Clarification on Tear Gas and Other Deadly Weapons
Definition of a Tear Gas Weapon
Under California Penal Code (PC) §17240, “tear gas” refers to any liquid, gas, or solid substance designed to cause temporary physical discomfort or potentially permanent injury when dispersed into the air. According to PC §17250(a), a “tear gas weapon” includes any shell, cartridge, or explosive device that, when discharged, releases tear gas. This definition covers a wide range of devices — from pistols and revolvers to fountain pen guns, batons, or any portable or fixed mechanism intended to project or release tear gas.
Carrying Tear Gas as a BSIS Licensee
Certain licensees regulated by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) — such as private investigators, private patrol operators (PPOs), and security guards employed by PPOs — may legally purchase, carry, and transport tear gas weapons. However, this is only permitted if:
- The weapon is used strictly for self-defense during licensed duties.
- The licensee has completed training that meets the requirements of PC §22835.
Anyone who is not licensed under PC §22835 may not own, carry, or use a tear gas weapon that fires a projectile, or any non-aerosol tear gas device containing more than 2.5 ounces net weight (PC §22810).
Pepper Ball Guns and Other Projectile Tear Gas Weapons
Whether a projectile tear gas weapon is legal depends on its design and function. To determine compliance, consider:
- Does the device meet the definition of a tear gas weapon under PC §17250?
- Is it capable of firing other types of projectiles that may be prohibited under California law?
California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Clarification Regarding Tear Gas and Other Deadly Weapons. California Department of Consumer Affairs, 2023. Accessed 29 July 2026. [Clarification Regarding Tear Gas and Other Deadly Weapons]
Private Patrol Operator (PPO) and Qualified Manager Requirements –
Private Patrol Operator (PPO) License Requirements
A Private Patrol Operator (PPO) license allows a person or company to provide security services that protect people, safeguard property, and help prevent theft or other criminal activity. To obtain a PPO license in California, the applicant must pass the required licensing examination and meet several eligibility requirements.
Each individual applicant, partner, or corporate officer must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Complete a criminal background check through both the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
- Pay all Live Scan fingerprinting and background check fees at the time fingerprints are submitted.
- Submit the license application before completing the background check, as required by FBI guidelines.
- Keep a copy of the completed Live Scan form, including the ATI number and the Live Scan operator’s signature, to avoid processing delays.
- Complete a new background check even if fingerprints were previously submitted for another BSIS license, permit, registration, or certificate.
- Have no violations of the Private Security Services Act that could result in license denial, suspension, or revocation.
To apply for a company PPO license, applicants must submit:
- A completed application.
- The required application fee.
- A recent passport-style photograph for each applicant, partner, and corporate officer.
Application Submission Methods
Applications can be submitted in one of two ways:
Online through BreEZe
- BSIS recommends applying online because it bypasses the Cashiering Office and may reduce processing times by as much as two weeks.
By Mail
- Submit all required forms and fees to:
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
P.O. Box 989002
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002
If the company does not already have a BSIS-approved Qualified Manager, additional Qualified Manager application forms must also be submitted.
If you are applying for both a PPO license and Qualified Manager approval at the same time, you do not have to pay an additional Qualified Manager application fee. Likewise, a Qualified Manager who is also an owner, partner, or officer only needs to submit one fingerprint set and pay one fingerprint processing fee.
Insurance Requirements
All licensed Private Patrol Operators are required to maintain commercial general liability insurance as a condition of licensure.
At a minimum, the policy must provide:
- $1,000,000 in coverage per occurrence for bodily injury, death, property damage, or a combination of these claims.
BSIS recommends waiting until the business name has been officially approved before purchasing insurance, since the approved business name must appear on the insurance certificate.
Applicants and licensees must submit a Certificate of Liability Insurance that includes:
- The company name.
- The insurance policy number.
- The effective date and expiration date of coverage.
Qualified Manager Requirements
Every PPO business must designate a Qualified Manager responsible for overseeing daily operations. This person may be:
- The owner,
- A business partner,
- A corporate officer, or
- An employee hired specifically for that role.
Firearms Permit Requirements
Security personnel may not carry a firearm while on duty unless they possess:
- A valid BSIS Firearms Permit, or
- Proof of permit approval from the BSIS website.
It is important to understand that a BSIS Firearms Permit does not authorize concealed carry. To carry a concealed firearm on duty, an individual must also obtain a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit from the appropriate local law enforcement agency.
Additionally, permit holders may only carry the caliber handgun listed on their firearms permit.
Firearms Permit Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Successfully complete BSIS-approved firearms training.
The firearms training course is approximately 14 hours long and includes:
- 8 hours of classroom instruction.
- Approximately 6 hours of range training.
Training topics include:
- Firearms safety.
- Legal and ethical responsibilities.
- Weapon handling.
- Firearms terminology.
- Shooting fundamentals.
- Emergency procedures.
- Range qualification exercises.
The course must be conducted by a BSIS-certified firearms instructor at a BSIS-certified training facility. Applicants must pass both written and range examinations.
In addition, applicants must:
- Submit a firearms permit application.
- Pay all required fees.
- Complete DOJ and FBI criminal background checks.
- Follow all Live Scan procedures and retain a copy of the Live Scan form for their records.
Firearms Permit Submission
Applications and fees must be mailed to:
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
P.O. Box 989002
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002
Firearms Permit Renewal and Requalification
A BSIS firearms permit is valid for two years from the date of issuance.
During that two-year period, permit holders must complete four firearms requalifications:
- Two during the first year.
- Two during the second year.
Each requalification must be completed at least four months apart to maintain permit validity.
Summary
To operate a California security company, an individual must obtain a PPO license, maintain the required liability insurance, and designate a qualified manager to supervise daily operations. Applicants must complete background checks, meet age requirements, submit the appropriate documentation, and comply with BSIS regulations. Those wishing to carry firearms while working must obtain a separate BSIS Firearms Permit and complete ongoing firearms requalification training to remain compliant.