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mickob
06-30-2009, 03:38 AM
Hi guys,
Was doing some research on the above and came across this sight, looks interesting, hope someone can help.
Here's my situation; I retire from the British military next year, the year after moving out to California with my wife.
I am researching the idea of starting a close protection course in San Diego, along the lines of the SF CP course, which is geared more towards CP in hostile environments rather than domestic body guarding.
In the UK anyone wanting to do any type of CP work at home or abroad needs a Security Industry Authority 'SIA' licence, which an accredited course and instructor can issue (me). This licensing regulation is the reason why such courses are so popular (and expensive) in the UK.
After hours searching the internet I am of the opinion that this is not the case in the US, with different states having a myriad of various licences for every aspect of security work within that particular state. Also I can't find any specific licensing requirements for working overseas (in hostile environments) is this because there aren't any?
And if this is the case would there be any demand for a CP course that does not give a certified qualification at the end of it?
I would be eternally grateful if any of the US members could give me some feedback and expand on the licensing issue, particularly in CA, as at the moment my idea is stumbling at the first hurdle.
Cheers
Mickob

mike booth
06-30-2009, 06:19 PM
Mickob, you are correct, CP licensing in the US is a patchwork of regulations and agencies that vary by state. There is no federal license. You might try digging through the archives at Tactical Forums, on the EP threads. There is a lot more traffic and discussion over there. You might even run into a few people you know. California sees a lot of work. Their licensing regs are pretty clear. It is not firearms friendly. Luck

tacticalguy
07-01-2009, 10:31 PM
Also I can't find any specific licensing requirements for working overseas (in hostile environments) is this because there aren't any?
And if this is the case would there be any demand for a CP course that does not give a certified qualification at the end of it?



Mickob,
You are correct, there are no specific licenses required for working in hostile environments. As to the demand for a course like that...? Just look up Triple Canopy on Google. Or Xe. They both specialize in that. I am sure that if you market yourself smartly, many will beat a path to your door. Good luck!