The Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies was created for the purpose of safeguarding the citizens of this state by regulation of the private detective and security businesses. The regulation of such business is declared to be in the public interest.

The seven members of the Board, appointed by the Governor, have the authority to determine the qualifications of applicants for licensure or regulation. The Board meets at least 8 times a year to review applications, administer examinations, license qualified applicants, and regulate the professional practice of licensees throughout the state. Complaints are investigated and, if warranted, disciplinary action may be taken by the Board. Meetings of the Board are held at the Secretary of State’s offices in Macon and are open to the public. Persons wishing to bring matters for the Board’s consideration should submit written notification or request to the office.

Private detective businesses and private security companies are required to have a company license issued by the Board. The private detective employee, armed or unarmed, must be registered as an employee with the private detective company. Armed security guards must also be registered with a security company. Unarmed security guards are not required to be registered but must have completed the minimum number of training requirements set by board rule. The Board also licenses training instructors to regulate all training requirements for licensure, registration, and weapon permits required by the law.

Concealed and exposed weapon permits are issued only upon a complete employee application submitted by the company. The company certifies that the employee has met the training requirements of the law and rules.

The Board also has inspectors that schedule and perform inspections of the 1,030 licensed companies. Inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with established law and rules.