Our standards
How we train and screen officers, how you see their work, and the code every officer follows.
Training and screening
Who we hire, how we check them and how we keep their skills sharp.
What California requires of every officer
In California, security officers are registered by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Every Shepherd officer meets these requirements before working a post.
- Before the guard card is issuedA state background check through Live Scan fingerprinting (California DOJ and FBI), plus 8 hours of training in Powers to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force.
- Within 30 days of registrationAt least 16 hours of required skills training.
- Within 6 months of registrationA total of 32 hours of skills training, bringing the minimum to 40 hours.
- Every year after that8 hours of continuing education, including a refresher on appropriate use of force.
Armed officers
Armed officers must be at least 21, hold a BSIS firearm permit and complete a state-approved firearms course. They requalify on the range four times during each two-year permit, twice a year, and complete a course on the use and avoidance of deadly force before each requalification. Batons and other weapons require their own permits.
Summary of state requirements as of 2026. See bsis.ca.gov for the official rules.
What Shepherd adds
Site orientation
A walk-through of your property, post orders and emergency contacts with a supervisor before an officer's first solo shift.
De-escalation
Calm communication comes first. Force is a last resort, and every use of it is reported.
Report writing
Clear, factual reports you can hand to your insurer, your board or the police.
Customer service
Officers who greet people, give directions and represent your property well.
Workplace violence awareness
How to recognize warning signs and support your workplace violence prevention plan.
Site-specific skills
Fire watch logs, healthcare privacy and event crowd management, depending on the assignment.
How we screen
- We confirm every officer's guard card and any permits on the state license search before each assignment, and track renewal dates.
- We check work history and references.
- Our application never asks about criminal history. Any background check happens only after a conditional job offer, as California's Fair Chance Act requires.
- We hire people with good judgment and a service mindset, then train for the rest.
How we supervise
- Field supervisors visit sites unannounced and check in with officers on every shift.
- A supervisor reviews every daily report before it reaches you.
- Officers who need help get coaching. Officers who don't meet our code of conduct are removed from your site.
- If you want a different officer, just ask. We'll replace them.
Questions about training
Are all Shepherd officers licensed?
Yes. Every officer holds a current BSIS guard card, and armed officers also hold a current BSIS firearm permit. Shepherd itself operates under California PPO License No. 479840.
Do you run background checks?
All officers pass the state fingerprint background check required for a guard card. Shepherd conducts any additional check only after a conditional job offer, following the California Fair Chance Act and local fair chance ordinances.
Can officers be trained for our specific site?
Yes. Every site has written post orders, and we train officers on your procedures, emergency contacts and any special requirements before they work alone.
Technology and reporting
You'll see what we did, when we did it and where.
How it works
1. Checkpoints on your property
We place scannable checkpoints at doors, gates and trouble spots. Officers scan each one on every round, and the GPS location and time are recorded.
2. Incidents logged as they happen
Officers record incidents on their phone with photos. Serious incidents trigger an immediate call or alert to your contacts.
3. A supervisor checks the report
A Shepherd supervisor reviews each shift's report for accuracy and follow-up before it reaches you.
4. You get it every morning
A plain-English daily activity report lands in your inbox, and every report stays available in your client portal.
See a full sample report
This is what a typical overnight report looks like for a Shepherd client. Incident reports include more detail, such as people involved, actions taken and police or fire report numbers.
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 18:00 | Shift start | Officer on duty, uniform and equipment check complete. |
| 18:20 | Patrol round 1 | 8 of 8 checkpoints scanned, GPS verified. |
| 19:45 | Visitor contact | Escorted two contractors to Suite 210; signed in at lobby. |
| 21:04 | Patrol round 2 | 8 of 8 checkpoints scanned, GPS verified. |
| 22:37 | Unsecured door, Building B Photo | East stairwell door found propped open. Closed and secured. No sign of entry. |
| 23:30 | Patrol round 3 | 8 of 8 checkpoints scanned, GPS verified. |
| 01:15 | Alarm response Incident | Motion alarm, Suite 104. Interior checked with property contact on phone. False alarm, dispatch notified. |
| 02:40 | Patrol round 4 | 8 of 8 checkpoints scanned, GPS verified. |
| 03:50 | Maintenance issue Photo | Two light poles out in Lot 2. Reported to property maintenance. |
| 05:10 | Patrol round 5 | 8 of 8 checkpoints scanned, GPS verified. |
| 06:00 | Shift end | Relieved by day officer. Keys and radio handed over. |
What else you get
- Body and dash cameras that create an honest record for you, the public and our officers.
- Incident reports written for insurers, boards and police, with photos attached.
- Trend reviews that show when and where problems happen, so coverage can be adjusted.
- Client portal access for your authorized contacts, set up when service begins.
Questions about reporting
Can I see reports in real time?
Yes. Your client portal shows patrol scans and incidents as they are logged, and serious incidents are reported to you right away by phone or alert.
Who can access our reports?
Only the contacts you authorize. You can add or remove people at any time by contacting your account supervisor.
Do mobile patrol clients get reports too?
Yes. Every patrol visit is GPS-verified and time-stamped, and each visit appears in your daily report with photos when something needs attention.
Officer code of conduct
The standards every Shepherd officer agrees to, published so you know what to expect.
Every Shepherd officer, supervisor and manager agrees to this Code of Conduct as a condition of employment. We publish it so clients, the public and our own team know exactly what to expect.
1. Integrity
- Tell the truth, in person and in every report. Reports must be accurate, complete and written promptly.
- Never accept gifts, payments or favors that could influence how you do your job.
- Report any conflict of interest to a supervisor.
2. Respect for every person
- Treat everyone with courtesy and dignity, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, housing status or any other characteristic.
- Never profile, harass or discriminate.
- Respect people's privacy, and use information gathered on duty only for legitimate security purposes.
3. De-escalation first
- Use calm communication and de-escalation as the first response to conflict.
- Use physical force only as a last resort, only when legally justified, and only to the minimum degree necessary.
- Report every use of force to a supervisor immediately and document it in writing.
- Request medical aid for anyone injured, and contact law enforcement when required.
4. Licensing and readiness
- Carry a valid BSIS Security Guard Registration (guard card) on duty, plus any required firearms or baton permits.
- Carry only equipment you are licensed, trained and authorized to carry.
- Never work while impaired by alcohol, drugs or medication that affects judgment.
- Complete all required training on time, including annual continuing education.
5. Professional presence
- Wear the approved Shepherd uniform with identification visible, and keep it clean and complete.
- Stay alert and at your post or on your patrol route for your full shift.
- Follow site post orders and client policies, and ask a supervisor when unsure.
6. Confidentiality
- Keep client information, security procedures, recordings and reports confidential.
- Release information only as authorized by Shepherd, the client or the law.
- Never post photos, video or details about a client site on social media.
7. Accountability and reporting
- Report any violation of this Code, unsafe condition or misconduct to a supervisor, to management, or through our concern reporting page.
- Shepherd prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith.
- Violations of this Code may result in discipline, up to and including termination, and may be reported to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services when required.
Let's take a look at your property.
The site assessment is free. You'll get a written plan with clear pricing, and you're under no obligation to sign.