What could be the penalty for hiring an unlicensed person to provide PPO services?

Hiring an unlicensed person to provide Personal Protection Officer (PPO) services in California can lead to significant penalties due to the serious nature of security work, which requires proper licensing for the safety and protection of the public. The correct penalty includes a fine of $5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year. This reflects the state's intent to regulate the private security industry rigorously, ensuring that only qualified and licensed individuals engage in activities that can have serious implications for personal safety.

This penalty serves as a deterrent against non-compliance with licensing requirements, ensuring that those who engage in providing security services have undergone the necessary training and background checks mandated by the Private Security Services Act. It reinforces the importance of adhering to legal standards in the security field to safeguard both clients and the public at large.