New training, background check requirements implemented for Denver security guards

The city of Denver has revamped its licensing procedures for security guards. The new licenses will have additional training requirements and strengthened background checks.

DENVER — The city of Denver has revamped its licensing procedures for security guards.

The new licenses will have additional training requirements and strengthened background checks.

"We’re always looking at our licenses to determine which need updated and which can be repealed and how we can be more effective and efficient for Denver," said Ashley Kilroy, Executive Director of Denver Excise and Licenses.

Notable changes and new requirements for security guards and private security employers include:

An FBI background check that covers criminal violations on a national level instead of a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check, which doesn’t always flag crimes committed outside of Colorado.
In-house security companies will no longer be exempt from licensing. Any employer of security guards will be required to have a private security employer license. This includes bars and clubs that hire their own security.
Security guards will be required to complete at least 16 hours of training before being licensed, and 8 hours of training upon renewal. Training must cover duties of a security guard, communication procedures and protocols, interaction with law enforcement and use of force.
Clearer standards for the use of uniforms, vehicles and canines.
License applications will now be accepted online to improve convenience.
Security guard licenses are no longer required in many circumstances for ticket takers and ushers at events when they have no security role.

There are 7,000 licensed security guards in Denver. Existing security guards don't have to apply for the new license until their old license expires.

Denver is one of only three cities in Colorado that requires a private security employer and security guard to be licensed.

The city is certainly sending a message.

"We hope Denver citizens will continue to notice that our security guards are professional and trained," Kilroy said.

These strengthened security guard requirements are a result of Denver City Council Ordinance 17-1177 passed in November 2017.