Date: January 23, 2003

Attention: ASCIP Members

Subject: Mandated School Security Staff Training Requirements

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California Senate Bill 1626 became effective on July 1, 2000. In accordance with this legislation, persons primarily employed or assigned to duties as school or community college security officers for periods of more than 20 hours per week may not be hired or continue to be employed in that capacity unless they have been background checked, fingerprinted, and have received specific training pursuant to Section 832.2 of the California Penal Code.

California Education Code Section 38001.5.c provides a definition of a "school security officer" and Section 72330.5.c provides a similar definition for community college security employees. Some Districts believe that because they employ personnel designated as "escorts" or as "parking lot monitors" rather than "security officers" they are exempt from these training requirements. Others believe this legislation applies only to contract security guards working on District property through commercial guard services. ASCIP has been asked to comment on these interpretations and to ensure that ASCIP obtained a correct understanding of these requirements, staff contacted the California Department of Education in Sacramento and spoke directly with Mr. Steve Schwendimann, (916) 323-5277, one of the drafters of the original 1998 SB1626 legislation. Mr. Schwendimann affirmed that the intent of the legislation was to ensure that any individual who performed security services as defined in the referenced Education Code sections was trained pursuant to California Penal Code 832.2 and the SB 1626 legislation.

Regardless of job title or if the individual is an employee or contract service provider, anyone who performs security services more than 20 hours per week as a watchperson, security guard, or patrolperson on or about premises owned or operated by a school district to protect persons or property or to prevent the theft or unlawful taking of district property of any kind or to report any unlawful activity to the district and local law enforcement agencies, should meet the SB 1626 training requirements. The duties of a watchperson as utilized in a sample job hazard analysis includes: checking doors and windows to ensure that they are closed and secure, checking premises periodically, preventing entry of any unauthorized persons, investigating unusual circumstances and if necessary contacting local law enforcement, preventing property theft or damage, reporting hazardous conditions to maintenance staff for repair. Under this legislation, sworn police officers and armed security officers who have completed the entire California Penal Code PC 832 training course are exempt from these training requirements.

ASCIP recommends that all educational agencies review their security-related activities and ensure that they have complied with all aspects of SB 1626 legislation. Where PC 832.2 training is required for existing or new hire staff members, it may be performed utilizing internal staff or contract trainers. All training should be provided in a format which follows the California State Bureau of Security and Investigative Services training syllabus.

Reviewed July, 2006