BSIS Power to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force Course Overview
This 8-hour course is mandated by the California Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (BSIS) for individuals seeking a Security Guard Registration (guard card). Completion of this course allows eligible applicants to apply for a guard card, authorizing them to work as unarmed security officers in California.
Course Topics
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Roles and responsibilities of security personnel
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Observation and report writing
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Authority to question
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Arrestable offenses
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Encounters and arrests
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Searching a subject
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Legal standards for use of force
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Civil and criminal liability
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Objectively reasonable force
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Force options
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De-escalation and interpersonal communication
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Implicit and explicit bias
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Mental health awareness
Course Completion Requirements
Students must:
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Attend the full 8-hour course
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Pass a written exam (open-book, 100% passing score required)
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If a student fails, they may review incorrect answers, revisit course material, and retake the exam
Additional Training Requirements
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Complete 32 hours of additional security training:
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16 hours within 30 days
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Remaining 16 hours within 6 months
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Training may be online or in-person
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Complete 8 hours of annual security officer skills training (online or in-person)
Guard Card Application
For more information on the guard card application process, consult the BSIS guard card resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BSIS Power to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force Course?
This 8-hour course is required by the California Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (BSIS) for individuals seeking a Security Guard Registration (guard card). It trains security personnel on arrest authority, use of force, and professional responsibilities.
What topics are covered in the course?
The course covers roles and responsibilities of security personnel, observation and report writing, authority to question, arrestable offenses, encounters and arrests, searching a subject, legal standards for use of force, civil and criminal liability, force options, de-escalation, bias awareness, and mental health.
What are the requirements to complete the course?
Students must attend the full 8 hours and pass an open-book written exam with a 100% passing score. If a student fails, they may review incorrect answers and retake the exam.
Are there additional training requirements to obtain a guard card?
Yes. Applicants must complete 32 hours of additional security training (16 hours within 30 days, remaining 16 within 6 months) and 8 hours of annual security officer skills training. All training can be completed online or in-person.
How do I enroll or get more information?
You can register online for the BSIS Power to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force course. For more information about scheduling, course requirements, or guard card guidance, contact Basic Firearms Training at (916) 718-0976 or email registration@basicfirearmstraining.net.
Can the Powers to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force course be taken online?
The BSIS Powers to Arrest & Appropriate Use of Force course cannot be taken completely online.
State law requires the 5-hour Appropriate Use of Force portion of the class, or Part B of the course, to be taken in-person.
Prospective security professionals may take the 3-hour Powers to Arrest, or Part A, online and complete Part B in-person.
Effective January 1, 2026, state law requires students to complete the entire 8-hour course with the same instructor, whether in-person or a hybrid course with Part A online.
Basic Firearms Training offers both an in-person and a hybrid version of the course.
