This provision makes it unlawful to use misleading security badges, insignia, titles, statements, documents, or cards, and it also prohibits certain misconduct by security officers, armed security officers, and contract security companies.
(a) It is unlawful for any person or entity to do any of the following: (1) Issue a shield or badge not in conformance with this chapter. Except for sworn peace officers, no person or entity shall wear or display any badge, insignia, device, shield, patch, or pattern containing words which would indicate that he or she is a sworn peace officer or that includes the Great Seal of the State of Alabama. The words “security officer,” or a similar term, shall be displayed on any badge, insignia, device, shield, patch, or pattern worn by a security officer or armed security officer. Except for the vehicle of a sworn peace officer, no vehicle used by a security officer or an armed security officer shall have any equipment or markings denoting a law enforcement vehicle. (2) Publish, advertise, use printed letterhead or circulars, or give statements, or use words or phrases which in any way suggest or imply that the security officer, armed security officer, or contract security company is a law enforcement organization or sworn peace officer, or an official of the state or federal government. (3) Designate an individual meeting the definition of a security officer or armed security officer as anything other than a security officer or armed security officer. (4) Knowingly make or provide false statements to the board or omit any document or information required to be filed with the board. (5) Falsely represent a person to be a holder of a license or certification card. (6) Engage in criminal conduct that would prohibit licensing or certification. (b) In addition to subsection (a), it shall be unlawful for a security officer, armed security officer, or contract security company to do any of the following: (1) Fail to comply with or violate this chapter and the rules of the board. (2) Divulge to anyone other than his or her employer, unless required by law, any information that would jeopardize the property for which he or she is providing security. (3) Fail to return his or her license or certification card, or license or certification of the contract security company, to the board, if required. (4) Possess a certification card or licensure card issued to any other person. (5) Use a badge or shield not in conformance with this chapter.