In New Jersey, both active law enforcement officers and Retired Police Officers (RPOs) generally need an Armed SORA certification to work as armed security guards for private agencies.
We strongly recommend you contact 201 760 8818 and advise us if your status as a Police officer/DOC /NYPD/or Federal Law Enforcement. Our NJ State Police instructors are retired Police LT.'s from (Mahwah PD)PBA/NJSP(PDU) and Newark Police (FOP).
Requirements for Active Police
Active officers moonlighting as security guards for a licensed agency must obtain a SORA certification.
Registration: They must register through the NJ State Police SORA portal.
Exemptions: Active officers are typically exempt from the standard training course, but they must still provide their State Bureau of Identification (SBI) number, NJSP Sora armed application number and Photo Head shot to an instructor.
Armed Status: To work in an armed capacity, they must possess the Level 2 Armed Security Officer (red card) certification.
Requirements for Retired Police Officers (RPO)
Retired officers working for a private security entity are legally considered civilians and must be licensed.
Licensing: An RPO permit to carry is not a substitute for a SORA card; you need both to work armed security.
Armed SORA: RPOs must obtain the Level 2 Armed SORA certification.
Training & Renewal: The Armed SORA certification requires annual renewal and an 4-hour refresher course.
Exemptions: RPOs do not need the Armed SORA if they are working directly for a government entity (e.g., state, county, or local government) rather than a private contractor.
Important Distinction
The Armed SORA card alone does not authorize you to carry a firearm; it only authorizes you to work as an armed guard. You must also possess a valid NJ Permit to Carry or RPO Carry Permit to legally carry the weapon while on duty
HR 218 is for self Protection only! Per NJSP & Attorney General.
Note# 1 Retired Law enforcement Officer (RPO) from another state or New Jersey :
If an RPO is working as a Uniform Security Officer, You must comply with N.J. Santiago Law and have a CCW Permit or NJ RPO CARRY PERMIT (Must have N.J. Address) (Age Limit 75yrs old )
HR 218 LEOSA/ FEDERAL CARRY is for Concealed Carry for self protection, not for employment per. NJSP fire Arms Unit. (No Age Limit to carry)​
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​NOTE # 2 IDENTIGO NJ SORA FINGER PRINT CODES
https://uenroll.identogo.com/
You will need ONE of the following SERVICE CODES:
For UNARMED Security Officer Applications, use: 2F1HBS
For ARMED Security Officer Applications, use: 2F11HN
New Jersey State Police Firearms unit RPO Application: 609-882-2000 ext. 2060.
https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/RPO/
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