Security guard management software for Illinois security companies

Schedule guards across Chicago and every Illinois site, prove they were on post, record patrols and incidents, and keep copies of their PERC cards on file, in one platform.

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What software do Illinois security companies use to manage guards?

Illinois security contractors use security guard management software to schedule guards, verify they were on site, record patrols and incidents, and report to clients. ForceVera does this in one platform: shifts published to guards' phones, a geofenced time clock, QR patrol checkpoints, incident and daily reports, dispatch and a client portal. Guards can upload a photo of their PERC card so a copy sits on their profile.

Licensing in Illinois

Who licenses security guards in Illinois

Regulator: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC)IDFPR issues the Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) under the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, and Locksmith Act of 2004. IDFPR lists an approved 20-hour basic training program for security work.

Firearm Control Card (FCC)Armed guards also need a Firearm Control Card from IDFPR. IDFPR publishes the requirements for a 48-hour firearm training course for licensure.

Security contractor agencyThe security company itself is licensed by IDFPR as a private security contractor.

Overtime for security guards in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Labor says that under the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, overtime must be paid after 40 hours of work per week at time and one-half the regular rate.

Estimate the overtime in a schedule with our free security guard overtime calculator, or work out headcount with the 24/7 coverage calculator.

How ForceVera helps

Run your Illinois guard operation in one platform

PERC cards on fileGuards upload a photo of their PERC card in the guard app, so a copy sits on their profile. ForceVera does not check cards with IDFPR or warn you before one expires.

Hours against the 40-hour weekTimesheets show the hours each guard worked and export to CSV or Excel for payroll, and client invoices can bill hours over your weekly overtime threshold at the overtime rate (billing add-on).

Schedules on every guard's phonePlan the week by site and guard, including recurring and overnight shifts, publish it to the guard app and send reminders before each shift.

Proof guards were on postGuards clock in and start breaks only inside the site's geofence with a PIN; leaving the site, going idle or clocking out off site is flagged.

Proof of patrolQR checkpoints scanned from the guard app, with missed and late tour alerts and time-stamped, located scans.

Reports clients trustIncident and daily activity reports with photos from the guard app, and branded daily reports emailed to clients.

ForceVera keeps records; it does not make a company compliant with state law. See all features or see pricing.

FAQ

Security companies in Illinois: questions, answered

Who licenses security guards in Illinois?

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Guards hold a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC), armed guards also hold a Firearm Control Card (FCC), and the company is licensed as a private security contractor.

What is a PERC card?

The Permanent Employee Registration Card, issued by IDFPR under the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, and Locksmith Act of 2004.

Does ForceVera verify PERC cards?

No. Guards can upload a photo of their PERC card and it is kept on their profile, but ForceVera does not check cards with IDFPR or track expiry dates.

When is overtime due in Illinois?

Under the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, after 40 hours of work per week at time and one-half the regular rate, according to the Illinois Department of Labor.

Is this legal advice?

No. This page summarizes information published by Illinois state agencies as of October 2026. Check the official sources for the current rules.

Official sources

Checked October 2026. Licensing and wage rules change, so confirm them with the agency before you rely on them. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Other states: California · Texas · Florida · New York · all US states.

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