What defines a 'proprietary' private security officer?

A 'proprietary' private security officer is defined as an unarmed individual who is employed exclusively by one employer. This designation is significant because proprietary officers differ from contracted security personnel by being directly hired and trained by the company they protect. Their primary responsibility is to safeguard the business's property, assets, and personnel, as they are deeply integrated into the organizational culture and operations.

Being exclusively employed means they often have a more comprehensive understanding of the company's policies, emergency procedures, and specific security needs compared to those who might work for a security company providing services to multiple clients or premises. This exclusive relationship typically leads to a greater sense of loyalty and accountability, both for the employer and the officer.

In contrast, individuals contracted as armed security by a third party would not qualify as proprietary because they are not directly employed by the entity they are securing. Similarly, those providing services for multiple clients would fall under a different category entirely, as their role is not limited to a single employer. The mention of uniform exemption is also irrelevant to the definition of a proprietary officer since it does not pertain to their employment status or the nature of their security duties.