Is a WGP application private until a license is issued?

The application process for a Watch, Guard, or Patrol Agency (WGP) license in New York is designed to promote transparency and public awareness. Once an application is submitted, it is not kept confidential; rather, it is posted on the Department of State Bulletin Board. This practice allows the public to have awareness of pending licenses and any businesses that are seeking to operate under this regulation. By keeping the process visible, it encourages accountability and provides an opportunity for any concerns from the community to be addressed before a license is granted.

Other options suggest varying degrees of confidentiality or discretion regarding the application, which do not align with the established practice of public postings. The posting policy ensures that interested parties, including competitors and consumers, can stay informed about whom they may be dealing with in the security industry.