City of Pueblo: Merchant Patrol Officer Training
On-Demand CourseCourse Overview
City of Pueblo Merchant Patrol Officer Training is a 9-module, city-approved Basic Security Guard Training course for anyone applying for a merchant patrol security guard license in Pueblo, Colorado. Built from the Pueblo Municipal Code and the Colorado statutes you'll actually use on shift — including the shopkeeper's privilege, use-of-force continuum, and Fourth Amendment protections — it prepares you to patrol, detain, de-escalate, and document with confidence. Self-paced with 30 days of access; pass with 80% or higher to earn your Certificate of Completion.
What's Included
- • 0 hours of comprehensive training
- • Professional certification upon completion
- • Access to course materials
Learning Objectives
- • This course prepares students to understand and apply the legal authority of a Pueblo merchant patrol officer, including constitutional rights, Fourth Amendment protections, and the shopkeeper's privilege for detaining a suspected shoplifter. Students learn Colorado's use-of-force continuum and proven de-escalation techniques to resolve tense situations safely, alongside professional patrol procedures, situational awareness, and calm, correct emergency response. The course also builds practical skills in clear, legally sound incident report writing and closes with the ethical standards, professional conduct, and workplace harassment prevention expected of every licensed officer. By completion, students are equipped to exercise a merchant patrol officer's authority safely, lawfully, and confidently on an actual Pueblo shift.
Course Content
Course Overview and Meet the Instructor
- • Welcome and meet your instructor, Catherine Flowers
- • How the course works, timeline, and completion requirements
Module 1: Introduction to Private Security Law in Colorado
- • Scope and origins of a private security professional's authority
- • Legal limitations compared to a sworn peace officer
- • Foundational legal principles guiding your actions and responsibilities
Module 2: Constitutional Considerations & Citizens' Rights
- • The Fourth Amendment and what it protects
- • Constitutional rights every individual holds
- • Balancing security duties with citizens' constitutional freedoms
Module 3: Use of Force Continuum & Colorado Law
- • Legal parameters for when force is justified
- • Appropriate levels of force under Colorado law
- • Recognizing and avoiding excessive force
- • The shopkeeper's privilege: elements, conditions, and limits
- • Applying the shopkeeper's privilege to real detention scenarios
Module 4: De-Escalation & Crisis Intervention
- • Communication techniques to defuse tense situations
- • Proactive strategies to maintain safety and control
- • Managing crisis situations through proven de-escalation methods
Module 5: Patrol Procedures & Situational Awareness
- • Professional patrolling techniques
- • Monitoring environments and anticipating issues
- • Building and maintaining situational awareness on shift
Module 6: Emergency & Incident Response
- • Responding calmly and correctly to emergencies
- • When and how to transition responsibility to law enforcement
- • Handling incidents professionally and within protocol
Module 7: Report Writing & Professional Documentation
- • Writing clear, accurate, legally sound incident reports
- • Documentation's role in protecting yourself and your employer
- • Meeting professional and legal reporting standards
Module 8: Professional Ethics & Conduct Standards
- • Principles governing private security work
- • Making ethical decisions in challenging situations
- • Maintaining a strong professional reputation
Module 9: Sexual Harassment Prevention & Workplace Conduct
- • Recognizing workplace harassment
- • Preventing and responding to harassment
- • Fostering a respectful, safe workplace
Final Quiz Assessment
- • Comprehensive final exam covering all nine modules
- • 80% or higher required to pass; unlimited retakes
- • Certificate of Completion issued upon passing — required for your City of Pueblo license application
Your Instructor
Catherine D. Flowers
Catherine D. Flowers is the Founder & Director of PI Leadership Academy and Security Compliance Academy, and Founder & Lead Investigator of Cat's Eye Private Investigations. A licensed North Carolina private investigator since 1998 (NC #NCPI 2141) and a retired Raleigh Police Department officer with 25+ years in patrol, investigations, and community policing, Catherine brings over 27 years of combined law enforcement and investigative experience into every course she designs. She is a commissioned U.S. Army Military Police Corps veteran, an FAA Part 107–certified drone pilot, and an approved training provider or continuing education instructor across multiple states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a state license to work security in Colorado, or just a city license?
Colorado has no statewide security guard license. In Pueblo, merchant patrol officers are licensed directly by the City of Pueblo under Municipal Code Title IX, Chapter 12, and must also comply with the Colorado Revised Statutes that apply to private citizens. This course covers both.
What is the "shopkeeper's privilege," and why does it matter so much for this role?
It's the limited legal authority that allows a merchant or their security officer to detain and question a suspected shoplifter for a reasonable time without it becoming false imprisonment (C.R.S. § 18-3-303). It only applies when specific conditions are met — Module 3 covers exactly what those conditions are, where the privilege ends, and what happens legally if it's exceeded.
Can a merchant patrol officer arrest someone or claim police authority?
No. A licensed guard may only make an arrest as any private citizen may under C.R.S. § 16-3-201, and may never represent themselves as a peace officer or claim police authority — this is one of the core rules printed directly on the City of Pueblo's own license application.
How long do I have to complete the course, and what score do I need to pass?
You get 30 days of self-paced access from enrollment, available 24/7 from any device. Each module ends with a knowledge check, and you'll need 80% or higher on the final exam to earn your Certificate of Completion — with unlimited retakes if you don't pass the first time.
Does this course prepare me to work armed?
No — this course covers unarmed Basic Security Guard Training only. If you plan to carry a firearm while on duty, Colorado requires a separate, City-approved firearms and armed security guard training certificate in addition to this course.
What Our Students Say
"The saying 'Those who can, do; those who can't, teach' couldn't be further from the truth when it comes to Catherine Flowers. Having worked alongside her for many years, I've witnessed firsthand her extraordinary blend of intuition, analytical skills, and relentless pursuit of truth. Her tenacity and commitment to delivering comprehensive results have made a lasting impact on countless professionals, including myself. Now, Catherine brings her extensive field experience to education while incorporating expertise from other top-notch professionals—filling a crucial gap in our industry. She is both a remarkable investigator and an exceptional educator, making her training programs invaluable to the field."
Spencer Sumney
Private Investigator