MI POST key terms

An individual employed by a contract security agency or in-house security department to protect people, property, or information. Michigan regulates these officers through the state police licensing framework.

A business that supplies security officers to clients for a fee. In Michigan such agencies must be licensed and their officers registered before performing regulated security work.

Security personnel employed directly by a company to protect its own people, property, or assets rather than being supplied by an outside agency. Different licensing thresholds may apply.

The youngest age at which an applicant may be licensed or registered as a security officer. Michigan sets this at 18, and applicants must document it during the application process.

Legal status allowing an applicant to work in the United States. Applicants must show they are a citizen or otherwise legally authorized before a security license or registration is issued.

The screening process that reviews an applicant's criminal history, employment record, and other disqualifying factors. Results determine whether the applicant may be licensed or registered.

A criminal conviction that bars an applicant from holding a security license or registration, often for a set period. The list of disqualifying offenses and any waiting periods should be verified against current statute.

Submission of fingerprints so state and federal criminal history checks can be run. This is a standard part of the security officer application and must be completed before licensure.

The standard that an applicant must be of good moral character and fit to perform security duties. It is assessed through background checks, references, and disclosed history.

The complete set of forms, fees, fingerprints, and supporting documents an applicant submits for a license or registration. Incomplete packets delay processing and should be checked before submission.

The requirement that a licensed agency or employer initiate or support an officer's application. Sponsorship ties the officer's registration to the employing agency and ends when employment ends.

The credential issued by the state that authorizes an individual to perform regulated security officer duties. It is distinct from agency licensure and must be maintained through renewal.

The credential a security business must hold to offer contract security services. Operating without it is unlawful, and the agency must keep it current.

The process by which an individual security officer is entered on the state's records, often tied to an employer. Registration may be separate from or part of licensure depending on the role.

The periodic process of extending a license by submitting a renewal application, fee, and evidence of required training. Missing the deadline can result in late fees or lapsed authority to work.

The status of a license that has expired and the steps to restore it. Working while lapsed is prohibited, and reinstatement may require fees, training, or a new application.

A person or business holding a valid license issued under the security statute. Licensees must comply with recordkeeping, training, and conduct rules to keep the credential.

The individual designated by an agency who meets experience or licensing standards and is responsible for the agency's compliance. Changes in this role must be reported to the state.

The required instruction an applicant must complete before being licensed as a security officer. It covers legal powers, use of force, report writing, and other core topics.

The approved set of topics and hours that a security training program must cover. Providers must deliver it as specified and document completion for each student.

An entity approved to deliver security officer training. Providers must meet instructor, curriculum, and recordkeeping standards and may need separate state approval.

The experience, credentials, and approval an individual needs to teach security training. Unqualified instructors can invalidate the training hours students receive.

Documentation proving a student completed required training. It is submitted with the license application and retained by the provider as proof of compliance.

The documentation a provider keeps showing who was trained, when, on what curriculum, and by whom. Records must be retained for the period the state requires and produced on request.

The minimum hours of approved instruction a licensee must complete during each renewal cycle. It keeps skills current and must be documented before renewal is approved.

The unit used to measure continuing education. Typically one hour of instruction equals one credit, and licensees must track accumulated hours against the required total.

State recognition that an organization's courses count toward continuing education. Licensees should confirm a course is approved before relying on it for credit.

A review in which the state asks a licensee to prove continuing education was completed. Failure to produce acceptable records can lead to discipline or renewal denial.

Continuing education hours earned in one renewal period that may be applied to the next, within limits. Rules on how many hours carry over should be checked against current requirements.

Ongoing learning that builds skills beyond the minimum required hours, such as supervision, de-escalation, or technology training. It supports advancement and better job performance.

A voluntary credential in an area such as physical security, investigations, or management. It can demonstrate expertise beyond the state license but does not replace it.

A membership organization for security professionals that offers networking, publications, and training. Associations can be sources of approved continuing education and career resources.

The standards of conduct expected of licensees, covering honesty, confidentiality, and lawful use of authority. Violations can lead to discipline against the license.

The rules governing when and how a security officer may use physical force. Officers must act within legal limits and employer policy, and training must cover this topic.

The obligation to create and retain documents such as training files, personnel records, and incident reports. Regulators inspect these records to confirm compliance.