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Colorado Springs Overview
Colorado Springs, CO Code of Ordinances
CITY CODE of COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO
ORDINANCES PENDING REVIEW FOR CODIFICATION
THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF COLORADO SPRINGS
CHAPTER 1 ADMINISTRATION, PERSONNEL AND FINANCE
CHAPTER 2 BUSINESS LICENSING, LIQUOR REGULATION AND TAXATION
CHAPTER 3 PUBLIC PROPERTY AND PUBLIC WORKS
CHAPTER 4 PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES
CHAPTER 5 ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 6 NEIGHBORHOOD VITALITY/COMMUNITY HEALTH
CHAPTER 7 UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC)
CHAPTER 8 PUBLIC SAFETY
CHAPTER 9 PUBLIC OFFENSES
CHAPTER 10 MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
CHAPTER 11 MUNICIPAL COURT1
CHAPTER 12 UTILITIES
CHAPTER 13 MHS ENTERPRISE1
CHAPTER 14 MUNICIPAL ENTERPRISES
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2.3.210: APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVATE SECURITY OFFICERS:
   A.   Contents: In addition to those matters required by section 2.1.403 of this chapter, every application for an original or renewal private security officer license shall contain the following:
      1.   A list of the residence addresses of the applicant for the five (5) years prior to the date of application;
      2.   A statement of the work history of the applicant for the five (5) years prior to the date of application.
   B.   Firearm/CEW Endorsement:
      1.   Qualifications For A Firearm/CEW Endorsement: The applicant shall be certified annually by the applicant's employer to carry a firearm and/or CEW during the course of employment. Prior to annual renewal of the firearm endorsement, the applicant shall provide proof of a minimum requalifying range proficiency score of seventy five percent (75%) acquired no more than six (6) months prior to the renewal application. The firearm requalification course shall, at a minimum, include the training standards established in subsections 2.3.213B3 and B4 of this part. Prior to annual renewal of the CEW endorsement, the applicant or the applicant's employer shall certify completion of continuing training and education regarding the use of CEWs. The applicant must have no convictions of Federal, State or local laws relating to domestic violence or weapons, firearms, domestic abuse violations or offenses related to unlawful sexual behavior.
      2.   Authorized When: The firearm/CEW endorsement shall authorize a licensed private security officer to carry a firearm/CEW only when providing or performing security services as a duty of the officer's employment with a contract security agency.
      3.   Permit Not A Defense To Violation: The possession of a concealed weapons permit issued by any sheriff or chief of police shall not be a defense to a violation of this part; nor shall the firearm/CEW endorsement authorize the violation of any Federal, State or local firearm or weapons law. (Ord. 98-71; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 08-64; Ord. 10-87; Ord. 14-88; Ord. 15-34)
2.3.211: PRIVATE SECURITY OFFICER LICENSES:
   A.   Each private security officer shall be issued a license in the form of an identification card. The identification card shall contain the name, a recent photograph of the private security officer, the expiration date, the number of the license, the signature of the private security officer, and the name of the private security officer's employer. Every licensed private security officer shall keep the City Clerk's Office informed of the correct name, residence address, and employer and shall notify the City Clerk's Office within ten (10) days of any change in name, residence address or employer.
   B.   Each private security officer's license shall expire one year from the date of issuance, unless suspended or revoked earlier. If the licensed private security officer also holds a firearm/CEW endorsement, the firearm/CEW endorsement shall expire at the same time as the private security officer license.
   C.   Each identification card shall be on the person of the licensee at all times the licensee is working in the capacity of a private security officer and shall be exhibited upon request by a peace officer, the Deputy Licensing Officer or the Deputy Licensing Officer's designee. (Ord. 98-71; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 08-64; Ord. 14-88; Ord. 15-34)
2.3.212: TEMPORARY PERMIT:
   A.   The condition of the temporary permit shall be that the private security officer complete basic security officer training within ninety (90) days of the issuance of the temporary permit. The holder of a temporary permit shall be prohibited from obtaining a firearm endorsement until the private security officer license is issued.
   B.   Upon application for a private security officer license, the Deputy Licensing Officer may issue a temporary permit to the applicant allowing that person to be employed and operate as a private security officer in the City for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days, which shall expire upon issuance or denial of the private security officer license. The issuance of a temporary permit shall be contingent upon:
      1.   The applicant providing a letter of hire from a licensed contract security agency.
      2.   Certification to the Deputy Licensing Officer that the contract security agency employing the applicant has found that the applicant is qualified to perform duties as a private security officer.
      3.   The City Clerk's Office conducting an initial criminal history review.
      4.   The applicant providing the City Clerk's Office with a statement from the contract security agency that the applicant will only be employed in an unarmed capacity during the temporary permit period or until issuance or denial of the private security officer license. The applicant shall act only in an unarmed capacity during the temporary permit period.
      5.   That during the temporary permit period, or until issuance or denial of the private security officer license by the Deputy Licensing Officer, the proposed contract security agency employer shall hold the City of Colorado Springs harmless and agree to indemnify the City in any action or claim for damages arising from the actions or employment of the applicant/temporary permittee.
   C.   Any person who holds a valid and current license issued by another municipal entity within the State of Colorado may apply for a temporary private security officer license which shall be valid for a period of not more than seventy two (72) hours. Any temporary private security officer license application submitted to the City Clerk's Office shall be subject to verification of the applicant's current municipal license status. Upon issuance of a temporary private security officer license, the holder shall be subject to all other regulations while performing the duties of a private security officer within Colorado Springs, subject to the City's authority to enforce, deny or revoke the temporary private security officer license. (Ord. 98-71; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 08-64; Ord. 14-88)
2.3.213: PRIVATE SECURITY OFFICER TRAINING:
   A.   The Licensing Officer or designee shall establish minimum standards for private security officer basic training programs. Any specialized training beyond the minimum standards shall be the responsibility of the contract security agency.
      1.   Certificate Of Completion: Prior to issuance of a private security officer license, the applicant shall provide a certificate of completion of a basic security officer training program with a minimum seventy five percent (75%) score. The training certificate shall identify the courses taken, the number of training hours obtained, identify the issuing contract security agency, the applicant's name, name of the instructor providing the training and the dates of training.
      2.   Training Certificate: The security officer training certificate shall indicate the applicant completed at least eight (8) hours of basic security training.
      3.   Basic Training Requirements: A private security officer basic course of training shall, at a minimum, include:
         a.   Nature, role and duties of the private security officer (1 hour);
         b.   Private security officer professional conduct and ethics (1 hour);
         c.   Principles of communication (1 hour);
         d.   Observation and incident reporting (1 hour);
         e.   Preservation of evidence, investigation and crime scene security (0.5 hour);
         f.   Federal, State and local laws, codes and ordinances (0.5 hour);
         g.   Use of force as it relates to legal powers (1 hour);
         h.   Legal limitations and liability implications (1 hour);
         i.   Interaction and cooperation with local law enforcement (0.5 hour);
         j.   Emergency response procedures, to include basic principles of first aid (0.5 hour).
      4.   Optional Specialized Training: If a private security officer will be permitted to engage in or use any of the following equipment or techniques, then specialized training resulting in certification shall also be required:
         a.   Defensive tactics;
         b.   Handcuffs;
         c.   Oleoresin capsicum (OC) aerosol spray; and
         d.   Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
   B.   The Licensing Officer shall establish minimum standards for approved firearm safety and familiarization courses. Any specialized training beyond these standards shall be the responsibility of the contract security agency.
      1.   Prior to issuance of a firearm endorsement to a private security officer license, the applicant shall provide a certificate of completion of a firearm safety and familiarization course provided by a National Rifle Association (NRA) or Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified instructor. The firearms training certificate shall identify the courses taken, the number of training and range hours obtained, identify the issuing contract security agency, the applicant's name, name of the NRA or POST instructor providing the training and the dates of training.
      2.   A firearm endorsement shall only be issued to individuals obtaining a minimum qualifying written and range proficiency score of seventy five percent (75%) acquired within the last six (6) months and a letter of authorization to carry a firearm from the contract security agency.
      3.   The firearm safety and familiarization certificate shall indicate the applicant completed at least sixteen (16) hours of basic firearms training which includes a minimum of nine (9) hours of classroom instruction, a minimum of four (4) hours of live fire practice, followed by a minimum of three (3) hours on the weapons qualification course. If the applicant desires to carry a concealed weapon, the certificate shall indicate the applicant completed at least an additional four (4) hours of concealed firearms training which includes a minimum of one hour of classroom instruction which may include practical application instruction and a minimum of three (3) hours of live fire practice utilizing the concealed carry holster that the private security officer will carry on duty.
      4.   In addition to the training required by subsection A of this section, private security officer firearm and familiarization training shall, at a minimum, include:
         a.   Criminal procedure law;
         b.   Moral and legal aspects of firearm use;
         c.   Use of physical and deadly force;
         d.   State and local laws, codes and ordinances relating to weapons and the use of force;
         e.   Handgun safety, nomenclature, operation and maintenance;
         f.   Emergency procedures;
         g.   Weapons handling;
         h.   Marksmanship fundamentals; and
         i.   Range instruction, qualification and examination.
   C.   The Licensing Officer shall establish minimum standards for an approved CEW safety and familiarization training program. Any specialized training beyond these standards shall be the responsibility of the contract security agency.
      1.   Prior to issuance of a CEW endorsement to a private security officer license, the applicant shall provide a certificate of completion of a CEW user course provided by an instructor certified by the manufacturer of the CEW being carried. The CEW training certificate shall identify the course taken, the number of training hours obtained, identify the issuing contract security agency, the applicant's name, name of the certified CEW instructor providing the training and the dates of training.
      2.   A letter of authorization to carry a CEW from the contract security agency.
      3.   The CEW safety and familiarization certificate shall indicate the applicant completed at least six (6) hours of basic CEW training which includes classroom instruction, a practical application of the CEW and an annual recertification consisting of legal and training updates and a practical exercise that shall include the firing of a single cartridge.
      4.   In addition to the training required by subsection A or B of this section, private security officer CEW safety and familiarization training shall, at a minimum, include:
         a.   Moral and legal aspects of CEW use;
         b.   Use of physical force and less lethal force;
         c.   State and local laws, codes and ordinances relating to deployment and tactical fundamentals involving CEWs and the use of force;
         d.   CEW safety, nomenclature, operation and maintenance;
         e.   Emergency response procedures, to include medical needs; and
         f.   Demonstrate proper CEW handling and firing fundamentals.
   D.   Every contract security agency shall be responsible for ensuring that all private security officers have received adequate, basic, firearm, CEW, on the job, and any other training necessary to perform security services or other duties for which they were hired. Further, no contract security agency shall hire or assign any person to perform the duties of a private security officer until all training has been completed and the officer has been appropriately licensed.
   E.   A licensed private security officer holding a firearm endorsement shall be authorized and limited to carrying one of the following types of firearms and related ammunition while exercising the privileges of the license or firearm endorsement:
      1.   A double action revolver, with no less than a four inch (4") barrel length and no greater than a six inch (6") barrel length, with an ammunition capacity no greater than six (6) rounds of .38 caliber, .38spl+p caliber, .38spl caliber or .357 mag. caliber.
      2.   A double action/striker fired, semiautomatic pistol. The pistol shall be between .380 and .45 caliber.
      3.   Armed private security officers may carry two (2) additional factory authorized magazines at full capacity.
      4.   Armed security officers shall carry manufactured ammunition only. No reloaded rounds are permitted to be carried by any security officers while exercising the privileges of the license or firearm endorsement.
      5.   All ammunition shall be full- or semi-jacketed hollow or soft point factory ammunition.
   F.   Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to authorize a private security officer to carry or use any firearm not specified in subsection E of this section. (Ord. 98-71; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 08-64; Ord. 10-87; Ord. 12-17; Ord. 14-88; Ord. 15-34)
2.3.214: DENIAL, SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF LICENSE:
   A.   In addition to the grounds set forth in article 1 of this chapter, a private security officer license or a contract security agency license may be denied, suspended or revoked if the applicant or a principal of the applicant:
      1.   Has been convicted of a felony in this State or any other state, or of a crime in any other state which, if committed in this State, would be a felony;
      2.   Has been convicted of three (3) or more criminal misdemeanor violations within a five (5) year period;
      3.   Has made a wilful misrepresentation in applying for and obtaining a license;
      4.   Has been previously denied a license under this part or has had a license issued under this part suspended or revoked;
      5.   Was a principal of a contract security agency whose license was revoked, unless the Deputy Licensing Officer determines that the principal was not responsible for the misconduct underlying the revocation;
      6.   Has been convicted of operating without a license under this part or performing any act for which a license is required under this part; or
      7.   Has violated any of the provisions of this General Licensing Code.
   B.   The suspension or revocation of a contract security agency license or a private security officer's license shall be subject to the provisions of section 2.1.801 et seq., of this chapter.
   C.   Upon the suspension or revocation of a private security officer license, the City Clerk's Office shall notify the contract security agency employing the suspended or revoked officer of the Licensing Officer's decision. The contract security agency employing the suspended or revoked officer shall cooperate with the City Clerk's Office in retrieving the private security officer's identification card. Upon suspension or revocation of a contract security agency's license, each principal of the agency shall immediately return the license and any issued identification cards to the City Clerk's Office. (Ord. 98-71; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 08-64)
2.3.215: SECURITY TRAINING ADVISORY BOARD:
(Ord. 08-64; Rep. by Ord. 12-17)
2.3.216: UNLAWFUL ACTS; VIOLATIONS; PENALTY:
   A.   License Required: No person shall operate a contract security agency or act as a private security officer unless licensed.
   B.   Employment Of Unlicensed Security Officers Prohibited: No person shall knowingly employ any individual to perform the duties of a private security officer who is not licensed or whose license has been suspended or revoked.
   C.   Misrepresentation: No person shall make wilful misrepresentation in applying for or obtaining a license or a firearm/CEW endorsement.
   D.   Surrender Of License Or Identification Card: No licensee or principal of a contract security agency shall fail to surrender to the employer or to the City Clerk's Office the license or identification card when required.
   E.   Use Of Identification Card: No licensee or principal of a contract security agency shall knowingly allow the identification card to be used by any other person, and no person shall knowingly use an identification card issued to some other person.
   F.   Required Contact: Each licensee or permittee shall immediately turn over any person detained to the Police Department or other public law enforcement agency. Nothing contained in this General Licensing Code shall be construed to deny any licensee or permittee any rights granted to a private citizen under the laws of the State of Colorado.
   G.   Report Of Crimes; Cooperation: It shall be unlawful for any licensee or permittee to fail to report to the Police Department or other public law enforcement agency any crimes or suspected criminal activity as soon as possible and to cooperate with the Police Department or other public law enforcement agency in the investigation of the activity whenever requested.
   H.   Report Of Discharge Of Firearm/CEW: It shall be a violation of this part for any licensed contract security agency or licensed private security officer to fail to report to the City Clerk's Office in writing any incident involving the discharge of a firearm/CEW while in the course of providing security services by the end of the next business day following the discharge.
   I.   Published Material: No person shall publish, electronically or in print, any advertisement, letterhead, circular or statement of any kind which claims or suggests that a licensed contract security agency is a law enforcement agency or an instrumentality, division or agency of the State, City or Federal government.
   J.   Uniform Requirements:
      1.   It shall be unlawful for any person, while performing the duties of a private security officer, knowingly to wear or display any uniform, badge, insignia, shield, patch or pattern which indicates or is intended to indicate to the public that the person is a sworn peace officer or which contains or includes the word "Police" or the words "Public Safety". It shall be unlawful for any person, while performing the duties of a private security officer, to wear a uniform similar to that worn by a law enforcement agency, military unit or branch having jurisdiction within or located or based within the Pikes Peak Region.
      2.   Private security officers shall wear a uniform while performing security services. The outer uniform shall prominently display the following:
         a.   A badge or patch containing the words "Security", "Private Security", "Security Officer", "Guard", "Security Guard", or "Security Patrol";
         b.   A badge or patch containing the private security officer's name;
         c.   A badge or patch containing the name of the licensed contract security agency.
      3.   Contract security agencies shall obtain Deputy Licensing Officer approval of any uniform proposal prior to permitting, allowing or requiring the uniform to be worn by private security officers. A contract security agency shall maintain records concerning the color, and types of uniforms worn by the private security officers employed or engaged by the agency.
   K.   Security Vehicles And Equipment: No person shall, while performing any private security services, have or utilize any vehicle or equipment displaying the words "Police", "Law Enforcement Officer", "Public Safety", "Canine", "K-9", "Canine Officer", "K-9 Officer", "Canine Unit", or "K-9 Unit", or displaying any sign, shield, marking, accessory or insignia that indicates or is intended to indicate to the public that the vehicle or equipment is operated by a law enforcement agency, military unit or branch having jurisdiction within or located or based within the Pikes Peak Region. No person shall, while performing any private security services, have a canine within a security vehicle or within another piece of equipment.
   L.   Resemblance To Emergency Vehicles Prohibited: It shall be unlawful for any person to equip a vehicle used in the operation of a contract security agency, or while performing the duties of a private security officer, in any manner resembling an authorized emergency vehicle, including, but not limited to, red and/or blue flashing lights.
   M.   Display Of Required Information On Vehicles: It shall be unlawful for any security patrol car or other vehicle operated by any licensee providing or performing security services to fail to display the name and telephone number of the licensee on both sides of the car or vehicle in plain and legible letters not less than three inches (3") in height. Lettering shall be maintained as to be readily distinguished and read at a distance of at least sixty feet (60'). It shall be unlawful and grounds for suspension or revocation of the license for a licensee to operate any car or vehicle, or cause any car or vehicle to be operated within the City, unless the licensee's name and telephone number is displayed.
   N.   Firearms: It shall be unlawful for any private security officer to carry any firearm while performing security services without first obtaining a firearm endorsement from the City Clerk's Office. It shall be unlawful to carry a concealed weapon while performing security services or exercising the privileges of licensure without a firearm endorsement and a valid concealed weapons permit issued by any sheriff or chief of police pursuant to State law.
   O.   Handcuff Set Limits: It shall be unlawful for any private security officer to use or carry more than two (2) sets of stainless steel standard issued handcuffs while exercising the privileges of the license.
   P.   Bulletproof Vests: It shall be unlawful for any private security officer to wear a bulletproof vest on the outside of an authorized security agency uniform while performing security services or exercising the privileges of licensure.
   Q.   False Statements: When providing security services, it shall be unlawful for any private security officer to make any verbal or written statement claiming to be a member of, or affiliated with, a law enforcement agency or an instrumentality, division or agency of the State, City or Federal government.
   R.   Additional Prohibitions: It shall be unlawful for any private security officer, when exercising the privileges of the license, to carry or use any other type of weapon, device, or equipment not set forth in this part, or to violate any local, State or Federal law. (Ord. 98-71; Ord. 01-42; Ord. 08-64; Ord. 10-87; Ord. 14-88; Ord. 15-34)
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