✅ Security & Volunteer Notice for Houses of Worship

• Licensing Requirements:
   
• All individuals performing security guard functions whether paid or volunteer must be licensed through the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS).
   
• Armed Security Personnel:
   
• To carry a firearm in a security role at a house of worship, individuals must:
   
  • Be licensed by BSIS.
     
  • Be employed by a licensed Private Patrol Operator (PPO).
     
  • Obtain a BSIS Exposed Firearm Permit.
     
  • Possess a valid Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit.
     
• CCW Permit Holders:
   
• Holding a CCW permit alone does not authorize an individual to perform security duties while armed at a house of worship.
   
• Such individuals must also be properly licensed and employed as outlined above.
   
• Volunteer Security Teams:
   
• The previous exemption for charitable organizations has been removed.
   
• Volunteer security personnel must now comply with BSIS licensing requirements.
   
• Off-Duty Law Enforcement:
   
• Off-duty law enforcement officers may serve in a security capacity if:
   
  • They are authorized by their department's policies.
     
  • They comply with BSIS regulations applicable to their role.

• All individuals performing security guard functions whether paid or volunteer must be licensed through the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS).
   
• The “charitable exemption” has been removed, meaning:
   
• Churches, temples, mosques, and other houses of worship can no longer use unlicensed volunteers to act in a security role (e.g., standing post, wearing radios, monitoring crowds).
   
• Armed roles:
   
• A person cannot carry a firearm in a security role at a house of worship unless they are:
   
  • A BSIS-licensed security guard with an Exposed Firearm Permit, employed by or contracted through a licensed PPO
     
  • An active-duty law enforcement officer acting within department policy
     
• A CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) permit is not enough to perform security duties while armed CCW holders must still be contracted and licensed properly under BSIS and a PPO if performing armed guard functions.
   
• Churches must now make a choice:
   
• Hire licensed guards through a PPO
   
• Register volunteer guards as Proprietary Private Security Officers (PPSOs) if unarmed
   
• Ensure any armed presence is through proper BSIS and PPO channels

If you currently assist with security duties at a house of worship whether you're paid or volunteering you may fall under California security laws that changed as of January 1, 2025.

This applies to individuals who:

• Carry a firearm while on watch
   
• Monitor entrances or manage access to restricted areas
   
• Respond to disturbances or escort disruptive individuals off-site
   
• Protect clergy or religious leaders
   
• Patrol church property or stand post during services
   
• Escort pastors or staff to and from vehicles or homes
   

If any of this sounds like your role even informally it is strongly advised that you contact BSIS or YourSafetyIsMyMission.com immediately to understand your legal responsibilities and next steps.

❗ Carrying a firearm in a volunteer security role without the proper licensing may lead to serious legal consequences.
Even with a CCW, performing a “security guard function” could put you or your organization at risk if you're not contracted through a licensed PPO or properly registered with the state.
 

We work closely with licensed PPOs and can help houses of worship:

• Understand their options
   
• Get guidance on forming compliant teams
   
• Determine which roles may require licensing or oversight
   

🔎 This is not legal advice it is informational guidance based on public regulatory updates. For accurate, case-specific information, please contact BSIS directly or reach out to us for help navigating the process.