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Code of conduct
The Code of Conduct, implemented under Regulation 54A(5) of the Security and Related Activities (Control) Regulations (gazetted on 24 December 2010) is now enforceable commencing 3 January 2011 and any breach is actionable under 67(1a)(d) of the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996.
All new security applicants are required to endorse a copy of the Code of Conduct acknowledging the content.
Existing licence holders will be required to endorse a copy of the Code of Conduct at the time of their renewal.
A copy of the signed document is to be retained at Licensing Services (Security). No faxes will be accepted. Alternatively, you can email to LicensingServicesSecurity@police.wa.gov.au a scanned signed copy.
WA Security Industry Code of Conduct (PDF 77Kb, opens in a new window)
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Baton and firearm endorsements
Security Officers may be approved to carry firearms or batons only when endorsed to do so.
Without a specific licence endorsement, no weapons are to be carried by a Security Officer while he or she is performing licensed activities.
Security Officers may not carry any other weapon at any other time.
Endorsement/Permit Applications:
Section 24 Firearm Endorsement 
Section 24 of the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act provides for a security officer's licence to be endorsed for carriage of a firearm while escorting money or articles of value, or for standing guard at an automatic teller machine while it is malfunctioning or is being repaired or serviced.
To apply for a Section 24 Firearm Endorsement:
- Before making a licence application, you must complete and obtain a training certificate with an approved registered training organisation.
- Complete firearm training with an approved registered training organisation and obtain a Firearm Training Endorsement certificate.
- Obtain a Letter of Intent from a Security Agent who holds a Corporate Firearm Licence, stating that you are required to carry a firearm as part of your Security Officer duties. Letter of Intent must stipulate type of firearm to be carried (ie. revolver or semi-automatic). If you work for more than one Security Agent, you need a Letter of Intent from each Agent for whom you wish to be endorsed to carry a firearm.
- Obtain a medical certificate from a medical practitioner that states:
- that in the opinion of the Medical Practitioner, the person is physically and psychologically fit to be in possession of a firearm/baton;
- that the examination included the person's hearing and eyesight; and
- a statement from the Medical Practitioner as to the period of time the Medical Practitioner has known the person.
- Complete the Firearms and Batons Endorsement application form. Sign the form at Licensing Services (Security) or at the local police station for applicants residing outside 50km of the General Post Office in Perth.
- Take all the above documentation to Licensing Services (Security), Ground Floor, 297 Hay Street, East Perth or for country applicants, your local police station.
- You will need to provide a set of fingerprints if you have not previously done so.
- Pay the licence application fee.
Licensing Services (Security) will conduct a criminal history check and your application will be considered by the Licensing Officer. If your application is successful, your licence will be endorsed permitting you to carry a firearm on behalf of the named Agent/s while carrying out authorised duties.
Extension to another Security Agent
If you wish to extend your firearm endorsement to another Security Agent, you must provide a Letter of Intent from that Agent stating that you are required to carry a firearm as part of your Security Officer duties.
Renewal of Firearms Endorsements
To maintain your endorsement to carry firearms, you must:
- Complete firearms refresher training every six months. The Re-qualification of Firearm Training form will be completed by the approved registered training provider and you must forward it to Licensing Services (Security).
- Provide Licensing Services (Security) with a medical certificate from a medical practitioner every 12 months. Note that the certificate is to include physical and psychological fitness to carry a firearm, inclusion of hearing and eyesight tests and a statement indicating the period of time the medical practitioner had known the applicant.
Section 25 Firearm Permit
Section 25 of the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act provides for the issue of a permit to a security officer authorising that officer to be in possession of a firearm for a specified period at a specified place while guarding or protecting articles of value other than during an escort.
NOTE: Section 25 only applies to applications for endorsement to carry a firearm for a particular occasion.
To apply for a Section 25 Firearm Permit:
- Complete the Section 25 Firearm Permit Application form.
- Take your application, in person, to Licensing Services (Security), 297 Hay Street, East Perth (or local policestation for applicants residing outside 50km of the General Post Office in Perth).
- Pay the licence application fee.
The Licensing Officer will consider the application and if approved, a Section 25 Permit will be issued.
Please note:
- The application should be made by a Security Agent.
- The Section 25 Permit is issued to a particular Security Officer. It cannot be transferred to another officer. If there is a need to change the officer who will be conducting the duties, a new application must be made.
- The Security Officer named must be already endorsed under Section 24 to carry a firearm for the Agent making the application.
Security Agents seeking to make application for a Section 25 Permit pursuant to the Security and related Activities (Control) Act 1996, please note the following guidelines.
Guidelines for Section 25 Firearm Applications
Section 25 of the Security & Related Activities (Control) Act allows for the Licensing Officer to issue a permit for an armed Security Officer to conduct armed static guard duties. This is opposed to armed security officers conducting escorts in accordance with Section 24 of the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996.
The following guidelines are to be addressed by Security Agents/Officers seeking a Section 25 permit. This is to ensure that an appropriate risk assessment is conducted by the Security Agent/Officer prior to the application being made and that this assessment is included in the application.
Please provide this detail to the Licensing officer to consider at least three (3) clear working days prior to the event / function commencing.
Risk assessment is to include:
- Security Officer's details to which this application relates.
- Security Agent supplying the Security Officers.
- Details of person/organisation being supplied the service.
- Address where service required. (Include scale map of the premises and access/route(s)
- Type of construction of building containing armed officer(s).
- Purpose of armed static security officers. (Be specific)
- Exact position and location of the armed security officer(s). (Include in scale map)
- Times and date(s) where armed security officers required.
- Means of obtaining and carrying money/articles of value into the premises. (Be specific regarding pickup strategy and where and how the items will be carried by the officer(s).
- Will members of the public or non-security personnel have access to the location? Yes / No and estimated number
- What is the proximity of public and non-security personnel to armed security officers?
- How is the money/articles of value being secured?
- Approximate value of money/articles of value being guarded.
- Type of firearm for use by security officers. (Include make and serial number)
- Other security measures taken to supplement armed security officers.
- Circumstances that require Security Officers to be armed. (Be comprehensive)
- Why the activity is not suitable for an unarmed security officer.
- Security strategies in the event of an armed challenge/robbery attempt. (Be comprehensive).
- Any other comments or submissions for consideration by the Licensing Officer.
Guidelines for Section 26 Baton Endorsement
Section 26 of the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act provides for a security officer's licence to be endorsed to permit the carriage of a baton while engaged in activities authorised by the licence.
To apply for a Baton Endorsement:
- Complete Baton Training (Control Person Using Baton) with an approved registered training provider and obtain a Baton Certificate.
- Obtain a letter of intent from a Security Agent stating that you are required to carry a baton as part of your Security Officer duties. If you work for more than one Security Agent, you need a Letter of Intent from each Agent for whom you wish to be endorsed to carry a baton.
- Complete the Firearms and Batons Endorsement application form. Sign the form at Licensing Services (Security) or at the local police station for applicants residing outside 50km of the General Post Office in Perth.
- Take all the above documentation to Licensing Services (Security), Ground Floor, 297 Hay Street, East Perth or for country applicants, your local police station).
- You will need to provide a set of fingerprints if you have not previously done so.
- Pay the licence application fee.
Licensing Services (Security) will conduct a criminal history check and your application will be considered by the Licensing Officer. If your application is successful, your licence will be endorsed permitting you to carry a baton on behalf of the named Agent(s) while carrying out authorised duties.
Extensions
If you wish to extend your baton endorsement to another Security Agent, you must provide a Letter of Intent from that Agent stating that you are required to carry a baton as part of your Security Officer duties.
Renewal of Batons Endorsement
To maintain your endorsement to carry a baton, you must:
- Complete baton refresher training every six months. The approved training provider will supply a Baton Certificate which you must forward to Licensing Services (Security).
Criminal convictions or findings of guilt/disqualifying offences
A "disqualifying offence" is a finding of guilt for a prescribed offence which prohibits a person from holding any security related licence for a defined period (prohibited person).
Disqualifying offences include (but are not limited to) offences involving:
- Assault or violence
- Theft or dishonesty
- Drugs
- Prohibited or controlled weapons
Individuals with a criminal conviction (whether spent or not) or finding of guilt recorded against them since 1996 may be ineligible to work in the security industry in Western Australia.
Before enrolling in a security course with a registered training organisation, you may wish to contact Licensing Services (Security) to ascertain whether you are eligible to be issued with a licence to work in the security industry.
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Change of address
Under Section 77 of the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996, where a licence holder changes his/her place of residence, the licence holder must give to the Commissioner written notice of the address of the new place of residence not later than 14 days after the change occurs. To notify the Commissioner, email LicensingServicesSecurity@police.wa.gov.au with full name, date of birth, licence number, old address and new address.
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Refund policy
There is no refund if your application is withdrawn or refused.
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Payment of fees
Licensing Services (Security) accept cash, cheques, money orders, EFTPOS and credit card payments. Note that credit card payments cannot be accepted over the telephone. Cheques and money orders are to be made payable to The Commissioner of Police.
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Fingerprints and palm prints
In compliance with Section 48 of the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996, if a following person has not previously had his/her fingerprints and palm prints taken, or if such prints previously taken under this section have been destroyed at the person's election, he/she is to attend at a place and there, have his/her fingerprints and palm prints taken by a member of the police force or an officer of the department:
- A person who has applied for a licence; or
- A person who has applied for:
- the renewal of a licence
- a permit under Section 25 (Firearm Permit)
- an endorsement under Section 24 or 26 (Firearm and Baton Endorsement)
Refusal to provide fingerprints renders you ineligible to hold a licence in the security industry in Western Australia.
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Processing time for applications/renewals
Processing time for an application may take up to 15 working days due to the thorough and intense criminal history check process. All applicants must allow at least 20 working days from the date of lodgement before enquiring on the progress of an application.
You can assist with the processing time by ensuring you complete your application form fully, sign the declaration, have it witnessed and ensure that all required supporting documents are supplied.
Applications that are not completed correctly or missing supporting documentation will be returned or you will be contacted to address the issue. This will delay the processing time of your application.
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Renewal of licences
A renewal notice will be sent out to license holders 56 days prior to expiry date of the licence. Please advise Licensing Services (Security) of any change of address to ensure you receive your renewal form. It is however, the responsibility of the license holder to ensure his/her licence is renewed. Applications for the renewal of a licence are to be made at Licensing Services (Security) no later than 28 days before the day on which the licence is due to expire.
To apply for renewal of a licence:
- Complete the Application to Renew a Licence form.
- You will need to provide the following supporting documents:
- Four (4) passport size photographs (head and shoulders only on white background)
- Current first aid certificate (Security Officer, Crowd Controller and Security Bodyguard only)
- Certificate of Currency for Public Liability (Security Agent and Crowd Controller Agent only)
- Current letter from accountant (Agents only)
- Code of Conduct: If you have not previously endorsed the Code of Conduct, you are now required under Regulation 54A(5) of the Regulations to endorse a copy acknowledging the content and your understanding of the Code of Practice. (Refer to Code of Conduct)
- Renewal fees
- Fingerprints: If you have not previously provided your fingerprints to Licensing Services (Security), you are now required under Section 48 of the Act to supply your fingerprints. Refusal to provide fingerprints renders you ineligible to hold a licence in the security industry in Western Australia. Please note a fee of $98.00 applies to have your fingerprints taken. Fingerprints can be taken at Licensing Services (Security), 297 Hay Street, East Perth or for residents outside 50km of the General Post Office at Perth, at the nearest police station.
- Renewals can also be made via post unless you are required to have your fingerprints taken.
- If applying in person, take your application and supporting documents to Licensing Services (Security), Ground Floor, 297 Hay Street, East Perth or for applicants residing outside 50km of the General Post Office in Perth, your nearest police station.
- Pay the licence application fee. Do not send cash through the post. Cheques should be made payable to The Commissioner of Police.
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Temporary licences
A person who ordinarily resides in another State or Territory may apply, in accordance with Section 46, for a temporary licence to carry out work in Western Australia in the following capacity:
- crowd controller
- investigator
- security bodyguard
- security consultant
- security officer
- security installer
- agent (security, crowd controller, enquiry).
A temporary licence is for the holder of an equivalent current licence in another Australian jurisdiction and is only issued for a specific event or function.
A temporary licence is to be granted for such period of time of not more than one year as is specified in the licence and is not renewable.
Temporary licences with firearm and baton endorsements are issued on the condition that the company employing the licence holder conduct an induction on relevant Western Australia laws in relation to possession and use of firearms and batons in Western Australia.
Please note: Temporary licences for Agent Licences
- Prior to applying for a temporary agent licence, the applicant is required to undergo a written test to demonstrate his/her knowledge and understanding of the obligations placed on them by the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996 and the Security and Related Activities (Control) Regulations 1997. This pre-licence test covers all aspects of the Agent's responsibilities under the Act including records maintenance, licence conditions and required reporting. A minimum score of 80% is required to successfully pass this test.
- Holders of Agent licences are not permitted to perform the duties of the other licence classes. Agent licence holders are only permitted to supply the services of holders of other licences.
- Agents have obligations placed on them by the Act to maintain particular records and communicate information to the Commissioner of Police.
To apply for a temporary licence:
- Complete the Application for a Temporary Licence – Security Activities form and if applicable, the Firearms and Batons Endorsement Application form.
- You will need to provide the following supporting documents:
- Four (4) passport size photographs (head and shoulders only on white background)
- Current State or Territory's security licence and identification card
- If applicable, documents to support that the applicant has a current firearm endorsement and that their training is current
- Proof of photographic identification (eg current motor drivers licence or passport)
- Letter of Intent (one letter for each application and each letter to identify the applicant)
- If applicable, letter of intent from agent stating why temporary licence is required, the type of duties to be performed and that a firearm is required.
- Code of Conduct (signed and dated). This document can be downloaded from our website.
All above forms are to be completed and witnessed by a Justice of the Peace or a police officer.
- Application for this type of licence and supporting documents can only be lodged and processed at Licensing Services (Security), Ground Floor, 297 Hay Street, East Perth.
- Pay the licence application fee.
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Mutual recognition based applications
Individuals who hold any of the following current licences in another Australian State or Territory can apply for the equivalent licence in Western Australia under mutual recognition basis:
- crowd controller
- investigator
- security bodyguard
- security consultant
- security officer
- security installer
Note that probationary (provisional) licences and agent licences are not eligible for mutual recognition in Western Australia.
All applications submitted under mutual recognition basis must be lodged personally at Licensing Services (Security), Ground Floor, 297 Hay Street, East Perth WA 6004.
To apply for a licence under mutual recognition basis:
- Complete the CF2 Application for a Licence form and if applicable, the Firearms and Batons Endorsement Application form. Sign the CF2 Application for a Licence form at the Licensing Services (Security) front counter. The Customer Service Officer (CSO) will witness your signature.
- The CSO will provide, and you will have to complete and sign a statutory declaration form.
- The CSO will provide, and you will have to read and endorse a Code of Conduct document.
- You will need to advise the CSO the name of the Registered Training Organisation where you had obtained your certificate.
- You will need to provide the following supporting documents:
- Four (4) passport size photographs (head and shoulders only on white background)
- Current State or Territory's security licence/s and identification card/s (original and copy)
- Current First Aid Certificate (Security Officer / Security Bodyguard / Crowd controller only)
- If applicable, documents to support that the applicant has a current firearm and/or baton endorsement and that their training is current
- If applicable, letter of intent from company stating the type of duties to be performed and that a firearm and/or baton is required
- Proof of photographic identification (original and copy): birth certificate or passport (must not be expired for more than 2 years) AND drivers licence with photograph
- Pay the licence application fee.
An interim (3 month period) WA equivalent security licence/s will be issued on the same day of your application. Once your originating state/territory has confirmed the validity of your current licence, your full 1 or 3 year licence will be posted to you.
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Proof of age and identity
To work as a security officer, security bodyguard, crowd controller or agent in Western Australia, you must be 18 years of age or older. All licence applications require the applicant to produce sufficient identification.
Section 47 (1)(a) of the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act states that an application for the issue of a licence is to consist of the original or a certified copy of:
- two documents referred to in items 1 to 6 in Category 1; or
- one document referred to in items 1 to 6 (Category 1) and two documents referred to in items 7 to 10 (Category 2).
Category 1
- A current motor driver's licence bearing the name, date of birth and photograph of the applicant that has been issued under a law of the Commonwealth or a State or Territory.
- A current passport or a passport that has not been expired for more than 2 years, bearing the name, date of birth and photograph of the applicant.
- A proof of age card bearing the name, date of birth and photograph of the applicant that has been issued under the Liquor Control Regulations 1989 regulation 18B.
- An identification card (other than a card referred to in item 3) bearing the name, date of birth and photograph of the applicant that has been issued by an agency of the Commonwealth or a State or Territory to provide evidence of the person's name and age.
- A birth certificate bearing the name and date of birth of the applicant issued under a law of the Commonwealth or a State or Territory.
- A diplomatic document bearing the name, date of birth and a photograph of the applicant that has been issued by a government agency to provide evidence of the person's legal entitlement to enter Australia.
Category 2
- A current licence (other than a motor driver's licence) or current permit bearing the name of the applicant that has been issued under a law of the Commonwealth or a State or Territory.
- A current identity card or licence bearing the name and date of birth of the applicant that has been issued by a government agency outside Australia.
- An identification card bearing the name of the applicant that has been issued by an agency of the Commonwealth or a State or Territory to provide evidence of the person's entitlement to a health benefit or pensioner concession.
- An identification card bearing the name of the applicant that has been issued within the last 5 years by an Australian Educational Institution.
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Character references
Section 47 (1)(c) states that an application for the issue of a licence, other than a temporary licence or a mutual recognition based licence application, is to be accompanied by testimonials as to the applicant's character from 2 different people.
Character Suitability Reference form (PDF 45KB, opens in a new window)
Please note:
- Character references CANNOT be from a current serving police officer or a family member by birth or marriage (includes defacto/partner).
- The referee must personally know the applicant for the whole of the 5 year period before the date of the licence application.
- The reference are to be completed in the author's own handwriting.
- The reference cannot be dated more than 2 years from the date of the licence application.
- The reference needs to be about your character, not your work history. The referee must have knowledge of the applicant's character. In the character reference, the referee must explain how he/she knows the applicant, the nature of their relationship (eg but not limited to: personal, professional, family connections) and how that enables the referee to attest to the applicant's suitability to hold a private security licence in Western Australia. Bear in mind that electronic knowledge such as email and chat rooms on the internet is not sufficient knowledge.
- The referee is accountable for what is written. Contact details (address and phone numbers) must be supplied and the character reference dated and signed. You are likely to be contacted by police to verify your statements.
- Without all original documentation, the application will not be accepted and processed.
Bear in mind that if you do sign a character reference, you may be called upon to stand by this statement in an Australian Court and you may be prosecuted if you provide any false or misleading information.
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Applicants who were born overseas
If you have not been a resident of Australia for the whole 5 year period, or if you are an Australian resident and you have spent more than 12 consecutive months outside of Australia in the past 5 years prior to lodging your application, you must supply a national Police Clearance Certificate or its equivalent from your country of origin or the countries you have resided in to prove you have no criminal record.
Note that Police Clearance certificates issued at a village or town or by the District Superintendent are unacceptable as they do not cover the whole of the country. Police Clearance certificates issued through the High Commissions, Consulates or Embassies will be accepted.
For information on Consulates in Perth, click the following link: Consulates - Google Search
Pre-licence tests
Agent Licence
Applicants for the following security Agent licences must demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the obligations placed on them by the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996 and the Security and Related Activities (Control) Regulations 1997 by successfully completing a pre-licence test based upon the Act and Regulations.
- Security Agent
- Crowd Controller Agent
- Inquiry Agent
This pre-licence test covers all aspects of the Agent’s responsibilities under the Act including records maintenance, licence conditions and required reporting. This is an open book test and a score of 100% is required to pass. If you fail the test, you cannot re-sit it the same day. Please note: we do NOT provide copies of the Act or Regulations for use during the test.
Security Consultant Licence
Applicants for a Security Consultant’s licence must complete a pre-licence test if they wish to, for remuneration, investigate or advise of matters relating to safes, vaults, locks of a kind, security alarms, closed circuit televisions and security doors.
Security consultant licences are divided into 4 classes:
- Class 1: Consult in safes, vaults and locks of a kind prescribed in Regulation 6. No pre-licence test or trade certificate is required.
- Class 2: Consult in security alarms, CCTV for security purposes, equipment and devices prescribed in Regulation 8. A pre-licence test based on AS2201.1 for alarms and AS4806 for CCTV must be completed with a minimum of 80% to pass the test.
- Class 3: Consult in security doors as prescribed in Regulation 7. A pre-licence test based on AS5040 must be completed with a minimum of 80% to pass the test.
- Class 4: Consult in matters relating to watching, guarding and protecting of property. No pre-licence test. Must have completed an approved training course (Certificate IV in Security Risk Management) prior to lodging an application.
Security Installer Licence
Applicants for a Security Installer licence must complete a pre-licence test if they wish to install, maintain and repair security alarms, security doors, safes and vaults.
Security installer licences are divided into 4 classes and the tests are based on:
- Class 1: Install, maintain and repair safes, vaults and locks of a kind prescribed in Regulation 6. Must be a trade qualified Locksmith to obtain this licence.
- Class 2: Install, maintain and repair security alarms, CCTV for security purposes, equipment and devices prescribed in Regulation 8. A pre-licence test based on AS2201.1 for alarms and AS4806 for CCTV must be completed with a minimum of 80% to pass the test.
- Class 3: Install, maintain and repair security doors as prescribed in Regulation 7. A pre-licence test based on AS5040 must be completed with a minimum of 80% to pass the test.
- Install only locks of a kind prescribed in Regulation 6 - no pre-licence test or trade certificate is required. OR, maintain or repair locks of a kind prescribed in Regulation 6, a trade qualified locksmith certificate is required to obtain this licence.
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Training
Applicants for the following licences must complete an approved training course with an approved training provider prior to lodging an application:
- Security Officer
- Security Officer cash in transit
- Security Officer guarding with a dog
- Security Bodyguard
- Security Officer monitoring station
- Crowd Controller
- Investigator
- Consultant advising on watching guarding and protection of property.
If the training provider is not listed as approved your training qualifications might not be accepted.
Before enrolling in a security course if you have any criminal convictions, you should contact Police Licensing Services (Security and Probity) on (08) 9223 7000 to ascertain whether you are eligible to be issued with a licence to work within the security industry.
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