IDFPR Enforcement of Laws and Regulations for Detectives, Alarm and Security Contractors, Fingerprint Vendors & Locksmiths

The primary statute that applies to detectives, alarm and security contractors, fingerprint vendors, and locksmiths is the Illinois Private Detective, Private Alarm, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act. There are also administrative regulations applicable to these professions. The law and regulations include:

• Licensing standards and requirements
• Standards of practice
• Education requirements and standards
• Disciplinary action for violations of laws and regulations

The government has declared that the practice of these professions should be regulated for the protection of the public. Only qualified persons who meet specific requirements are permitted to practice in these professions in Illinois. IDFPR offers a number of licenses in these areas:

Detective Professions

• Licensed Private Detective
• Licensed Private Detective Agency
• Licensed Private Detective Agency Branch Office
• Approved Training Course School
• Firearm Control Card (FCC)
• Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC)
• Firearm Instructor
• Approved 20-Hour Basic Training Program
• Approved Basic 40-Hour Firearm Training Course

Alarm Professions

• Licensed Private Alarm Contractor
• Licensed Private Alarm Contractor Agency
• Licensed Private Alarm Contractor Agency Branch Office
• Firearm Control Card (FCC)
• Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC)
• Firearm Instructor
• Approved 20-Hour Basic Training Program
• Approved Basic 40-Hour Firearm Training Course

Security Professions

• Firearm Control Card (FCC)
• Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC)
• Firearm Instructor
• Approved 20-Hour Basic Training Program
• Approved Basic 40-Hour Firearm Training Course

Fingerprint Vendor Professions

• Fingerprint Vendor
• Fingerprint Vendor Agency
• Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC)
• Approved 20-Hour Basic Training Program

Locksmith Professions

• Licensed Locksmith
• Licensed Locksmith Agency
• Licensed Locksmith Agency Branch Office
• Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC)
• Approved 20-Hour Basic Training Program

When Can a Detective, Alarm or Security Contractor, Fingerprint Vendor, or Locksmith Lose His or Her License — or Face Professional Discipline — in Illinois?

The Illinois Private Detective, Private Alarm, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act contains numerous types of conduct that can warrant disciplinary action. Examples of issues that are regulated by Act and the corresponding administrative rules include:

• Misrepresentation, deception, or fraud in obtaining or renewing a license or registration;
• Poor standards of service evidencing professional incompetence;
• Unprofessional, dishonorable, or unethical conduct likely to defraud, deceive, or harm the public;
• Conviction of a felony or certain misdemeanors or entry of certain administrative sanctions by any jurisdiction;
• Performing services or permitting employees to perform services in a grossly negligent manner;
• Continuing to practice when unfit to do so on account of physical or mental illness or impairment or habitual or excessive use or abuse of alcohol or drugs;
• Receiving compensation for services not rendered;
• Material and willful deceit or fraud of the public;
• Failing to remit or account for money or documents belonging to another person or entity;
• Discipline by another jurisdiction that is substantially similar to grounds for discipline under the Act;
• Giving differential treatment to a person’s detriment on account of race, color, creed, sex, religion, or national origin;
• Making false or misleading advertising;
• Performing or charging for unauthorized services;
• Offering or accepting a benefit from an employee, agent, or fiduciary of an employer, with the intention of influencing the employee’s, agent’s, or fiduciary’s conduct in relation to the employer’s affairs;
• Revealing confidential information protected by law;
• Failure to provide documentation or information requested by IDFPR;
• For a firearm cardholder: having more firearms in his or her possession than he or she can reasonably exercise control over;
• Failure to submit to IDFPR a required report relating to a legal settlement or verdict.