Employment as a private security guard in New York State requires licensing by the New York State Department of State. While applicants for security guard licenses who have prior criminal convictions are likely to be denied in initial applications for licensing, they also have a right to a hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to appeal the denial. During this hearing, if the applicant can demonstrate sufficient evidence of her own rehabilitation since the time of her conviction the Judge may overturn the denial and grant the applicant a license.

This manual is a step by step guide than any advocate - including a paralegal, a caseworker, a job counselor, a family-member, or an attorney - can use to represent an applicant for a security guard license who has been denied on the basis of a criminal record. While it is specific to security guard licensing hearings, it may also be useful for preparing for other employment licensing hearings before the Department of State.