What must the PPO verify when hiring an officer?

The requirement for the PPO (Private Patrol Operator) to verify that the guard card is current and maintain a copy in the employee file is critical for compliance with California law governing private security personnel. A guard card demonstrates that the security officer has completed the necessary training and background checks mandated by the state to legally work in a security capacity. Keeping this documentation in the employee file ensures that the PPO can substantiate the qualifications of their officers, which is essential during inspections or audits by regulatory agencies.

Additional factors, such as previous experience, a valid driver's license, or training completion, may be relevant to an officer's overall qualifications but do not carry the same legal requirement as maintaining an up-to-date guard card. Therefore, while these other aspects can enhance the profile of a security officer, verifying the guard card's validity is the mandatory step that legally qualifies them to perform their duties in California. This is crucial for ensuring both compliance and accountability within the security industry.