Rule entitled "Continuing Education" adopted. F. Dec. 12, 2006; eff. Jan. 1, 2007. Amended: New title, "Continuing Education Requirements; Exemptions; Providers." F. July 6, 2022; eff. July 26, 2022.