Bureau of Security and Investigative Services

Right Column

Chief Johnson's Final Message

Paul Johnson

As I begin my transition into retirement, I would like to highlight a few of the events that took place within the Bureau during 2008.

  • The Bureau held an "Industry" Advisory Committee meeting in May to discuss unlicensed activity and provide Bureau updates.
  • April saw the first of two SB 666 Advisory Committee meetings, in which the Committee began planning for the development of a training curriculum for the Proprietary Private Security Officer. In June, the SB 666 Advisory Committee met again and presented the Bureau with a training curriculum to review and put into proposed regulation. The Bureau heard comments and arguments on November 18, 2008, relative to the training curriculum.
  • The Bureau began the process of rewriting exams currently used by each industry. To date, the Private Patrol Operator’s exam and the Private Investigator’s exam have been completed. The Bureau is currently working with the examination entity PSI, to update their system with the new exams. The new exams should be ready for use by early 2009. Rewriting of the Repossessor Qualified Manager’s exam and Alarm Company Qualified Manager’s exam will begin in early 2009. At this time, a date as to when those exams will be available is unknown.
  • Coming soon...the Bureau is in the process of establishing a link on our Web site which would allow viewing of an Accusation that is filed against a licensee.
  • The passing of AB 2592, led by Assembly Member Fiona Ma, will ensure major changes to the Locksmith Act.
  • Publication of the new brochure "Consumer’s Guide to Repossession Practices," became available in July 2008. The brochure provides answers to common consumer questions regarding repossession, ways to file a complaint against a licensed repossession agency, how to verify a license, and samples of what a valid license issued by BSIS should look like.
  • Additionally, the Bureau is working with multiple agencies, such as the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and local law enforcement agencies, to crack down on unlicensed activity.
  • Bureau staff attended the PACT Summit (Professionals Achieving Consumer Trust) in Los Angeles during the week of November 18, 2008. On November 18, 2008, we held an "Industry" Advisory Committee meeting and the regulatory hearing for SB 666 (Proprietary Security Officer Training Requirements) as part of the PACT Summit agenda.

In closing, I would like to say how honored I am by having served as Chief of this Bureau. I have had the opportunity to work with an exemplary staff and have forged many new friendships. Moreover, the partnership between the Bureau, industries, and law enforcement has continued to strengthen. I am hopeful that those industries licensed and regulated by the Bureau, will continue to strive for and achieve a higher standard.