This bill, Minnesota Senate File No. 2163, expands training requirements for licensed security officers in Minnesota by amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326.3361. It mandates additional pre-assignment and continuing training for security officers, particularly those armed with firearms or other weapons. Key training areas include:

1. Firearm and weapon safety – Proper use, potential risks, and dangers.
2. Alternatives to force – First aid training and understanding when force should not be used.
3. Legal standards – Justifiable use of force and deadly force as per Minnesota law.
4. General training requirements – Standards for weapons, on-the-job training, and ongoing education.

Additionally, the bill expands training topics to focus on:

1. Community health and wellness – Issues like drug/alcohol addiction, homelessness, and mental illness.
2. Comprehensive first aid – Includes CPR, AED use, and administering opioid antagonists.
3. Conflict de-escalation – Strategies for handling crises, violent incidents, and mental health emergencies.
4. Industry orientation – Incident reporting, security industry standards, and public safety coordination.
5. Emergency response – Handling power outages, water disruptions, elevator malfunctions, and building threats.

The Minnesota Board of Private Detective and Protective Agent Services is responsible for implementing these new training requirements and developing a plan for existing security license holders to comply.

This bill aims to enhance professional standards for security officers, improving public safety and ensuring better interactions with the communities they serve.