Choosing a legitimate, properly licensed security company protects you from liability risks, ensures professional service, and guarantees legal compliance. In California, strict regulations govern security providers—but unlicensed companies still operate illegally, exposing clients to serious legal and financial consequences.
Since 1997, Scaife Protection Services (PPO #12958) has maintained full California licensing, insurance, and compliance. This guide shows you exactly how to verify any security company's legitimacy before signing contracts, helping you avoid unlicensed providers that put your property and liability at risk.
Why Security Company Verification Matters
Legal Requirements in California
California Business & Professions Code (sections 7580-7588) requires all security service providers to hold valid Private Patrol Operator (PPO) licenses. Operating without proper licensing is illegal and exposes both the company and their clients to penalties.
Hiring unlicensed security creates these risks:
- Liability Exposure: Your insurance may not cover incidents involving unlicensed guards
- Legal Penalties: Contracting with unlicensed providers can result in fines
- No Accountability: Unlicensed companies lack regulatory oversight
- Inadequate Training: Guards may not meet state training standards
- Insurance Gaps: Unlicensed providers often lack proper insurance coverage
- Background Check Failures: Guards may not undergo required screening
Learn about California security licensing requirements →
How to Verify California PPO License
Step 1: Request PPO License Number
Every legitimate security company must provide their PPO license number upon request. If a company hesitates or refuses to provide this information, consider it a red flag.
Scaife Protection Services PPO #12958
Step 2: Verify License with BSIS
Confirm the license is valid and active through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services:
- Online Verification: Visit the BSIS website license search
- Phone Verification: Call BSIS at (800) 952-5210
- Check License Status: Ensure "Active" status, not expired or suspended
- Verify Company Name: License must match the company name on contracts
- Check Expiration Date: PPO licenses require renewal
Step 3: Verify Individual Guard Licenses
Each security guard must hold a valid Guard Card issued by BSIS. Request copies of guard licenses for personnel assigned to your property.
Guard Card Requirements:
- Valid unexpired BSIS Guard Card
- Photo ID matching the guard
- Armed guards require additional firearms permits
- All cards must be current (2-year renewal cycle)
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Work with a fully licensed, verified security company
License: PPO-12958 | Fully licensed, bonded, and insured
Insurance Verification Checklist
Required Insurance Coverage
California security companies must maintain specific insurance coverages to protect clients from liability:
1. General Liability Insurance
- Minimum $1,000,000 coverage
- Covers property damage and bodily injury
- Must name client as additional insured when required
- Request current certificate of insurance
2. Workers' Compensation Insurance
- Required for all employees in California
- Protects against guard injury claims
- Prevents client liability for injured guards
- Verify coverage is active and current
3. Auto Insurance (if applicable)
- Required for mobile patrol services
- Covers security vehicles and drivers
- Commercial auto policy with proper limits
4. Professional Liability/Errors & Omissions
- Protects against negligence claims
- Coverage for security failures or errors
- Recommended but not always required
How to Verify Insurance
- Request Certificates: Ask for current insurance certificates before signing contracts
- Verify Carrier: Confirm insurance company is legitimate and rated
- Check Coverage Dates: Ensure policies are active and not expired
- Confirm Limits: Verify coverage meets or exceeds minimum requirements
- Additional Insured: Request to be named as additional insured if needed
Red Flags to Avoid
Warning Signs of Unlicensed or Unprofessional Companies
🚩 Cannot Provide PPO License Number
Legitimate companies readily provide licensing information. Hesitation or excuses indicate unlicensed operation.
🚩 Prices Significantly Below Market
Rates under $20/hour often indicate corner-cutting on licensing, insurance, training, or wages. Professional security has real costs.
🚩 No Written Contracts or Vague Terms
Professional companies provide detailed written agreements. Verbal-only arrangements or vague contracts create risks.
🚩 Unwilling to Provide Insurance Certificates
Refusal to share insurance documentation suggests inadequate or non-existent coverage.
🚩 Guards Without Visible Identification
California law requires guards to wear visible identification. Lack of proper ID suggests non-compliance.
🚩 No Physical Business Address
Legitimate companies have verifiable business locations. P.O. boxes or residential addresses raise concerns.
🚩 Poor or No Online Presence
Established security companies maintain professional websites and online reputations. Absence suggests lack of legitimacy.
🚩 Pressure Tactics or Rush to Sign
Professional companies allow time for due diligence. High-pressure sales tactics indicate questionable practices.
Questions to Ask Security Companies
Licensing and Credentials
- What is your PPO license number? (Should provide immediately)
- How long have you been licensed in California?
- Can you provide copies of all licenses and insurance?
- Are all your guards properly licensed with BSIS?
- Do you have armed guard permits if providing armed security?
Experience and References
- How many years have you been in business?
- Can you provide references from similar clients?
- What experience do you have in my industry?
- Who will be my primary contact for management?
Guard Qualifications
- What screening do guards undergo?
- What training do guards receive beyond state requirements?
- How do you supervise guards in the field?
- What is your guard retention rate?
Operations and Service
- How quickly can you deploy guards?
- What happens if a guard calls out sick?
- What reporting and technology do you provide?
- How do you handle emergency situations?
Download our complete Questions to Ask Your Security Provider checklist for comprehensive vetting.
Security Provider Evaluation Checklist
Company Verification Steps
Use this checklist before hiring any security company:
☐ PPO License Verified
- License number: _________________
- Verified with BSIS: Yes / No
- License status: Active / Expired
- Expiration date: _________________
☐ Insurance Certificates Received
- General Liability ($1M minimum): Yes / No
- Workers' Compensation: Yes / No
- Auto Insurance (if applicable): Yes / No
- Certificates reviewed and verified: Yes / No
☐ Guard Qualifications Confirmed
- Valid Guard Cards for assigned personnel: Yes / No
- Background check process explained: Yes / No
- Training program reviewed: Yes / No
- Firearms permits (if armed): Yes / No
☐ Company Credibility Checked
- Years in business verified: _________
- References checked: Yes / No
- Online reviews researched: Yes / No
- Physical business location verified: Yes / No
☐ Contract Terms Reviewed
- Written contract provided: Yes / No
- Services clearly defined: Yes / No
- Pricing transparent and detailed: Yes / No
- Cancellation terms acceptable: Yes / No
How Scaife Protection Services Demonstrates Legitimacy
Full Transparency and Documentation
We provide complete verification documentation upfront:
- PPO License #12958: Active California Private Patrol Operator license since 1997
- Insurance Certificates: $1,000,000 general liability, workers' comp, auto insurance
- Guard Licensing: All personnel maintain current BSIS Guard Cards
- Armed Guard Permits: Firearms qualifications for all armed security guards
- Business Location: Physical office at 4320 Marine Avenue, Suite 804, Lawndale, CA 90260
27 Years of Verified Experience
Since 1997, we've maintained continuous licensing and provided security services throughout Los Angeles County:
Client References Available
We provide verified client references upon request, including:
- Temple Menorah - Educational facility security since 2021
- United Pacific Oil - Multi-location security since 2021
- Dutch Bros., Inc. - Retail security since 2022
- Multiple construction, warehouse, and commercial clients
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a security company's PPO license in California?
Visit the BSIS website or call (800) 952-5210 to verify PPO licenses. Request the company's license number and confirm it's active with matching business name.
What insurance should a security company have?
Minimum $1,000,000 general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and auto insurance if providing mobile patrol. Request current certificates before signing contracts.
Can individual security guards work independently in California?
No. Guards cannot contract services independently. They must be employed by a licensed PPO company. Any guard claiming to work independently is operating illegally.
What's the difference between a Guard Card and PPO license?
Guard Cards license individual guards to work in security. PPO licenses authorize companies to provide security services. Both are required—companies need PPO licenses, guards need Guard Cards.
How can I check if security guards are properly licensed?
Request copies of BSIS Guard Cards for assigned personnel. Verify cards are current, match the guard's photo ID, and haven't expired (2-year renewal cycle).
What should I do if I discover my security company is unlicensed?
Immediately terminate the contract and report the violation to BSIS. Hire a licensed replacement to avoid liability exposure. Learn how to hire legitimate security guards →
Are there different license requirements for armed vs. unarmed guards?
Yes. Armed guards require BSIS Guard Cards plus Bureau-approved firearms permits. Companies providing armed guards need additional licensing and insurance.
⚠️ Verify Before You Hire
Don't risk your property and liability with unlicensed security providers. Download our free Security Provider Evaluation Checklist to verify any company's legitimacy before signing contracts. Call (323) 786-8140 for your copy.
Work with a Verified, Licensed Security Company
Protect yourself from liability and ensure professional service by choosing a fully licensed, insured security company. Scaife Protection Services maintains complete California compliance with 27 years of verified experience protecting Los Angeles properties.
Our Verifiable Credentials:
- California PPO License #12958 (active since 1997)
- $1,000,000 general liability insurance
- Workers' compensation coverage
- All guards BSIS licensed and background-checked
- Armed guards fully permitted and qualified
- Physical business location in Lawndale, CA
Contact Scaife Protection Services:
✓ Fully Licensed & Verified
PPO #12958 | 27 years in business | $1,000,000 insured | All documentation provided upfront. No surprises, no risks—just professional, legal security service. Call (323) 786-8140 to verify our credentials.