For those who work in the private security sector in the state of Illinois, the Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) is a sort of identification card issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. It attests to the fact that the person underwent training, passed a background investigation, and is qualified to serve as a private security guard in the state. All private security guards in Illinois are obliged to possess a five-year PERC card.

What is a PERC Card

For people who operate in the private security sector in the state of Illinois, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issues PERC identity cards. The PERC card is evidence that the holder has successfully completed training, been subject to a background investigation, and is authorized to work as a private security guard in Illinois.

In Illinois, private security personnel are crucial to maintaining public safety and defending property. They are in charge of keeping an eye on the property, managing access, and handling crises. In the state of Illinois, the PERC card is a necessity for all private security guards, and they must always have it with them when doing their duties.

Why is a PERC card application necessary?

If you wish to work as a private security guard in the state of Illinois, you must have a PERC card. It provides as evidence that you have successfully completed training, passed a background check, and are qualified to operate as a private security guard in Illinois. It is a legal necessity for anybody working in the private security profession in the state. You cannot lawfully work as a private security guard in the state without a PERC card.

Illinois's requirements for PERC card applicants

In order to be eligible for a PERC card in the state of Illinois, candidates must:

• age requirement of 18 years or older.
• must be a legal resident or a citizen of the United States.
• must not have any criminal convictions that would disqualify them.
• must finish a 20-hour basic security training program at a training center that has received approval.
• must provide fingerprints for a criminal history investigation.
• obligated to pay the necessary application cost.

The five-year PERC card will be given to applicants who satisfy these prerequisites and successfully finish the application procedure.

Benefits of applying for a PERC Card in Illinois

The following are some benefits of having a PERC card in Illinois:

Legal Requirement: In order to work as a private security guard in Illinois, a person must have a PERC card. You can be sure that you are able to work legally in the state's private security sector if you possess a PERC card.

1. Increased Employability: In Illinois, having a PERC card may increase your employability in the private security sector. Having a PERC card can give you an advantage while looking for work because many firms demand it of their security guards.
2. Professional Recognition: Possessing a PERC card shows that you have successfully completed training, background checks, and are authorized to serve as a private security guard in the state. Your professional credibility will grow, and your reputation as a security expert will improve.
3. Career Advancement: In Illinois, the PERC card is necessary for higher-level security jobs like armed security guard. You may rise to more difficult and lucrative security positions in the state by getting a PERC card and working as a security guard.

How can I obtain a PERC card?

The following actions must be taken in order to obtain a PERC card in Illinois:

• Complete the 20-hour basic security training program at a training center with approval.
• Obtain the PERC card application form, then fill it out.
• Send in your fingerprints to have a criminal history check done.
• Pay the application cost due.
• Await the processing and issuance of the PERC card.
• The PERC card will be mailed to the applicant's address after the application is accepted. An application for a PERC card is normally processed in 30 to 60 days.

PERC card applicants in Illinois must complete a 20-hour basic security training course before being granted the card. The goal of the course is to give students the knowledge and abilities they need to function successfully as private security guards in Illinois.

PERC card training

A variety of subjects pertaining to the private security sector are covered in the PERC card training, such as:

1. Introduction to Private Security: This lesson gives a general introduction of the private security sector, including its objectives, obligations, and moral and legal ramifications.
2. Legal Aspects of Security: The legal framework that oversees the private security sector, including federal, state, and municipal rules and regulations, is covered in this module on the legal aspects of security.
3. Report Writing: This module's main topic is report writing, which covers incident reports, daily activity reports, and other security-related papers. It emphasizes the value of precise and efficient report writing.
4. Emergency Procedures: This lesson explains what to do in the event of a medical emergency, a fire, a natural disaster, or a security concern.
5. Communications: Effective security guard communication techniques are covered in this lesson, including radio communication, verbal communication, and non-verbal communication.
6. Public Relations: This module discusses the significance of upholding a favorable public reputation as a security guard, including communicating with the general public, providing excellent customer service, and handling conflicts.
7. Access Control: The techniques for limiting access to a location are covered in this module, together with visitor screening, identification verification, and entrance and exit point monitoring.
8. Patrol Procedures: This module discusses how to conduct security patrols, as well as how to spot and stop illegal activities.

Illinois-approved training facilities are where the PERC card training must be finished. In order to get a certificate of completion, students must pass a written exam at the conclusion of the course, which usually combines classroom instruction with practical training.

PERC Card Renewal

Five years are allowed for use of the PERC card after the date of issuance. To continue working as a private security guard in the state of Illinois once the card expires, the bearer must apply for a renewal of their PERC card.

The following steps are involved in renewing a PERC card:

• Complete a 20-hour refresher training course: Prior to submitting an application for a renewal, the cardholder must finish a 20-hour refresher training course at a recognized training center. Topics like legal updates, emergency procedures, report drafting, and patrol protocols are covered in the refresher course.
• Submit the application for renewal: The cardholder must fill out a PERC card renewal application form and send it, together with the necessary payment, to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. You have the option of applying for a PERC card online or via mail.
• Complete a criminal background check using fingerprints: The cardholder's fingerprints must be submitted as part of the renewal process for a criminal background check. The cardholder's fingerprints are used to confirm that they do not have any criminal convictions that would disqualify them.
• Wait for the renewal to be processed: The cardholder must hold off on processing the renewal until the application and fingerprints have been received. Usually, the processing period lasts between 30 and 60 days.
• Obtain the new PERC card: The cardholder will get a new PERC card in the mail if the renewal is accepted. The replacement card is good for an additional five years.

It is crucial to remember that PERC cardholders must apply for a renewal before their current card expires. The cardholder can be subject to fines if they keep working as a private security guard after the card has expired.