Can I get a security licence with a Criminal Record?

Can I get a security licence with a Criminal Record?

Are you looking for work in a security related industry or are already working in the field?

Gaining or maintaining a position in a security related field will require that you are in possession of a valid security licence. A number of jobs require a valid security licence including

• Security guard
• Crowd controller
• Bodyguard
• Security technician

Can I get a get a security licence if I have a criminal record in NSW?

In NSW, security licences are administered by the security licensing and enforcement directorate branch of the NSW police force. In NSW there are certain mandatory requirements that the security licensing and enforcement directorate branch must adhere to when determining whether to grant an individual a security licence.

If a person is convicted of a ‘prescribed’ offence within the last 10 years then they must be refused a security licence. In NSW a ‘prescribed’ offence is an offence that is punishable with imprisonment for two or more years and includes offences such as;

• Serious firearms or weapons charges
• Most prohibited drug offences
• Assaults that a punishable with a gaol sentence
• Serious fraud charges
• Robbery
• Affray
• Terrorism charges

If you have been convicted of one of the above crimes then it is extremely unlikely that you will be able to get a security licence. Even if you have had no convictions recorded against you but have been found guilty of one of the above crimes in the last 5 years it is also unlikely that you would be granted a security licence.

Could other offences stop me from getting a security licence?

If you have a conviction against you for any other offence it is still possible that you will not be granted a security licence, it is up to the discretion of the security licensing and enforcement directorate to determine if you are a ‘fit and proper person’ for the purposes of holding a security licence.

How can a solicitor help?

If you are convicted of any offence it can be extremely hard to get a security licence and can impact severely on your ability to gain employment in a number of fields of work. If you or anybody you know is interested in gaining a security licence but has been charged with an offence, an experienced solicitor could help in defending your case possibly having the charges dropped or could work to have your charge downgraded to a lesser offence which would improve the possibility of being granted a security licence.

Remember, if you are found guilty and convicted of a criminal offence, you always have the option of appealing the decision in a higher court. We have been very successful in having convictions overturned upon appeal in all types of criminal charges. For more information on appeals, click here.

For more information on defending criminal charges contact LY Lawyers the criminal law experts for a free consultation on 1300 595 299.