by Hayley Feland
A popular Minneapolis-based security team for hire called “Sequeerity” is not licensed in the state of Minnesota, potentially making the business guilty of a gross misdemeanor, state officials confirmed.
Under Minnesota law, anyone who provides, for a fee or reward, “guards, private patrol or other security personnel to protect persons or their property” is considered to be a “protective agent” and must be licensed, the Minnesota Private Detective and Protective Agent Services Board (PDB) told Alpha News.
Sequeerity, which is registered as “Sequeerity, LLC” with the Secretary of State’s Office, says on its website that it “provides security without judgement,” including “event security,” “festival security,” “nightlife security,” “private event security,” and “personal security.”
The group recently provided its services for a drag queen story hour at Little Roos, a children’s boutique in Chaska, allegedly working with police officers to help “keep the peace,” MPR reported.
The firm also provided security for Minneapolis’ Gender Resource Fair in April of this year.
On its Facebook page, where the group describes itself as a “security guard service,” Sequeerity said it was “completely booked every weekend with 4 to 5 events each weekend” during Pride month.
“There’s a lot of places that have acquired extra security for these events,” the group said. Its website indicates that it does charge for its services.
The Minnesota PDB, housed in the Department of Public Safety, confirmed in a statement to Alpha News that “Sequeerity is not licensed through our Board to provide protective agent or private detective services.”
“Per MN Statute 326.339, it is a gross misdemeanor to be operating a security company without a license,” the board said.
Minnesota PDB staff told Alpha News that licensure includes an application and application fee. “After the application is submitted, reviewed, and approved, they must complete a 12 hour required course before they can begin providing security services,” the board explained.
License holders are also required to complete six hours of continuing education yearly. Armed license holders are required to complete 12 annual hours. According to media reports, Sequeerity staff do not carry firearms.
The application form provided to Alpha News outlines that applicants cannot have felony convictions and, if applying as a corporation or LLC, must have a qualified representative with a “minimum of 6,000 hours of security/protective employment experience.”
Licensed security providers submit annual fees to the state in addition to application fees.
Sequeerity’s website explains that the security company believes in using de-escalation tactics first. The business provides permit to carry courses for Minnesotans as well as various classes and workshops for companies.
The organization has been profiled favorably in outlets like the Star Tribune, Vice, and Kare 11.
Sequeerity did not respond to Alpha News’ request for comment regarding its licensure status.
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Hayley Feland previously worked as a journalist with The Minnesota Sun, The Wisconsin Daily Star, and The College Fix. She is a Minnesota native with a passion for politics and journalism.
Photo “Sequeerity Members” by Sequeerity.
