If an applicant for a PPO license has a misdemeanor conviction that was later expunged, must they report this on their PPO application?

An applicant for a PPO (Private Patrol Operator) license must report any misdemeanor conviction, even if it has been expunged. This requirement is grounded in the principles of honesty and transparency that govern the licensing process. The California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) emphasizes the importance of full disclosure in the application process to assess an applicant's fitness for licensure, particularly in the field of private security.

While expungement can remove the conviction from a person's criminal record for many purposes, it does not erase the fact that the offense occurred. The reason for this stringent reporting requirement is that the nature of the work in private security involves trust and public safety. The BSIS evaluates the applicant's history as part of its commitment to maintaining standards in the industry.

Although some might think that an expunged conviction could be treated as if it never happened, the law requires applicants to disclose such convictions to ensure that all relevant background information is available for review. This helps the licensing authority make informed decisions regarding the character and reliability of the potential licensee.