To become an Armed Security Officer in Oregon, you must meet specific requirements and complete a series of training and certification steps governed by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process:(defensivefirearmsinstruction.org)

✅ Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old for armed certification.

• Hold a high school diploma, GED, or higher degree from an accredited institution.

• Demonstrate good moral fitness, which includes passing a criminal background check and meeting mental health criteria.

• Not be prohibited from possessing firearms due to mental health commitments or legal restrictions. (Oregon.State, Security Training Center, Oregon.State)

🛡️ Step-by-Step Certification Process

1. Complete Unarmed Security Certification

   • Before pursuing armed certification, you must first complete the 14-hour Unarmed Security Professional course, which covers topics like legal standards, patrol procedures, and emergency response. (Oregon Firearms Training)

2. Enroll in a DPSST-Certified Armed Security Course

   • This is a 24-hour training program spread over three days:

     • Days 1 & 2: Classroom instruction on firearm safety, legal responsibilities, and use-of-force policies.

     • Day 3: Live-fire range qualification, where you'll need to pass the DPSST PQC-1 Handgun Qualification Course.

3. Submit Application to DPSST

   • After completing the training, submit the following to DPSST within 180 days:

     • Form PS-1: Application for Licensure or Certification.

     • Form PS-6: Affidavit of Instructor and Private Security Provider Testing Results.

     • Fingerprint card: For background check purposes.

     • Certification fees: Nonrefundable and vary depending on the certification.

4. Maintain Certification

   • Certification Validity: Your armed certification is valid for two years.

   • Annual Requirements: You must complete an annual firearms qualification for each firearm make, model, and caliber you intend to use while performing security services. (Rogue Protection Group, defensivefirearmsinstruction.org, Security Training Center, Oregon.State)

📍 Training Providers in Oregon

Several DPSST-certified training providers offer courses across Oregon:

Defensive Firearms Instruction
4.8 (80 reviews)
1480 18th St, Springfield, OR 97477
Offers comprehensive 24-hour DPSST Armed Security Certification courses, including classroom and range training.

Rogue Protection Group
Sports and Recreation
2185 NE Spalding Ave (NE Agness), Grants Pass, OR 97526
Provides a 24-hour DPSST Armed Security course with classroom sessions and range qualification.

Knights School
3.7 (3 reviews)
202 E Evergreen Blvd Basement Suite A, Vancouver, WA 98660
Specializes in DPSST-approved armed and unarmed security license training courses for Oregon.

Northwest Defense Academy
5.0 (46 reviews)
4857 Airway Dr STE 100, Medford, OR 97502
Provides a 24-hour DPSST Armed Security Certification course with experienced instructors and range qualification.

💡 Additional Tips

• Application Timeline: Ensure you submit your application within 180 days of completing your training.

• Firearm Qualifications: Stay current with annual firearm qualifications to maintain your certification.

• Employer Requirements: Some employers may have additional requirements or provide assistance with the certification process.(defensivefirearmsinstruction.org, Oregon.State)

A security guard is a trained professional responsible for protecting property, people, and assets by monitoring premises, enforcing rules, and responding to incidents such as theft, vandalism, or emergencies. Security guards may work in a variety of environments like office buildings, retail stores, warehouses, and event venues. Their duties often include:

• Patrolling property

• Monitoring surveillance systems

• Checking credentials or IDs

• Responding to alarms

• Deterring criminal activity through visible presence

Can You Be Your Own Security Guard for Your Business?

Yes, in many cases, you can act as your own security guard, especially if you own a small business. However, there are a few important considerations:

✅ When It’s Possible:

• Your business is small and low-risk (e.g., a small office, boutique, or home-based business).

• You are physically present and can monitor and respond to issues during business hours.

• You use security tools like cameras, alarms, and locks to help with protection.

⚠️ Limitations & Legal Considerations:

• Licensing: In some areas, security work—even for your own business—may require a license or training if you're performing certain activities (e.g., detaining people, carrying a weapon).

• Insurance liability: Acting as your own guard may affect your liability or insurance coverage. If something happens (e.g., a customer injury, theft), insurers may ask who was responsible for security.

• Effectiveness: If you're busy running the business, you may not be able to monitor security effectively, especially after hours.

Alternative Options

• Hire a part-time guard: Useful for busy times or high-risk hours.

• Install a security system: Alarms, cameras, motion sensors, and remote monitoring services.

• Use remote security services: Some companies offer 24/7 monitoring with response teams.

• Neighborhood watch/business associations: Some local business districts have shared security or patrol services.

If you'd like, I can help you figure out the best setup for your business based on its size, hours, and location.

Great! To help you figure out if being your own security guard is practical—or if you should consider other options—I'll need a bit more information about your business:

1. What type of business do you run? (e.g., retail store, food truck, office, warehouse, online shop with physical inventory)

2. Where is your business located? (City or neighborhood—just to gauge the general security level, no exact address needed)

3. What are your hours of operation?

4. Do you already have any security systems in place? (Cameras, alarms, locks, etc.)

5. Have you had any past issues with theft, vandalism, or safety concerns?

Once I know more, I can recommend whether it's realistic for you to be your own guard or if a small investment in equipment or outside help would be smarter.

In Oregon, temporary license plates—referred to as temporary registration permits or trip permits—are required to be computer-printed, not handwritten. These permits are typically issued by dealerships or the Oregon DMV and must be legible from outside the vehicle.(OregonLaws)

🖨️ Printing and Display Requirements

• Computer-Printed Only: Temporary permits must be printed on official forms provided by the DMV or dealerships. Handwritten permits are not acceptable.

• Proper Placement: According to Oregon Administrative Rule 735-032-0030, the permit must be displayed in a location where it is clearly visible from outside the vehicle. For most vehicles, this means placing it inside the rear window on the lower left-hand side. If the vehicle lacks a rear window, alternative locations include the left-rear side window or the left side of the dashboard. (OregonLaws)

🚗 Types of Temporary Permits

• Dealer-Issued Temporary Registration Permits: When you purchase a vehicle from a dealership, they typically issue a 90-day temporary registration permit, allowing you to operate the vehicle while waiting for permanent plates.(OLIS)

• DMV-Issued Trip Permits: If you purchase a vehicle privately or need to operate an unregistered vehicle temporarily, you can obtain a trip permit from the Oregon DMV. These permits are valid for 21 days and can be purchased online through DMV2U or at a DMV office. (Oregon.gov)

⚠️ Important Notes

• Handwritten Permits Are Invalid: Using a handwritten temporary permit is not compliant with Oregon regulations and may result in fines or your vehicle being impounded.

• Ensure Legibility: The temporary permit must be clearly readable from outside the vehicle to be considered valid.(OregonLaws)

Temporary license plates (also known as temp tags or paper plates) can vary depending on the state or country you’re in, but in the United States, here’s the general rule:

✅ Computer-Printed Is Standard and Preferred

• Most states issue temporary tags that are computer-printed by the dealership or the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles).

• These tags usually include:

  • Vehicle information

  • Expiration date

  • A barcode or unique identifier

  • Sometimes the dealership name

• They're designed to be legible, weather-resistant (when placed in a protective sleeve), and hard to counterfeit.

❌ Handwritten Temp Plates Are Rarely Acceptable

• Handwritten temporary plates are generally not accepted by law enforcement or DMVs.

• In some rare cases, such as private sales in a few states, a handwritten note may be allowed temporarily—but this is not typical, and often requires:

  • A bill of sale

  • Proof of insurance

  • Immediate registration follow-up

📍 Example by State:

• California: Requires computer-printed paper plates issued by dealerships (since 2019 law change).

• Texas: Uses a computer-generated "buyer’s tag" issued through their eTag system.

• Florida: Also uses official printed temp tags from dealers or tax collector's offices.

🔎 What Should You Do?

• If you received a handwritten plate: double-check with your local DMV or equivalent. It may not be valid.

• If you're selling/buying a car privately, look up your state’s temporary registration rules to avoid fines or impoundment.