Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("User," "you," or "your") and Shield of Steel ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") governing your access to and use of the Shield of Steel platform, including all associated websites, applications, and services (collectively, the "Platform").

BY ACCESSING OR USING THE PLATFORM, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS, YOU MUST NOT ACCESS OR USE THE PLATFORM.

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email or prominent notice on the Platform. Your continued use after such modifications constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

2. Eligibility and Account Requirements

2.1 General Eligibility

To use the Platform, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts
• Not be prohibited from using the Platform under applicable laws
• Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration

2.2 Security Guard Accounts

To register as a security guard, you must:

• Hold a valid, current Tennessee Private Protective Services (TN-PPS) license issued by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
• Maintain your license in good standing throughout your use of the Platform
• Promptly update your license information, including renewal and expiration dates
• Provide accurate license type classification (unarmed, armed, or commissioned)
• Consent to license verification through state databases

2.3 Employer Accounts

To register as an employer, you must:

• Be authorized to represent the business entity seeking security services
• Provide accurate business information, including legal business name and contact details
• Use the Platform solely for legitimate business purposes related to security staffing

2.4 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You must immediately notify us of any unauthorized use of your account or any other security breach.

3. Platform Services and Limitations

3.1 Nature of Services

Shield of Steel is a platform that facilitates connections between licensed security professionals and employers seeking security services. We provide:

• Profile creation and management for security guards
• Search and discovery tools for employers
• Secure messaging between users
• License verification and expiration monitoring
• Availability and schedule management

3.2 Platform Limitations

Shield of Steel is NOT:

• An employer of security guards
• A staffing agency or employment agency
• A party to any employment agreement between users
• Responsible for the conduct, performance, or reliability of any user
• A guarantor of employment or job placement

3.3 Independent Contractor Relationship

All employment arrangements made through the Platform are solely between the employer and the security guard. We do not control and are not responsible for employment terms, compensation, working conditions, or any other aspect of the employment relationship.

4. User Conduct and Prohibited Activities

4.1 Acceptable Use

You agree to use the Platform only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You shall:

• Provide accurate and truthful information in your profile and communications
• Maintain current and valid licensing credentials (for guards)
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with other users
• Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws
• Respect the intellectual property rights of others

4.2 Prohibited Activities

You shall NOT:

• Provide false, misleading, or fraudulent information
• Impersonate another person or misrepresent your affiliation with any entity
• Use the Platform while your TN-PPS license is suspended, revoked, or expired
• Harass, threaten, or intimidate other users
• Use the Platform for any illegal activity or to facilitate illegal employment practices
• Attempt to circumvent any security features of the Platform
• Scrape, harvest, or collect user data without authorization
• Use automated systems (bots, crawlers) to access the Platform
• Transmit viruses, malware, or other harmful code
• Interfere with the proper functioning of the Platform
• Circumvent the Platform to complete transactions outside the Platform
• Create multiple accounts to evade suspension or restrictions
• Share account credentials with third parties
• Use the Platform for spam, advertising, or promotional purposes

4.3 Enforcement

We reserve the right to investigate violations of these Terms and take appropriate action, including suspending or terminating accounts, reporting illegal activity to authorities, and pursuing legal remedies.

5. License Verification and Compliance

5.1 License Verification

Security guards acknowledge and consent to:

• Verification of TN-PPS license information through state databases
• Display of license status (verified/pending) on their profile
• Automatic monitoring of license expiration dates
• Notification to potential employers of license status

5.2 License Maintenance

Guards are solely responsible for:

• Maintaining valid TN-PPS licensure at all times
• Renewing licenses before expiration
• Updating license information on the Platform promptly
• Complying with all TN-PPS rules and regulations

5.3 License Issues

Accounts with expired, suspended, or revoked licenses will be automatically marked as unavailable and may be suspended. Reinstatement requires proof of valid licensure.

6. Fees and Payments

6.1 Current Fee Structure

Currently, Shield of Steel offers:

• Free account creation for security guards
• Free account creation for employers
• Free messaging and contact requests
• No placement fees or commissions

6.2 Future Changes

We reserve the right to introduce paid features, subscription plans, or transaction fees in the future. Any changes to the fee structure will be communicated with at least 30 days' notice.

6.3 Employment Compensation

All compensation arrangements between employers and security guards are made directly between those parties. Shield of Steel has no involvement in and accepts no responsibility for payment of wages, benefits, or other employment-related compensation.

7. Intellectual Property Rights

7.1 Platform Ownership

The Platform, including all content, features, functionality, design, code, and trademarks, is owned by Shield of Steel and protected by intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, or lease any part of the Platform without our express written permission.

7.2 User Content

You retain ownership of content you submit to the Platform (profile information, photos, messages). By submitting content, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute such content in connection with operating the Platform.

7.3 Feedback

Any feedback, suggestions, or ideas you provide about the Platform become our property, and we may use them without compensation or attribution to you.

8. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

8.1 Platform Disclaimer

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

8.2 User Interactions Disclaimer

We do not guarantee:

• The accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any user profile or information
• The qualifications, skills, or performance of any security guard
• The legitimacy, safety, or suitability of any employer
• That any employment arrangement will be successful
• That the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure

8.3 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SHIELD OF STEEL SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM.

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING FROM THESE TERMS OR YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO US (IF ANY) IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Shield of Steel, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to: (a) your use of the Platform; (b) your violation of these Terms; (c) your violation of any rights of another party; (d) any employment relationship or arrangement entered into through the Platform; or (e) any content you submit to the Platform.

10. Termination

10.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us or using account settings. Upon termination, your profile will be removed from public view, but we may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

10.2 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your account immediately, without prior notice, for:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activity
• Expired, suspended, or revoked TN-PPS license (for guards)
• Extended inactivity
• Any reason at our sole discretion

10.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to access the Platform ceases immediately. Provisions that by their nature should survive termination (including disclaimers, limitation of liability, and indemnification) shall survive.

11. Dispute Resolution

11.1 Informal Resolution

Before initiating any formal dispute resolution, you agree to contact us and attempt to resolve any dispute informally for at least 30 days.

11.2 Arbitration Agreement

Any dispute arising from or relating to these Terms or the Platform shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration shall take place in Tennessee, and judgment on the arbitration award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

11.3 Class Action Waiver

YOU AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEEDINGS WILL BE CONDUCTED ONLY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT IN A CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. YOU WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR CLASS-WIDE ARBITRATION.

11.4 Exceptions

Notwithstanding the above, either party may seek injunctive or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to protect intellectual property rights or prevent irreparable harm.

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal action or proceeding not subject to arbitration shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Tennessee, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

13. General Provisions

13.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Shield of Steel regarding the Platform and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

13.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

13.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

13.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights under these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations without restriction.

13.5 Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, terrorism, riots, embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities, fire, floods, accidents, strikes, or shortages of transportation, facilities, fuel, energy, labor, or materials.