What types of offenses must be disclosed by an applicant for SORA certification?

An applicant for SORA certification is required to disclose felonies and certain misdemeanors because these offenses significantly impact an individual's suitability for a security officer role. The intent of requiring this disclosure is to ensure that individuals tasked with maintaining security and public safety have a background that reflects trustworthiness and integrity.

Felonies typically represent serious criminal activities, and having a felony record can raise questions about an applicant's character and reliability. Additionally, some misdemeanors that are deemed relevant can also affect the ability to perform security duties effectively or it might indicate a pattern of behavior that is undesirable in the field of security.

In contrast, traffic violations, minor infractions, and even only felonies do not encompass the full breadth of what might be significant in evaluating an applicant’s fitness for SORA certification. Traffic violations and minor infractions are generally considered less serious and may not reflect an individual's overall conduct, while focusing solely on felonies would overlook certain misdemeanors that can likewise pose concerns for a security officer’s responsibilities. Thus, the requirement for applicants to disclose felonies and certain misdemeanors ensures a thorough review of their background, promoting safety and credibility within the security profession.