Hire a PPO Qualified Manager

Since AB 1244 became law effective Jan. 1, 2024, new security companies are struggling to find a manager that meets AB 1244 requirements. In our opinion, CALSAGA leadership benefited from supporting AB 1244 as this bill may reduce competition in the security industry. CALSAGA’s argument is that the bill helps place only qualified candidates into qualified manager positions. Nearly 90% of our following do not qualify under AB 1244. Law enforcement experience does not count anymore. Military experience only applies in limited circumstances. 

Shaun has over 25 years of combined experience in private security, law enforcement, and legal investigations. He currently holds a BSIS PPO Qualified Manager Certificate. Shaun has authored two of the most popular books in California that are used by qualified manager candidates for private security and private investigation agencies. Shaun has over 6 years of law enforcement leadership experience, experience being the qualified manager for several undisclosed security companies (over 200 employees), and withstood several BSIS inspections. 

Since AB 1244 became law effective Jan. 1, 2024, new security companies are struggling to find a manager that meets AB 1244 requirements. In our opinion, CALSAGA leadership benefited from supporting AB 1244 as this bill may reduce competition in the security industry. CALSAGA’s argument is that the bill helps place only qualified candidates into qualified manager positions. Nearly 90% of our following do not qualify under AB 1244. Law enforcement experience does not count anymore. Military experience only applies in limited circumstances. 

If you need a PPO qualified manager, we will assist you in the application process from start to finish and assist you in developing a qualified manager.

We will also supervise your private patrol operator qualified manager candidate for 1 year (2,000 hours). Our goal is to complete and sign BSIS Form 31A-8. Typically, your qualified manager candidates are branch office managers or post commanders. 

This is not a “ghost” service where you pay us to “sign off” on experience. Doing so is criminal conspiracy and fraud. 

Our agreement would operate how Allied Universal and Securitas manage their security staff. They have one qualified manager in California that supervises their branch managers. The branch managers supervise the field personnel. 

Our qualified manager (Shaun) will actively supervise and manage up to a total of one (1) branch managers responsible for supervising/managing a total of 50 employees or under, and be partly responsible for hiring approval, promotion, and discipline of all security employees, including review of all contracts. 

The reason for the above agreement is in the case of litigation in administrative or other court, this is the better way to prove the qualified manager had “active direction, control, charge, or management” of the business.

#1 – Southern California 

All qualified manager agreements are for private security companies that operate in Southern California. Shaun is currently working with other contractors that can provide service north of Southern California. 

#2 – Provide a Branch Manager or Post Commander

You must have a branch manager or post commander that will perform most of the management and administrative duties. The qualified manager merely oversees the branch manager (we use the Allied Universal/Securitas business model).  These branch managers must have a minimum of two years’ experience “[4,000 hours of experience] as a patrolperson, guard, or watchman,” preferably under a licensed California PPO and either one of them must be candidates for the qualified manager. Also, the branch manager/post commander must be on payroll. 

#3 – Competitive Wages for Line Staff

For security officers under the leadership of the branch managers/post commanders (or qualified managers), you must pay them at least the minimum “living wage” for “0” children set forth by the Living Wage Calculator (LWC) provided by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), or the minimal wage set forth by a county, city, or jurisdiction, AND have an upward moving pay scale based on meritorious service. The pay scale will be agreed upon during the execution of the qualified manager service agreement and involve wage increases based on merit consisting of 6 months and maximized at the 5th year of service.  The county or city on the LWC wages we are using is where the post is located (or most of the patrols).

https://livingwage.mit.edu/states/06/locations

# 4 - Insurance Coverage and Indemnity Waiver

Liability and worker’s compensation is required. An indemnity waiver is required.  Also remember, you must pay employment taxes on your employees. During any BSIS investigation or inquiry, any administrative, civil, or criminal proceeding, including any appeal, you are financially responsible to pay for the legal counsel of Shaun’s choosing with a $70,000 limit.

#5 - Background Investigation

A personal interview and complete background investigation will be conducted on all corporate officers, owners, or principals: No liens, judgments, or Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy within the last 10 years. You are responsible for all background investigation fees. A background investigation usually takes 2-3 weeks. Anyone providing inconsistent statements, omissions, inaccurate or false information, will be disqualified. No refunds.

#6 – Financial Stability

The owner/corporation must demonstrate fiscal responsibility and have more than $100,000 in cash assets in a business account. You must be willing to disclose all financial records during the background investigation and anytime on demand during the agreement. 

#7 –  On Payroll and Management Duties

The branch manager/ POST commander must be on payroll as an employee and be tasked with administrative and managerial tasks. Keep in mind that staff that only performs 50% administrative or managerial tasks, only get 50% credit from BSIS; in such circumstances, they would need to be supervised for two years by a qualified manager. 

1. Why are your fees so high? 

CALSAGA supported AB 1244. The new 2024 law created an exclusive market where most do not have the required experience.  Shaun Sundahl’s grassroots team of 10 fought hard against the bill and received support by two Republican senators in the Senate Appropriations Committee.  Shaun’s grassroot team was no match for the financial resources provided by Allied Universal and Securitas (CALSAGA members with a high number of financial contributions).

If you believe the fees are too high, Shaun is working on a qualified manager “for-hire” service where these qualified managers negotiate a contract with you (or the client). These negotiations may include lower or higher fees and include different levels of service and different skill levels. Our mentorship program costs the qualified manager $50,000 so realistically these qualified managers will charge the client appropriately to recoup their costs. We do not expect any of these qualified managers to charge anything $4,166.00/month or less as this amount would be their break-even or loss point. 

2. Are you available to accept a new contract? 

That would depend on Shaun’s current commitments. Shaun is currently developing a “match making” service where qualified managers are “matched” with (PPO) security companies who are searching for a QM.  The qualified manager will have to complete Shaun’s (online) 40-hour Private Patrol Operator Leadership and Development course and pass with at least an 80%. In addition, the qualified manager would need to attend our online 1-day Qualified Manager and PPO Relations course, and a final 1-day live course where the qualified manager and Shaun discuss a summary of relevant topics, client needs, and an intensive Q&A session.     This mentorship program is a $50,000 investment for a qualified manager. 

3. Are you available 24/7 if there is an emergency?

Not all the time. The branch manager or post commander will be trained in how to address emergency situations, including BSIS audits/inspections.

4. If I own the company, can I also be the qualified manager? 

Yes. Shaun would designate you as the post commander or branch manager; however, keep in mind that the “active direction, control, charge, or management” rests with the qualified manager.  We would like to remind our clients that if your intent is to have a “ghost” PPO qualified manager, our experience shows that you are more likely to incur liability.  This would also be a breach of our agreement and lead to an abrupt termination of services.

5. Do you have any recommendations for branch manager or post commander? 

Shaun will compile a list of qualified candidates. The employee must be paid 15% more than the “livable wage” within the LWC (MIT calculator) for one working adult with “0” children and upon being promoted to qualified manager, their pay must be no less than one working adult with “1” child. 

Shaun’s recommendations are based on his YouTube channel’s subscribers who advance the security industry. There are plenty of subscribers who would make good leaders but are not given promotional opportunities by large companies like Securitas or Allied Universal.  One of the recommendations Shaun has is that his prospective applicant for your organization should have a YouTube channel or social media platform where they show their part in professionalizing the security industry. 

6. I would like to be on your list of qualified managers, how do I get listed?

First, Shaun must feel you are qualified based on your background, training, experience and how well you present yourself to him. Anyone giving negative vibes will not proceed further. 

You must then complete an intensive background investigation that you are financially responsible for ($2,000 - $3,000 fee and conducted by an independent licensed private investigator).  You will sign a waiver and the investigation results are accessible to a prospective client. The client will decide whether you “passed” or not. You decide on wages, fees, and other compensation.  

You must also complete the 40-hour Private Patrol Operator Leadership and Development course, the 1-day Qualified Manager and PPO Relations course, and a final 1-day live course where you will meet Shaun in person. The course costs, including matching with a client, are (not refundable) $50,000 for two years with no guaranteed Shaun can match you with anyone. There is no guarantee made because we do not know if the client will agree to the service you are offering. 

To give you confidence, Shaun is approached at least 2-4 times a month by companies needing a qualified manager. 

All work is part-time. All contracts are negotiable. Generally, Shaun will supervise and document the qualified manager candidate's 2,000 hours, conduct at least 1 meeting a week (online video platform depending on the distances involved), once a month random spot check on guard posts/branch offices or random office audits to ensure BSIS compliance and spend up to 8 hours per week reviewing contracts, hiring approvals, promotional and disciplinary recommendations. On an as-needed basis, Shaun will make himself available for a BSIS audit/inspection where advanced notice is provided. Phone calls/texts/emails will be returned within 72 hours.

We will supervise the qualified manager candidate's hours, however, most security companies will "break even" or be at a temporary loss for 1 1/2 years.  

The cost is $19,500 a month with a 50-guard limit, per branch manager/post commander, per office location.  Pro-rata applies when there is an incomplete month. The agreement is for one year (12 months), however the application period (lower rate of $5,000/ month) adds an estimated 4-6 months (or longer) to the agreement. In such case, the client is responsible for $19,500 a month sooner than expected. 

Note: recently, we saw PPO license approval in 1 week, but this is a rare event.

You may add an assistant branch manager/post commander that we can oversee at $1,000 per month and additional guards at $100 per employee/ per month. We encourage an assistant branch manager/post commander in case that individual does not work out for the company or leaves.

To begin the application process, there is a $39,000 retainer due immediately. We will help you during the application process from start to finish. During the application process, we will deduct $5,000 a month from the retainer until the last day of the application period. The last day of the application period is the day before the PPO number posts on the BSIS website, or the day before the security company can legally operate in California. This process can take several weeks, 4-6 months, or longer; but generally, the process is expedited when you are merely adding a qualified manager to a PPO. The day the security company is authorized to commence operations in California is when the cost is $19,500 per month with pro-rate provisions during an incomplete month.

For example. On Feb. 1st, the client contracts a qualified manager for hire and the application process begins. A $39,000 retainer is due on Feb 1st. After the end of the month, we will deduct $5,000.

March 1st:  The application is still pending with BSIS. $5,000 is deducted from the $39,000 retainer ($34,000)

April 1st:     The application is still pending with BSIS. $5,000 is deducted from the $39,000 retainer ($29,000)

May 1st:     The application is still pending with BSIS. $5,000 is deducted from the $39,000 retainer ($24,000)

June 1st:    The application is still pending with BSIS. $5,000 is deducted from the $39,000 retainer ($19,000)

June 7th:    The application is approved. A PPO number is issued and displays on the BreEZe system. 

June has 30 days and costs $166.67 per day (for the application phase). There were 7 days in June during the application pending phase, therefore the rate is $166.66/ day X 7 days =  $1,166.66 and this is deducted from the $19,000 left on the retainer ($17,833.34 balance). For the remaining 23 days left in June, the rate is $650/ day X 23 ($14,950) because the PPO license is active.   On July 1st, we will deduct $14,950 + $1,166.66 ($16,116.66) from the retainer remains of $19,000 leaving a balance of  $2,883.34.

July 1st: $2,883.34

August 1st: $19,500

September 1st - May 1st: $19,500

June - Pro-rate from $19,500

Due to Shaun’s current work environment, there is always the (rare) possibility that he may need to unilaterally decide to terminate his contract. In such an event, Shaun will direct you to one of his trusted colleagues. This has never happened since we started offering this service more than 10 years ago.  In such a case, the qualified manager candidate will still have their experience verified by Shaun for the time he supervised them. 

To get started, contact Shaun Sundahl