TPS Laws and Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702, what is the minimum age requirement to obtain a security officer commission?
- 18 years old (Correct answer)
- 21 years old
- 17 years old
- 19 years old
Correct answer: 18 years old
Texas law requires security officers to be at least 18 years of age to obtain a commission under Chapter 1702.
Texas Occupations Code §1702.221 establishes that applicants for a security officer commission must be at least 18 years of age. This applies to both Class A (commissioned) and Class B (non-commissioned) officers.
Question 2: Which state agency is responsible for regulating private security in Texas?
- Texas Department of Public Safety (Correct answer)
- Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
- Texas Attorney General's Office
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Correct answer: Texas Department of Public Safety
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) through its Private Security Bureau regulates all private security activities in Texas.
The Texas DPS Private Security Bureau administers Chapter 1702 of the Texas Occupations Code. They issue licenses to companies and commissions to individual security officers, investigate complaints, and enforce compliance.
Question 3: A security officer who moonlights as a commissioned officer for a second company without proper authorization is violating which requirement?
- The employer-of-record rule requiring officers to work under a licensed company (Correct answer)
- The overtime restriction in Texas Labor Code
- The dual employment prohibition in Texas Civil Code
- The background check renewal policy
Correct answer: The employer-of-record rule requiring officers to work under a licensed company
All commissioned security officers must be employed by and work under a licensed security company. Working for an unlicensed entity or without proper oversight violates Chapter 1702.
Under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702, security officers must be sponsored by and work under a licensed security company. The company holds vicarious responsibility for the officer's conduct and must maintain accurate employment records with the DPS.
Question 4: What does 37 TAC Chapter 35 govern?
- Private security training and licensing standards (Correct answer)
- Texas law enforcement officer standards
- Firearm carry laws for civilians
- Alarm system installation codes
Correct answer: Private security training and licensing standards
Title 37 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 35 contains the rules for private security licensing, training curricula, and standards administered by the DPS.
37 TAC Chapter 35 is the administrative rule set that implements Chapter 1702 of the Texas Occupations Code. It details training hour requirements, curriculum content, instructor qualifications, and the administrative procedures for licensing and commission.
Question 5: How many hours of Level II security training must a non-commissioned officer complete in Texas?
- 6 hours (Correct answer)
- 8 hours
- 10 hours
- 4 hours
Correct answer: 6 hours
Texas requires a minimum of 6 hours of Level II (non-commissioned) security officer training before an officer can begin working.
Under 37 TAC Chapter 35, non-commissioned (Class B) security officers must complete a minimum of 6 hours of Level II training covering topics such as powers of arrest, emergency procedures, and professional conduct. This training must be provided by a DPS-approved instructor.
Question 6: A private security company's license in Texas is valid for how long before renewal is required?
- 2 years (Correct answer)
- 1 year
- 3 years
- 5 years
Correct answer: 2 years
Company licenses issued under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702 are valid for two years and must be renewed with the DPS.
Texas private security company licenses expire two years from the date of issuance. Companies must submit renewal applications, fees, and updated information to the DPS Private Security Bureau before expiration to continue operating legally.
TPS Laws and Regulations 2
Under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702, what is the minimum age requirement to obtain a security officer commission?