Yes. In Arkansas, bodyguards must be licensed. The Arkansas State Police (ASP) is the licensing authority.
Required Forms and Fees:
_Application Form:_ An application form must be completed and submitted to the ASP. The form may be obtained from the ASP website or by mail.
_Fees:_ The following fees must be submitted along with the application:
- Application fee: $100
- License fee: $200
- Background check fee: $35
Qualifying Requirements:
To be eligible for a bodyguard license, an applicant must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident
- Have no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions for crimes involving violence, firearms, or drugs
- Have completed at least 24 hours of unarmed self-defense training from a certified instructor
- Have completed at least 12 hours of firearms training from a certified instructor
Application Process:
The completed application form and the required fees should be submitted to the ASP. The ASP will process the application and conduct a background check. The background check will include a review of the applicant's criminal history and mental health records.
Issuance of License:
If the background check is satisfactory, the ASP will issue a bodyguard license. The license will be valid for two years.
Renewal:
Bodyguard licenses must be renewed every two years. The renewal process is similar to the application process, and the same requirements and fees apply.
Training:
Bodyguards must complete 12 hours of continuing education training every two years. The training must cover topics such as unarmed self-defense, firearms training, and legal issues.
Restrictions:
Bodyguards may not carry firearms without a permit. The ASP issues a concealed carry permit to bodyguards who have completed the required training and meet the other requirements.
