Chapter 4749 | Private Investigators; Security Services

Section
Section 4749.01 \| Private investigator - security services definitions. Effective: October 3, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF As used in this chapter: (A) "Private investigator" means any person who engages in the business of private investigation. (B) "Business of private investigation" means, except when performed by one excluded under division (H) of this section, the conducting, for hire, in person or through a partner or employees, of any investigation relevant to any crime or wrong done or threatened, or to obtain information on the identity, habits, conduct, movements, whereabouts, affiliations, transactions, reputation, credibility, or character of any person, or to locate and recover lost or stolen property, or to determine the cause of or responsibility for any libel or slander, or any fire, accident, or damage to property, or to secure evidence for use in any legislative, administrative, or judicial investigation or proceeding. (C) "Security guard provider" means any person who engages in the business of security services. (D) "Business of security services" means either of the following: (1) Furnishing, for hire, watchpersons, guards, private patrol officers, or other persons whose primary duties are to protect persons or property; (2) Furnishing, for hire, guard dogs, or armored motor vehicle security services, in connection with the protection of persons or property. (E) "Class A license" means a license issued under section 4749.03 of the Revised Code that qualifies the person issued the license to engage in the business of private investigation and the business of security services. (F) "Class B license" means a license issued under section 4749.03 of the Revised Code that qualifies the person issued the license to engage only in the business of private investigation. (G) "Class C license" means a license issued under section 4749.03 of the Revised Code that qualifies the person issued the license to engage only in the business of security services. (H) "Private investigator," "business of private investigation," "security guard provider," and "business of security services" do not include: (1) Public officers and employees whose official duties require them to engage in investigatory activities; (2) Attorneys at law or any expert hired by an attorney at law for consultation or litigation purposes; (3) A consumer reporting agency, as defined in the "Fair Credit Reporting Act," 84 Stat. 1128, 15 U.S.C.A. 1681a, as amended, provided that the consumer reporting agency is in compliance with the requirements of that act and that the agency's activities are confined to any of the following: (a) The issuance of consumer credit reports; (b) The conducting of limited background investigations that pertain only to a client's prospective tenant and that are engaged in with the prior written consent of the prospective tenant; (c) The business of pre-employment background investigation. As used in division (H)(3)(c) of this section, "business of pre-employment background investigation" means, and is limited to, furnishing for hire, in person or through a partner or employees, the conducting of limited background investigations, in-person interviews, telephone interviews, or written inquiries that pertain only to a client's prospective employee and the employee's employment and that are engaged in with the prior written consent of the prospective employee. (4) Certified public insurance adjusters that hold a certificate of authority issued pursuant to sections 3951.01 to 3951.09 of the Revised Code, while the adjuster is investigating the cause of or responsibility for a fire, accident, or other damage to property with respect to a claim or claims for loss or damage under a policy of insurance covering real or personal property; (5) Personnel placement services and persons who act as employees of such entities engaged in investigating matters related to personnel placement activities; (6) An employee in the regular course of the employee's employment, engaged in investigating matters pertinent to the business of the employee's employer or protecting property in the possession of the employee's employer, provided the employer is deducting all applicable state and federal employment taxes on behalf of the employee and neither the employer nor the employee is employed by, associated with, or acting for or on behalf of any private investigator or security guard provider; (7) Any better business bureau or similar organization or any of its employees while engaged in the maintenance of the quality of business activities relating to consumer sales and services; (8) An accountant who is registered or certified under Chapter 4701. of the Revised Code or any of the accountant's employees while engaged in activities for which the accountant is certified or registered; (9) Any person who, for hire or otherwise, conducts genealogical research in this state. As used in division (H)(9) of this section, "genealogical research" means the determination of the origins and descent of families, including the identification of individuals, their family relationships, and the biographical details of their lives. "Genealogical research" does not include furnishing for hire services for locating missing persons or natural or birth parents or children. (10) Any person residing in this state who conducts research for the purpose of locating the last known owner of unclaimed funds, provided that the person is in compliance with Chapter 169. of the Revised Code and rules adopted thereunder. The exemption set forth in division (H)(10) of this section applies only to the extent that the person is conducting research for the purpose of locating the last known owner of unclaimed funds. As used in division (H)(10) of this section, "owner" and "unclaimed funds" have the same meanings as in section 169.01 of the Revised Code. (11) A professional engineer who is registered under Chapter 4733. of the Revised Code or any of his employees. As used in division (H)(11) of this section and notwithstanding division (I) of this section, "employee" has the same meaning as in section 4101.01 of the Revised Code. (12) Any person residing in this state who, for hire or otherwise, conducts research for the purpose of locating persons to whom the state of Ohio owes money in the form of warrants, as defined in section 131.01 of the Revised Code, that the state voided but subsequently reissues. (13) An independent insurance adjuster who, as an individual, an independent contractor, an employee of an independent contractor, adjustment bureau association, corporation, insurer, partnership, local recording agent, managing general agent, or self-insurer, engages in the business of independent insurance adjustment, or any person who supervises the handling of claims except while acting as an employee of an insurer licensed in this state while handling claims pertaining to specific policies written by that insurer. As used in division (H)(13) of this section, "independent insurance adjustment" means conducting investigations to determine the cause of or circumstances concerning a fire, accident, bodily injury, or damage to real or personal property; determining the extent of damage of that fire, accident, injury, or property damage; securing evidence for use in a legislative, administrative, or judicial investigation or proceeding, adjusting losses; and adjusting or settling claims, including the investigation, adjustment, denial, establishment of damages, negotiation, settlement, or payment of claims in connection with insurance contractors, self-insured programs, or other similar insurance programs. "Independent adjuster" does not include either of the following: (a) An attorney who adjusts insurance losses incidental to the practice of law and who does not advertise or represent that the attorney is an independent insurance adjuster; (b) A licensed agent or general agent of an insurer licensed in this state who processes undisputed or uncontested losses for insurers under policies issued by that agent or general agent. (14) Except for a commissioned peace officer who engages in the business of private investigation or compensates others who engage in the business of private investigation or the business of security services or both, any commissioned peace officer as defined in division (B) of section 2935.01 of the Revised Code. (I) "Employee" means every person who may be required or directed by any employer, in consideration of direct or indirect gain or profit, to engage in any employment, or to go, or work, or be at any time in any place of employment, provided that the employer of the employee deducts all applicable state and federal employment taxes on behalf of the employee. Last updated September 6, 2023 at 2:53 PM
Section 4749.02 \| Administrative rules - personnel. Effective: June 29, 2005 Latest Legislation: House Bill 68 - 126th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The director of public safety shall administer this chapter, and for that purpose, may appoint employees and adopt rules that the director considers necessary. The director shall implement electronic licensing and registration procedures under this chapter not later than December 31, 2006. The application procedures in effect on the effective date of this amendment shall continue until such time as electronic licensing and registration procedures are implemented.
Section 4749.021 \| Private investigation and security services commission. Effective: September 16, 2004 Latest Legislation: House Bill 230 - 125th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) There is hereby created the Ohio private investigation and security services commission, consisting of the director of public safety or the director's designee, who shall be a nonvoting member; the superintendent of the highway patrol or the superintendent's designee, who shall be a voting member; and twelve members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate, as follows: (1) Three members shall be owners or operators of a business that maintains a class A license and shall have at least five years' experience in this state in the business of private investigation or security services. (2) One member shall be an owner or operator of a business that maintains a class B license and shall have at least five years' experience in this state in the business of private investigation or security services. (3) One member shall be an owner or operator of a business that maintains a class C license and shall have at least five years' experience in this state in the business of private investigation or security services. (4) Two members shall be owners or operators of a business that maintains a class A, B, or C license and shall have at least five years' experience in this state in the business of private investigation or security services. (5) One member shall be an incumbent chief of police. (6) One member shall be an active law enforcement officer, not above the rank of lieutenant. (7) One member shall be an incumbent sheriff. (8) Two members shall be representatives of the general public who have never had a direct employment relationship with any class A, B, or C licensee. (B)(1) The governor shall make initial appointments to the commission by January 1, 2005, and the commission shall hold its first meeting, at the call of the director of public safety, in January 2005. Of the initial appointments made to the commission, three shall be for a term ending December 31, 2005, three shall be for a term ending December 31, 2006, three shall be for a term ending December 31, 2007, and three shall be for a term ending December 31, 2008. Thereafter, terms of office shall be for five years, with each term ending on the same day of the same month as did the term that it succeeds. Each member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which the member was appointed. Members may be reappointed, but may serve not more than two complete consecutive five-year terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the manner provided for original appointments. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration date of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office as a member for the remainder of that term. A member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration of the member's term until the member's successor takes office or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first. The governor, after notice and the opportunity for a hearing, may remove any appointed member for misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance. (2) Ninety days before the expiration of a member's term, or in the event of a vacancy, the Ohio association of security and investigation services may submit names to the governor for consideration of appointment to the commission. (C) The commission shall advise the director of public safety on all matters related to the regulation of private investigation and the business of security services and on all matters related to this chapter. The commission shall advise the director on the format, content, and all other aspects of all private investigation and security services licensure examinations. (D) In accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the department may establish rules on behalf of the commission. (E) The commission shall meet not less than four times each year. It also shall meet upon the call of the chairperson, upon the request of five members, or at the request of the director of public safety or the director's designee. (F) At the first regular meeting of each year, which shall be called by the chairperson, the members shall elect a chairperson and a vice-chairperson by a majority vote, and also shall establish its meeting schedule for the remainder of the year. The chairperson and vice-chairperson shall serve until their successors are elected. No member may serve as chairperson more than three times during a five-year term. The chairperson shall preside over the commission's meetings, shall set the meeting agenda, and shall serve as the commission's chief spokesperson and liaison to the department of public safety. The chairperson or vice-chairperson shall approve all vouchers of the commission. Subject to the commission's approval, the chairperson may appoint committees to assist the commission. Committee members may be members of the commission. The vice-chairperson shall exercise the duties of the chairperson when the chairperson is not available. (G) A quorum of seven appointed members is necessary for a meeting to convene or continue. All actions of the commission shall be by a majority of the members present. Members may not participate or vote by proxy. In accordance with Chapter 121. of the Revised Code, at least fourteen days before a regular meeting and twenty-four hours before a special meeting, the chairperson shall notify all members of the commission in writing of the agenda. Upon a timely request, any member of the commission may have an item added to the commission's agenda. (H) Each member of the commission shall receive the member's necessary expenses incurred in the performance of official duties, including travel, hotel, and other necessary expenses. Members of any special committee, which may be appointed by the commission to assist it, who are not members of the commission also may receive necessary expenses. (I) The department of public safety shall provide the commission with suitable office and meeting space and necessary technical, clerical, and administrative support. The department shall serve as the official repository of the commission's records. Expenses of the commission shall be paid from the private investigator and security guard provider fund created in section 4749.07 of the Revised Code. (J) In the absence of fraud or bad faith, the commission, a current or former commission member, or an agent, representative, or employee of the commission is not liable in damages to any person because of any act, omission, proceeding, or decision related to official duties.
Section 4749.03 \| License requirement. Effective: April 6, 2023 Latest Legislation: House Bill 509 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A)(1) Any individual, including a partner in a partnership, may be licensed as a private investigator under a class B license, or as a security guard provider under a class C license, or as a private investigator and a security guard provider under a class A license, if the individual meets all of the following requirements: (a) Has not been adjudicated incompetent for the purpose of holding the license, as provided in section 5122.301 of the Revised Code, without having been restored to legal capacity for that purpose. (b) Depending upon the class of license for which application is made, for a continuous period of at least two years immediately preceding application for a license, has been engaged in investigatory or security services work for a law enforcement or other public agency engaged in investigatory activities, or for a private investigator or security guard provider, or engaged in the practice of law, or has acquired equivalent experience as determined by rule of the director of public safety. (c) Demonstrates competency as a private investigator or security guard provider by passing an examination devised for this purpose by the director, except that any individually licensed person who qualifies a corporation for licensure shall not be required to be reexamined if the person qualifies the corporation in the same capacity that the person was individually licensed. (d) Submits evidence of comprehensive general liability insurance coverage, or other equivalent guarantee approved by the director in such form and in principal amounts satisfactory to the director, but not less than one hundred thousand dollars for each person and three hundred thousand dollars for each occurrence for bodily injury liability, and one hundred thousand dollars for property damage liability. (e) Pays the requisite examination and license fees. (2) A corporation may be licensed as a private investigator under a class B license, or as a security guard provider under a class C license, or as a private investigator and a security guard provider under a class A license, if an application for licensure is filed by an officer of the corporation and the officer, another officer, or the qualifying agent of the corporation satisfies the requirements of divisions (A)(1) and (F)(1) of this section. Officers and the statutory agent of a corporation shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 1701. of the Revised Code. (3) At least one partner in a partnership shall be licensed as a private investigator, or as a security guard provider, or as a private investigator and a security guard provider. Partners in a partnership shall be determined as provided for in Chapter 1775. or 1776. of the Revised Code. (B) An application for a class A, B, or C license shall be completed in the form the director prescribes. In the case of an individual, the application shall state the applicant's name, birth date, citizenship, current residence, residences for the preceding ten years, current employment, employment for the preceding seven years, experience qualifications, the location of each of the applicant's offices in this state, and any other information that is necessary in order for the director to comply with the requirements of this chapter. In the case of a corporation, the application shall state the name of the officer or qualifying agent filing the application; the state in which the corporation is incorporated and the date of incorporation; the states in which the corporation is authorized to transact business; the name of its qualifying agent; the name of the officer or qualifying agent of the corporation who satisfies the requirements of divisions (A)(1) and (F)(1) of this section and the birth date, citizenship, physical description, current residence, residences for the preceding ten years, current employment, employment for the preceding seven years, and experience qualifications of that officer or qualifying agent; and other information that the director requires. A corporation may specify in its application information relative to one or more individuals who satisfy the requirements of divisions (A)(1) and (F)(1) of this section. The application described in this division shall be accompanied by both of the following: (1) References from at least five reputable citizens for the applicant or, in the case of a corporation, for each officer or qualifying agent specified in the application as satisfying the requirements of divisions (A)(1) and (F)(1) of this section, each of whom has known the applicant, officer, or qualifying agent for at least five years preceding the application, and none of whom are connected with the applicant, officer, or qualifying agent by blood or marriage; (2) An examination fee of twenty-five dollars for the applicant or, in the case of a corporation, for each officer or qualifying agent specified in the application as satisfying the requirements of divisions (A)(1) and (F)(1) of this section, and a license fee in the amount the director determines, not to exceed three hundred seventy-five dollars. The license fee shall be refunded if a license is not issued. (C)(1) Each individual applying for a license and each individual specified by a corporation as an officer or qualifying agent in an application shall submit one complete set of fingerprints directly to the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation for the purpose of conducting a criminal records check. The individual shall provide the fingerprints using a method the superintendent prescribes pursuant to division (C)(2) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code and fill out the form the superintendent prescribes pursuant to division (C)(1) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code. An applicant who intends to carry a firearm as defined in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code in the course of business or employment shall so notify the superintendent. This notification is in addition to any other requirement related to carrying a firearm that applies to the applicant. The individual or corporation requesting the criminal records check shall pay the fee the superintendent prescribes. (2) The superintendent shall conduct the criminal records check as set forth in division (B) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code. If an applicant intends to carry a firearm in the course of business or employment, the superintendent shall make a request to the federal bureau of investigation for any information and review the information the bureau provides pursuant to division (B)(2) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code. The superintendent shall submit all results of the completed investigation to the director of public safety. (3) If the director determines that the applicant, officer, or qualifying agent meets the requirements of divisions (A)(1)(a), (b), and (d) of this section and that an officer or qualifying agent meets the requirement of division (F)(1) of this section, the director shall notify the applicant, officer, or agent of the time and place for the examination. If the director determines that an applicant does not meet the requirements of divisions (A)(1)(a), (b), and (d) of this section, the director shall notify the applicant that the applicant's application is refused and refund the license fee. If the director determines that none of the individuals specified in the application of a corporation as satisfying the requirements of divisions (A)(1) and (F)(1) of this section meet the requirements of divisions (A)(1)(a), (b), and (d) and (F)(1) of this section, the director shall notify the corporation that its application is refused and refund the license fee. If the bureau assesses the director a fee for any investigation, the director, in addition to any other fee assessed pursuant to this chapter, may assess the applicant, officer, or qualifying agent, as appropriate, a fee that is equal to the fee assessed by the bureau. (4)(a) Subject to division (C)(4)(c) of this section, the director shall not adopt, maintain, renew, or enforce any rule, or otherwise preclude in any way, an individual from renewing a license under this chapter due to any past criminal activity or interpretation of moral character. If the director denies an individual a license renewal, the reasons for such denial shall be put in writing. (b) The director may refuse to issue a license to an applicant because of a conviction of or plea of guilty to an offense if the refusal is in accordance with section 9.79 of the Revised Code. (c) In considering a renewal of an individual's license, the director shall not consider any conviction or plea of guilty prior to the initial licensing. However, the director may consider a conviction or plea of guilty if it occurred after the individual was initially licensed, or after the most recent license renewal. (d) The director may grant an individual a conditional license that lasts for one year. After the one-year period has expired, the license is no longer considered conditional, and the individual shall be considered fully licensed. (D) If upon application, investigation, and examination, the director finds that the applicant or, in the case of a corporation, any officer or qualifying agent specified in the application as satisfying the requirements of divisions (A)(1) and (F)(1) of this section, meets the applicable requirements, the director shall issue the applicant or the corporation a class A, B, or C license. The director also shall issue an identification card to an applicant, but not an officer or qualifying agent of a corporation, who meets the applicable requirements. The license and identification card shall state the licensee's name, the classification of the license, the location of the licensee's principal place of business in this state, and the expiration date of the license, and, in the case of a corporation, it also shall state the name of each officer or qualifying agent who satisfied the requirements of divisions (A)(1) and (F)(1) of this section. Licenses expire on the first day of March following the date of initial issue, and on the first day of March of each year thereafter. Annual renewals shall be according to the standard renewal procedures contained in Chapter 4745. of the Revised Code, upon payment of an annual renewal fee the director determines, not to exceed two hundred seventy-five dollars. No license shall be renewed if the licensee or, in the case of a corporation, each officer or qualifying agent who qualified the corporation for licensure no longer meets the applicable requirements of this section. No license shall be renewed unless the licensee provides evidence of workers' compensation risk coverage and unemployment compensation insurance coverage, other than for clerical employees and excepting sole proprietors who are exempted therefrom, as provided for in Chapters 4123. and 4141. of the Revised Code, respectively, as well as the licensee's state tax identification number. No reexamination shall be required for renewal of a current license. For purposes of this chapter, a class A, B, or C license issued to a corporation shall be considered as also having licensed the individuals who qualified the corporation for licensure, for as long as they are associated with the corporation. For purposes of this division, "sole proprietor" means an individual licensed under this chapter who does not employ any other individual. (E) The director may issue a duplicate copy of a license issued under this section for the purpose of replacement of a lost, spoliated, or destroyed license, upon payment of a fee the director determines, not exceeding twenty-five dollars. Any change in license classification requires new application and application fees. (F)(1) In order to qualify a corporation for a class A, B, or C license, an officer or qualifying agent may qualify another corporation for similar licensure, provided that the officer or qualifying agent is actively engaged in the business of both corporations. (2) Each officer or qualifying agent who qualifies a corporation for class A, B, or C licensure shall surrender any personal license of a similar nature that the officer or qualifying agent possesses. (3) Upon written notification to the director, completion of an application similar to that for original licensure, surrender of the corporation's current license, and payment of a twenty-five-dollar fee, a corporation's class A, B, or C license may be transferred to another corporation. (4) Upon written notification to the director, completion of an application similar to that for an individual seeking class A, B, or C licensure, payment of a twenty-five-dollar fee, and, if the individual was the only individual that qualified a corporation for licensure, surrender of the corporation's license, any officer or qualifying agent who qualified a corporation for licensure under this chapter may obtain a similar license in the individual's own name without reexamination. A request by an officer or qualifying agent for an individual license shall not affect a corporation's license unless the individual is the only individual that qualified the corporation for licensure or all the other individuals who qualified the corporation for licensure submit such requests. (G) If a corporation is for any reason no longer associated with an individual who qualified it for licensure under this chapter, an officer of the corporation shall notify the director of that fact by certified mail, return receipt requested, within ten days after the association terminates. If the notification is so given, the individual was the only individual that qualified the corporation for licensure, and the corporation submits the name of another officer or qualifying agent to qualify the corporation for the license within thirty days after the association terminates, the corporation may continue to operate in the business of private investigation, the business of security services, or both businesses in this state under that license for ninety days after the association terminates. If the officer or qualifying agent whose name is submitted satisfies the requirements of divisions (A)(1) and (F)(1) of this section, the director shall issue a new license to the corporation within that ninety-day period. The names of more than one individual may be submitted. Last updated March 22, 2023 at 12:37 PM
Section 4749.031 \| Participation in retained applicant fingerprint database and continuous record monitoring service; initial or annual fees. Effective: September 29, 2017 Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The department of public safety shall be a participating public office for purposes of the retained applicant fingerprint database established under section 109.5721 of the Revised Code. The department shall elect to participate in the continuous record monitoring service for all persons licensed or registered under this chapter. When the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation, under section 109.57 of the Revised Code, indicates that an individual in the retained applicant fingerprint database has been arrested for, convicted of, or pleaded guilty to any offense, the superintendent promptly shall notify the department either electronically or by mail that additional arrest or conviction information is available. (B) In addition to any other fees charged by the department under this chapter, an applicant for a license under section 4749.03 of the Revised Code, at the time of making an initial or renewal application, shall pay any initial or annual fee charged by the superintendent pursuant to rules adopted under division (H) of section 109.5721 of the Revised Code.
Section 4749.04 \| Disciplinary actions. Effective: September 28, 2012 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 337 - 129th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The director of public safety may revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew, when a renewal form has been submitted, the license of any private investigator or security guard provider, or the registration of any employee of a private investigator or security guard provider, for any of the following: (1) Violation of any of the provisions of division (B) or (C) of section 4749.13 of the Revised Code; (2) Conviction of a disqualifying offense as defined in section 4776.10 of the Revised Code if the offense occurred within the last three years; (3) Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude as defined in section 4776.10 of the Revised Code; (4) Conviction of an offense that occurred after the individual was initially licensed, or after the most recent renewal. (5) Violation of any rule of the director governing private investigators, the business of private investigation, security guard providers, or the business of security services; (6) Testifying falsely under oath, or suborning perjury, in any judicial proceeding; (7) Failure to satisfy the requirements specified in division (D) of section 4749.03 of the Revised Code. Any person whose license or registration is revoked, suspended, or not renewed when a renewal form is submitted may appeal in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. (B) In lieu of suspending, revoking, or refusing to renew the class A, B, or C license, or of suspending, revoking, or refusing to renew the registration of an employee of a class A, B, or C licensee, the director may impose a civil penalty of not more than one hundred dollars for each calendar day of a violation of any of the provisions of this section or of division (B) or (C) of section 4749.13 of the Revised Code or of a violation of any rule of the director governing private investigators, the business of private investigation, security guard providers, or the business of security services.
Section 4749.05 \| Notice of change of address - report of presence to local law enforcement. Effective: July 1, 2004 Latest Legislation: House Bill 230 - 125th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Each class A, B, or C licensee shall report the location of branch offices to the department of public safety, and to the sheriff of the county and the police chief of any municipal corporation in which the office is located, and shall post a branch office license conspicuously in that office. Application for a branch office license shall be made on a form prescribed by the director of public safety, and a license shall be issued upon receipt of the form and payment of a fee fixed by the director, not exceeding one hundred dollars. If a licensee moves an office, the licensee shall notify, in writing, the department of public safety and any affected sheriff and chief of police within forty-eight hours of the change. This division does not apply to a licensed private investigator who is engaging in the business of private investigation as a registered employee of a licensed private investigator. (B) Pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the director of public safety shall adopt rules regarding when a class A, B, or C licensee, or any of such a licensee's employees, is required to report the licensee's or employee's presence and length of stay to the sheriff and police chief of any county or municipal corporation in which the licensee or employee operates. The rules shall include reporting requirements for licenses or employees conducting fraud investigations or physical surveillance.
Section 4749.06 \| Registration of employees. Effective: September 28, 2012 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 337 - 129th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Each class A, B, or C licensee shall register the licensee's investigator or security guard employees, with the department of public safety, which shall maintain a record of each licensee and registered employee and make it available, upon request, to any law enforcement agency. The class A, B, or C licensee shall file an application to register a new employee no sooner than three days nor later than seven calendar days after the date on which the employee is hired. (B)(1) Each employee's registration application shall be accompanied by one recent photograph of the employee, the employee's physical description, and the registration fee the director determines, not to exceed forty dollars. (2) The employee shall submit one complete set of fingerprints directly to the superintendent of the bureau of criminal identification and investigation for the purpose of conducting a criminal records check. The employee shall provide the fingerprints using a method the superintendent prescribes pursuant to division (C)(2) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code and fill out the form the superintendent prescribes pursuant to division (C)(1) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code. An employee who intends to carry a firearm as defined in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code in the course of business or employment shall so notify the superintendent. This notification is in addition to any other requirement related to carrying a firearm that applies to the employee. The individual or corporation requesting the criminal records check shall pay the fee the superintendent prescribes. The superintendent shall conduct the criminal records check as set forth in division (B) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code. If an employee intends to carry a firearm in the course of business or employment, pursuant to division (B)(2) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code the superintendent shall make a request of the federal bureau of investigation for any information and review the information the bureau provides. The superintendent shall submit all results of the completed investigation to the director of public safety. (3) If, after investigation, the bureau finds that the employee has not been convicted of a disqualifying offense as defined in section 4776.10 of the Revised Code within the last three years, the director shall issue to the employee an identification card bearing the license number and signature of the licensee, which in the case of a corporation shall be the signature of its president or its qualifying agent, and containing the employee's name, address, age, physical description, and right thumb print or other identifying mark as the director prescribes, a recent photograph of the employee, and the employee's signature. The director may issue a duplicate of a lost, spoliated, or destroyed identification card issued under this section, upon payment of a fee fixed by the director, not exceeding five dollars. (C) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, no class A, B, or C licensee shall permit an employee, other than an individual who qualified a corporation for licensure, to engage in the business of private investigation, the business of security services, or both businesses until the employee receives an identification card from the department, except that pending the issuance of an identification card, a class A, B, or C licensee may offer for hire security guard or investigator employees provided the licensee obtains a waiver from the person who receives, for hire, security guard or investigative services, acknowledging that the person is aware the employees have not completed their registration and agreeing to their employment. (D) If a class A, B, or C licensee, or a registered employee of a class A, B, or C licensee, intends to carry a firearm, as defined in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code, in the course of engaging in the business or employment, the licensee or registered employee shall satisfactorily complete a firearms basic training program that includes twenty hours of handgun training and five hours of training in the use of other firearms, if any other firearm is to be used, or equivalency training, if authorized, or shall be a former peace officer who previously had successfully completed a firearms training course, shall receive a certificate of satisfactory completion of that program or written evidence of approval of the equivalency training, shall file an application for registration, shall receive a firearm-bearer notation on the licensee's or registered employee's identification card, and shall annually requalify on a firearms range, all as described in division (A) of section 4749.10 of the Revised Code. A private investigator, security guard provider, or employee is authorized to carry a firearm only in accordance with that division. (E) This section does not apply to commissioned peace officers, as defined in division (B) of section 2935.01 of the Revised Code, working for, either as an employee or independent contractor, a class A, B, or C licensee. For purposes of this chapter, a commissioned peace officer is an employee exempt from registration. (F) The registration of an investigator or security guard employee expires annually on the anniversary date of its initial issuance. Annual renewals shall be made pursuant to procedures the director establishes by rule and upon payment of a renewal fee the director determines, not to exceed thirty-five dollars. The director shall not renew the registration of any investigator or security guard employee who no longer meets the requirements of this section. No background check is required for annual renewal, but an investigator or security guard employee shall report any conviction of a disqualifying offense to the employer and the director of public safety as a condition of continued registration.
Section 4749.07 \| Private investigator and security guard provider fund. Effective: July 1, 2015 Latest Legislation: House Bill 53 - 131st General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) After refund of any license fees as required by section 4749.03 of the Revised Code, the department of public safety shall pay all fees and penalties received pursuant to this chapter to the treasurer of state, to be credited to the private investigator and security guard provider fund, which is hereby created. (B) Moneys received in payment of fines levied pursuant to section 4749.99 of the Revised Code shall be distributed as follows: (1) One-third to the general fund of the municipal corporation or township in which the prosecution occurs; (2) One-third to the general fund of the county in which the prosecution occurs; (3) One-third to the private investigator and security guard provider fund.
Section 4749.08 \| Distinguished from law enforcement officer. Effective: July 1, 2004 Latest Legislation: House Bill 230 - 125th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) No class A, B, or C licensee, or registered employee of a class A, B, or C licensee shall be considered, because of licensure or registration under this chapter, a law enforcement officer for any purpose. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as granting the right to carry a concealed weapon. (B) The rules of the department of public safety adopted for the administration of this chapter shall include provisions to assure that any uniform or identification card shall be so designed as to avoid confusion of a private investigator, security guard provider, or registered employee with any law enforcement officer in this state.
Section 4749.09 \| Effect of municipal regulation - fees. Effective: November 27, 1985 Latest Legislation: House Bill 402 - 116th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF Any class A, B, or C licensee, or registered employee of a class A, B, or C licensee, who operates in a municipal corporation that provides by ordinance for the licensing, registering, or regulation of private investigators, security guard providers, or their employees shall conform to those ordinances insofar as they do not conflict with this chapter. No license or registration fees shall be charged by the state or any of its subdivisions for conducting the business of private investigation, the business of security services, or both businesses other than as provided in this chapter.
Section 4749.10 \| Carrying firearm. Effective: July 1, 2005 Latest Legislation: House Bill 68 - 126th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) No class A, B, or C licensee and no registered employee of a class A, B, or C licensee shall carry a firearm, as defined in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code, in the course of engaging in the business of private investigation, the business of security services, or both businesses, unless all of the following apply: (1) The licensee or employee either has successfully completed a basic firearm training program at a training school approved by the Ohio peace officer training commission, which program includes twenty hours of training in handgun use and, if any firearm other than a handgun is to be used, five hours of training in the use of other firearms, and has received a certificate of satisfactory completion of that program from the executive director of the commission; the licensee or employee has, within three years prior to November 27, 1985, satisfactorily completed firearms training that has been approved by the commission as being equivalent to such a program and has received written evidence of approval of that training from the executive director of the commission; or the licensee or employee is a former peace officer, as defined in section 109.71 of the Revised Code, who previously had successfully completed a firearms training course at a training school approved by the Ohio peace officer training commission and has received a certificate or other evidence of satisfactory completion of that course from the executive director of the commission. (2) The licensee or employee submits an application to the director of public safety, on a form prescribed by the director, in which the licensee or employee requests registration as a class A, B, or C licensee or employee who may carry a firearm. The application shall be accompanied by a copy of the certificate or the written evidence or other evidence described in division (A)(1) of this section, the identification card issued pursuant to section 4749.03 or 4749.06 of the Revised Code if one has previously been issued, a statement of the duties that will be performed while the licensee or employee is armed, and a fee the director determines, not to exceed fifteen dollars. In the case of a registered employee, the statement shall be prepared by the employing class A, B, or C licensee. (3) The licensee or employee receives a notation on the licensee's or employee's identification card that the licensee or employee is a firearm-bearer and carries the identification card whenever the licensee or employee carries a firearm in the course of engaging in the business of private investigation, the business of security services, or both businesses. (4) At any time within the immediately preceding twelve-month period, the licensee or employee has requalified in firearms use on a firearms training range at a firearms requalification program certified by the Ohio peace officer training commission or on a firearms training range under the supervision of an instructor certified by the commission and has received a certificate of satisfactory requalification from the certified program or certified instructor, provided that this division does not apply to any licensee or employee prior to the expiration of eighteen months after the licensee's or employee's completion of the program described in division (A)(1) of this section. A certificate of satisfactory requalification is valid and remains in effect for twelve months from the date of the requalification. (5) If division (A)(4) of this section applies to the licensee or employee, the licensee or employee carries the certificate of satisfactory requalification that then is in effect or any other evidence of requalification issued or provided by the director. (B)(1) The director of public safety shall register an applicant under division (A) of this section who satisfies divisions (A)(1) and (2) of this section, and place a notation on the applicant's identification card indicating that the applicant is a firearm-bearer and the date on which the applicant completed the program described in division (A)(1) of this section. (2) A firearms requalification training program or instructor certified by the commission for the annual requalification of class A, B, or C licensees or employees who are authorized to carry a firearm under section 4749.10 of the Revised Code shall award a certificate of satisfactory requalification to each class A, B, or C licensee or registered employee of a class A, B, or C licensee who satisfactorily requalifies in firearms training. The certificate shall identify the licensee or employee and indicate the date of the requalification. A licensee or employee who receives such a certificate shall submit a copy of it to the director of public safety. A licensee shall submit the copy of the requalification certificate at the same time that the licensee makes application for renewal of the licensee's class A, B, or C license. The director shall keep a record of all copies of requalification certificates the director receives under this division and shall establish a procedure for the updating of identification cards to provide evidence of compliance with the annual requalification requirement. The procedure for the updating of identification cards may provide for the issuance of a new card containing the evidence, the entry of a new notation containing the evidence on the existing card, the issuance of a separate card or paper containing the evidence, or any other procedure determined by the director to be reasonable. Each person who is issued a requalification certificate under this division promptly shall pay to the Ohio peace officer training commission established by section 109.71 of the Revised Code a fee the director determines, not to exceed fifteen dollars, which fee shall be transmitted to the treasurer of state for deposit in the peace officer private security fund established by section 109.78 of the Revised Code. (C) Nothing in this section prohibits a private investigator or a security guard provider from carrying a concealed handgun if the private investigator or security guard provider complies with sections 2923.124 to 2923.1213 of the Revised Code.
Section 4749.11 \| Investigating applicants. Effective: July 1, 2004 Latest Legislation: House Bill 230 - 125th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) The director of public safety may investigate any applicant for a class A, B, or C license, any principal officer or qualifying agent of a corporation who is specified in an application for licensure as satisfying the requirements of divisions (A)(1) and (F)(1) of section 4749.03 of the Revised Code, and any employee of a class A, B, or C licensee who seeks to be registered under section 4749.06 of the Revised Code to determine whether the individual satisfies the applicable requirements for licensure or registration. (B) The director may investigate, on the director's own initiative, the actions or proposed actions of a class A, B, or C licensee, or registered employee of a class A, B, or C licensee to determine whether the person is, has been, or will be in violation of section 4749.13 of the Revised Code. The director shall investigate any of these persons if a verified written complaint is filed indicating that a person has violated, or is or will be violating, section 4749.13 of the Revised Code; the complaint is supported by evidence submitted with it; and the director determines that a prima-facie case exists that a violation of that section is being, has been, or will be committed by the person. (C) The director may investigate, on the director's own initiative, the actions or proposed actions of a person who is not licensed or registered under this chapter and who appears to be acting as a class A, B, or C licensee, or employee of a class A, B, or C licensee. The director shall investigate such a person if a verified written complaint is filed indicating that a person was, is, or will be acting as a class A, B, or C licensee or employee of a class A, B, or C licensee but is not licensed or registered as such under this chapter; the complaint is supported by evidence that is submitted with it; and the director determines that a prima-facie case exists that the person was, is, or will be acting in the alleged manner. (D) In connection with investigations under divisions (B) and (C) of this section, the director may file an action with the court of common pleas of Franklin county or the court of common pleas of the county in which the person who is the subject of the investigation resides, is engaging in actions, or proposing to engage in actions, to obtain an injunction, restraining order, or other appropriate relief. (E) The director may compel by subpoena witnesses to appear and testify in relation to investigations under this chapter and may require by subpoena duces tecum the production of any book, paper, or document pertaining to an investigation. If a person does not comply with a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum, the director may apply to the court of common pleas of Franklin county for an order compelling the person to comply with the subpoena or subpoena duces tecum or, for failure to do so, to be held in contempt of court. (F) If, in an investigation under division (C) of this section, the director determines that a person is not a class A, B, or C licensee, or a registered employee of a class A, B, or C licensee, and that the person was, is, or will be acting in the alleged manner, the director may issue an order to the person to show cause why the person should not be subject to licensing or registration under this chapter. The director shall hold a hearing on the order, and if following the hearing the director determines that the person has engaged, or is or will be engaging, in activities requiring licensure or registration under this chapter, the director may issue a cease and desist order that shall describe the person and the activities that are the subject of it. The cease and desist order is enforceable in and may be appealed to a court of common pleas pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. (G) In any proceeding or action brought under this chapter, the burden of proving an exemption from the licensure requirements of this chapter is on the person claiming the benefit of the exemption.
Section 4749.12 \| Nonresident licenses. Effective: December 29, 2023 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 131 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The director of public safety shall issue a license as a private investigator, security guard provider, or as a private investigator and a security guard provider in accordance with Chapter 4796. of the Revised Code to a person if either of the following applies: (A) The person is licensed as a private investigator, security guard provider, or as a private investigator and a security guard provider in another state. (B) The person has satisfactory work experience, a government certification, or a private certification as described in that chapter as a private investigator, security guard provider, or a private investigator and security guard provider in a state that does not issue that license. Last updated December 29, 2023 at 6:04 AM
Section 4749.13 \| Prohibited acts. Effective: July 1, 2004 Latest Legislation: House Bill 230 - 125th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) No person shall engage in the business of private investigation, the business of security services, or both businesses in this state unless the person is licensed pursuant to this chapter. Each day of continuing violation constitutes a separate offense. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require any employee of a class A, B, or C licensee to obtain a class A, B, or C license, provided that an employee shall be registered by a licensee when required by section 4749.06 of the Revised Code. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require a partner to be a class A, B, or C licensee except as provided in division (A)(3) of section 4749.03 of the Revised Code. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require a director, officer, or qualifying agent of a corporation to individually be a class A, B, or C licensee if the corporation is licensed pursuant to this chapter. (B) No class A, B, or C licensee, or registered employee of a class A, B, or C licensee shall: (1) Knowingly violate any provision of this chapter or any rule of the director of public safety adopted for the administration of this chapter; (2) Knowingly make a false report with respect to any matter with which the licensee or registered employee is employed; (3) Divulge any information acquired from or for a client to persons other than the client or the client's authorized agent without express authorization to do so or unless required by law; (4) Knowingly accept employment which includes obtaining information intended for illegal purposes. (C) No person shall knowingly authorize or permit another person to violate any provision of this chapter or any rule of the director adopted for the administration of this chapter. (D) No person who is not licensed as a class A, B, or C licensee shall advertise that the person is or otherwise hold self out as a class A, B, or C licensee. This division does not prohibit registered employees from indicating in the course of authorized employment for a class A, B, or C licensee that they are authorized to engage in investigatory, security services activities, or both activities.
Section 4749.14 \| Effect of child support default on license. Effective: July 1, 2004 Latest Legislation: House Bill 230 - 125th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF On receipt of a notice pursuant to section 3123.43 of the Revised Code, the director of public safety shall comply with sections 3123.41 to 3123.50 of the Revised Code and any applicable rules adopted under section 3123.63 of the Revised Code with respect to a license issued pursuant to this chapter.
Section 4749.15 \| Compliance with law regarding sanctions for human trafficking. Effective: March 22, 2013 Latest Legislation: House Bill 247 - 129th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF The director of public safety shall comply with section 4776.20 of the Revised Code.
Section 4749.99 \| Penalty. Effective: July 1, 1996 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 2 - 121st General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF (A) Except as otherwise provided in this division, whoever violates division (A) of section 4749.13 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. Whoever violates division (A) of section 4749.13 of the Revised Code and previously has been convicted of one or more violations of division (A) of that section is guilty of a felony of the fifth degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of two or more violations of division (A) of that section, the offender shall be fined ten thousand dollars and also may be imprisoned not more than one year. (B) Whoever violates division (B), (C), or (D) of section 4749.13 of the Revised Code shall be fined not less than one hundred or more than one thousand dollars, imprisoned not more than one year, or both.