NJ Armed SORA Process : ( A STEP BY STEP GUIDE ) By #NJSPSoraInstructor Jim O Conner (Retired law Enforcement Supervisor)
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There are several simple steps to complete before you can obtain your Armed SORA license in NJ. The most important thing to know is that the armed security officer certification does NOT authorize the applicant or cardholder to carry a firearm. In order to work armed security in NJ, you must first obtain the proper permits to legally carry a handgun. It is strongly recommended that you obtain these permits before applying for your Armed SORA card. If you already have your Armed SORA card or have already applied for this armed SORA certification, you may still work unarmed security with the Armed SORA card. You must wait to work an armed security job until you have the proper handgun carry permit. The firearm permit process is explained below. It will take several months for you to complete the handgun permit processes.
Read Through Steps For the various Firearms permits carefully. Make sure your covered by liability insurance from the security company before you start as a N.J. armed sora security officer. Some Security Companies may require you to work "unarmed" for 6 months to have a work track record
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Step 1. Obtain your Firearms Identification Card and Pistol Purchase Permit #2 reputable references.- (you need two good character references & there Email addresses)
(If you already have the FID card – firearms identification card - and already own a handgun approved for carry by security companies, skip to the step regarding the NJ Permit to Carry a Handgun Application).
Visit the NJSP FARS website at https://www.njportal.com/njsp/fars
Enter your local/hometown police department’s ORI number. The ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) Number is a unique number assigned to each Police Department and State Agency in New Jersey, and they all start with “NJ”. It is very important to get the correct ORI Number from your local police department prior to starting the application. If an application is submitted to an incorrect ORI, it will need to be withdrawn and resubmitted for correct ORI. There are NO REFUNDS for withdrawn applications
If you are not a New Jersey resident, you may select an ORI of any State Police Station for
submitting your application but you may want to select the one closest to you as you may
be required to visit the station. However, it must NOT be a Toll Road Station.
Not all local police departments are accepting Firearms Application online. You will not be
able to apply for an ORI that is not accepting online applications. Please check with your Local police department for the correctness of the ORI Number.
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Once your application is completed, you will be getting automated email updates throughout the process. Your references will receive an automated email from no-reply@njportal.com with a link to the online reference questionnaire. Make sure you tell your references to lookout for this email. Your process cannot move forward until they complete the forms. Your background investigation will not be started by your local police department until you have been fingerprinted (this requires a separate fee) and your references have completed the questionnaire.
Once your application is complete, you will be contacted by the NJ State Police via email. Firearms ID card and permits to purchase pistols are now electronic (no physical permits are issued) and are generated by the FARS system.
You cannot apply for a permit to carry a handgun until you have the FID card.​
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Step 2. Apply for your Permit to Carry a Handgun
It is required that you own a handgun. If you have an FID card but do not own a handgun, visit www.njportal.com/NJSP/FARS. When purchasing a handgun, make sure it either .9mm, 40 caliber, 38 caliber preferably. Most security companies require handguns that are of these calibers. You must also buy a Level III holster for this handgun. * Referred to as a safety anti rip holster. So the evil doers can't rip the gun out of the holster.
All applicants must be fingerprinted for initial and renewal applications. Applicants can visit www.IDENTOGO.com to schedule an appointment. When scheduling, the applicant must provide the investigating agencies ORI and a fingerprint service code (2F164B). Fingerprint results must be received within ninety (90) days of application.
Applicants for concealed carry permits must first complete all pertinent forms/courses on the New Jersey State Police website listed below:
#1 - S.P. 182- PTC safe handling and proficiency certification
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#2- Firearms safety and awareness
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#3 -PTC use of force and qualification
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These forms/courses can be obtained utilizing the link below:
https://nj.gov/njsp/firearms/forms.shtml
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Upon completion of all pertinent forms/courses, applicants can apply for a concealed carry permit and upload all the pertinent forms to the Nj portal website utilizing the link below:
https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/ConcealedCarry/
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$ 50 fee is paid online to the state of New Jersey via credit card.
$150 fee paid to your local police department. Contact your local police department to inquire about acceptable payment methods, additional forms and materials they need, and hours that payments and forms are accepted.
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Get Armed SORA Security Guard License Training With Us www.njsora.com !
We can refer you to reputable firearms instructors who can guide you through the Firearms Application Processes and get you qualified. Once you are ready to apply for your Armed SORA red striped license, www.njsora.com or call 201 760 8818 . if you have an active yellow sora unarmed card we only Charge $60 for the change over to the red striped armed card. We can also connect you with several security companies that will allow you to carry a gun once you have a work trac record...The Security Company insurance carrier must approve you !
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First time armed and Unarmed Sora two day class $120 (Same class select first time sora) Sora armed Upgrade, from yellow to red card is only $60 select an renewal class... ( Submit the words armed upgrade under renewal #) the NJ State police Private Detective unit ( 609 633 9831) allows us to do this because use of force section covers both armed an unarmed use of force.
Security Companies join our zoom sora classes and explain their hiring process and how to arrange your interviews.. Start today !
For a list of security companies copy & Paste https://www.nj.gov/njsp/private-detective/pdf/sora/20240108_ActiveAgenciesRpt.pdf
NJ Sora suggestions : A - Go to real firearms range B- Make sure instructor is Retired Police or Military​ {they bring experience others do not have)​
Note #1 NJ Santiago law - Is still in effect as of 11/01/2024 - Call NJSP Private Detective Unit for more Information on Santiago Law 609 633 9831
#1 - Requires all security officers be in a uniform-Marked with "Armed Security" (on Back) & Badge armed security Level 2,
#2 - A Safety level 3 or 4 firearm holster - Anti Rip - so your gun stays in holster, Till you need it.
#3 - Round Nose ammo ( Only Active Police or R.P.O.'s are allowed to have Hollow Point Ammo )
#4 - Max two 10 round Mag clips.
#5 - Attend a two day first time class & Renew their armed license every year, & attend a one day renewal class!
(Armed Upgrade available if you have a current yellow sora card and you want to upgrade to the red armed sora card)
www.njsora.com book your class now !
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Note # 2 Handgun holsters are ranked from level 1 to level 4 based on how secure the weapon is in the holster. A weapon in the least secure level 1 holster can be easily withdrawn by the officer or another person. More secure level 2 holsters, which include a “thumb break”, or safety strap retention system, generally are used by police officers. Level 3 and 4 holsters have additional security features.
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Note # 3 Denial of Sora/Armed Sora
a person convicted of any of the following crimes or offenses would not be permitted to register as a security officer:
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A- A CRIME OF THE FIRST, SECOND, THIRD, OR FOURTH DEGREE
B- AN OFFENSE INVOLVING THE UNLAWFUL USE, POSSESSION OR SALE OF A CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE AS DEFINED
UNDER THE LAW
C- AN OFFENSE WHERE THE ISSUANCE OF A LICENSE WOULD BE CONTRARY TO THE PUBLIC INTEREST, AS DETERMINED BY THESUPERINTENDENT . ( Domestic Violence/ Court Orders / C.A.D. Check is Police calls for service at your residence/ Mental Health Issues )
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Note# 4 Retired Law enforcement Officer (RPO) from another state or New Jersey :
If an RPO is working as a Uniform Security Officer - 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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New Jersey State Police Firearms unit RPO Application:
https://www.njportal.com/NJSP/RPO/
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NJ Santiago Law
https://pub.njleg.gov/bills/2016/S1000/884_I1.HTM
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@Check M Out Investigations 2021 https://www.NJarmed.com
