ABSTRACT
Many private investigative agencies provide uniformed security services to clients based on state licensing requirements. In some states it is a combined license, and in others one must have a private investigator license and a security officer license to conduct both types of services. When establishing a security service, the hiring of a security professional as the chief security officer (CSO) is the first priority. The selection of this individual is critical to the success of the operation of the security department. The chief security officer should report to the principle owner of the investigative agency. The individual selected should have at minimum a bachelor’s degree in security administration or criminal justice from an accredited university or college, with a master’s or doctorate preferred.
