Search Results

What are Special Police Officers? As a special police officer, you provide safety and security services for an assigned area or company. You may work as an auxiliary police officer for the police force to provide support for full-time officers, or you may work in a fire police or company police unit. Federal buildings such as the Navy Yard in Washington DC, Hospitals, university campuses, and museums just to name a few often rely on special police officers to keep the peace. Your job duties are similar to those of other law enforcement officials. You may direct traffic, make traffic stops, conduct investigations and make arrests. Depending where you work, you may or may not carry a firearm. What is special police in Washington, DC? The term Special Police Officer (SPO), is any person who is commissioned which have been approved pursuant to this act, and who may be authorized to carry a weapon. They are privately commissioned police officers with full arrest powers within an area or premises which the officer has been employed to protect. RESPONSIBILITIES: Protect personnel and property in a professional manner Meet and deal tactfully and politely with general public Effectively and efficiently screen and process visitors Conduct internal and external roving foot patrols Direct traffic Ability to maintain excellent detection rate on x ray machine Detect and respond to alarms and emergencies Secure entrances and exits during emergencies Control keys and lock combinations Communicate and remain accessible via two way radio or company issued cellular phone Understand and comply with all requirements defined within company documents to include: Post and General Orders, plans, policies, procedures. Observe and report all offenses/incidents Perform reporting on utility systems Provide first aid, CPR, and assist during emergencies as necessary. Must be able to wear protective body armor as a part of the duty uniform. Maintain mandated training requirements in accordance with company guidance. Maintain physical fitness, agility requirements, and weapons qualifications. Ensure safety requirements compliance and safe work practices. Support safety programs Participate in Quality and Process Improvement programs. Perform other duties as assigned. Regular, in-person attendance is required. Join the United Federation LEOS-PBA Law Enforcement Officers Security & Police Benefit Association the true authority of Law Enforcement, Protective Service Officers, Special Police Officers, Security Police Officers, Nuclear Security Officers, K9 Handlers, Security Officers, Security Guards and Security Professionals nationwide. Contact us today @ 1-800-516-0094 or visit our website @ www.LEOSPBA.org Organizing: 1-800-516-0094 United Federation LEOS-PBA (202) 595-3510

Any individual who wishes to become a D.C. Special Police Officer (DCSPO) must go through the training requirements established by D.C. law, before being commissioned by the Mayor of the District of Columbia. Special Police Officers (SPOs) must complete the following minimum training to include topics as mentioned in D.C. Municipal Regulations (DCMR) Title 6A, Chapter 11: (a) Be a United States citizen by either birth or naturalized; (b) Be at least 21 years of age; (c) Have at least a minimum of a high school diploma or GED; (d) Be able to read, write, and speak the English language; (e) Each applicant for certification shall be required to submit a physician's certificate stating, to the best of the physician's knowledge after examining the applicant, the following: (1) The applicant is not presently addicted to drugs or alcohol; (2) The applicant is not suffering from any debilitating mental defect or disorder; and (3) The applicant is not suffering from serious heart disease, severe epilepsy, or other physical defect which might cause substantial loss of control in situations of severe stress. (f) Pass a medical drug exam; (g) SPOs shall be required to satisfactorily complete pre-assignment, on-the-job, and in-service training programs which have been prescribed and approved by the Mayor. (h) Pre-assignment training shall include at least sixteen (16) hours of training on arrest powers, search and seizure laws, the District of Columbia Official Code, and the use of force. Pre-assignment training shall include an additional twenty-four (24) hours of training generally relating to the special police officer's duties and specifically including: (1) Terrorism awareness, including building evacuation, unattended packages, and unknown substances; (2) Emergency procedures, including evacuation and first-aid; and (3) Customer service and interaction with tourists. (i) Special police officers who are armed shall satisfactorily complete an additional forty (40) hours of firearms training. (j) Special police officers who carry a baton, handcuffs, or OC spray shall also complete additional training required by the brand of equipment they are carrying. (k) Special police officers shall satisfactorily complete a sixteen (16) hour, on-the-job training course within ninety (90) working days following employment, and an 8-hour annual in-service training course; (l) No polygraph exam is required;

1107 TRAINING 1107.1 Special police officers shall be required to satisfactorily complete pre-assignment, on the-job, and in-service training programs which have been prescribed and approved by the Mayor. 1107.2 Pre-assignment training shall include at least sixteen (16) hours of training on arrest powers, search and seizure laws, the District of Columbia Official Code, and the use of force. Pre-assignment training shall include an additional twenty-four (24) hours of training generally relating to the special police officer's duties and specifically including: (a) Terrorism awareness, including building evacuation, unattended packages, and unknown substances; (b) Emergency procedures, including evacuation and first-aid; and (c) Customer service and interaction with tourists. 1107.3 Special police officers shall satisfactorily complete a 16-hour, on-the-job training course within ninety (90) working days following employment, and an 8-hour annual in-service training course. 1107.4 Special police officers shall also satisfy all additional initial and re-qualification training standards for firearms and other equipment, as applicable. 1107.5 Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit a security agency from voluntarily providing training programs and courses which exceed the minimum requirements of this chapter. Upon satisfactory completion of a required training course, a special police officer shall receive from his or her employer a certificate evidencing satisfactory completion thereof. Unarmed Special Police Officers are required to take 40 hours of “Pre-assignment training” with 16 hours of “On the Job training” totaling 56 hours. This training is the responsibility of the employer and does not require a certified instructor from the Security Officer’s Management Branch at this time. Armed Special Police Officers are required to take an additional 40 Hours of Firearms Certification totaling 96 hours of training. Additional training is required for Special Police Officers to carry a baton, OC spray and handcuffs with those additional hours being specified by the certifying organization for the brand that the Special Police Officer will be carrying and cannot be included with any other training. Join the United Federation LEOS-PBA Law Enforcement Officers Security & Police Benefit Association the true authority of Law Enforcement, Protective Service Officers, Special Police Officers, Security Police Officers, Nuclear Security Officers, K9 Handlers, Security Officers, Security Guards and Security Professionals nationwide. Contact us today @ 1-800-516-0094 or visit our website @ www.LEOSPBADC.org Organizing: 1-800-516-0094 United Federation LEOS-PBA (202) 595-3510

Rule 400 - Special Police Officers This Rule establishes the Boston Police Department's policies for Special Police Officers licensed by the Police Commissioner, but not employed by the City of Boston or the Boston Housing Authority. Its provisions are effective immediately, superseding all previously issued rules, and procedures, orders and directives concerning such licensed Special Officers. As used in this Rule, "Licensing Unit" shall mean the Boston Police Licensing Unit. Sec. 1 QUALIFICATION OF APPLICANTS: Each person applying for a Special Officer’s License, whether individually or as a corporate-sponsored applicant, shall meet the following qualifications to the satisfaction of the Licensing Unit: • Be a United States citizen; • Be at least 21 years of age; · Reside within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; • Be able to read, write and understand the English language; • Have a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.); • Be capable of physically, emotionally and mentally performing the duties of a licensed Special Officer within the scope of this Rule; • Be a suitable person of good moral character. The BPD will take into account the following factors when considering candidates with prior arrests, convictions, restraining orders, or adjudications: • Severity of prior offense(s); • Specific safety concerns in view of the proposed assignment; • Candidate’s conduct since resolution of related legal matters. Persons wishing to obtain or renew a Special Officer’s license must pass a course of instruction and written test approved by the Police Commissioner. Sec. 2 APPLICATIONS: All applicants for Special Officer Licenses shall present themselves in person to the Licensing Unit. Applicants shall fill out the application form completely and truthfully and signed it. Applicants shall pay fees established by the City Council for Special Officer licenses and badges before they are issued. Applicants may complete applications for new licenses at any time. Applicants shall file applications for the renewal of licenses already in existence at least 30 days prior to expiration. In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 282 of the Acts of 1898, all licenses shall expire annually on the first day of April, except that the Licensing Unit may issue licenses in March, valid for 12 months, beginning the next succeeding first day of April. Persons whose licenses have expired and have not been reissued may be prosecuted if continuing to act as Special Officers (M.G.L. c. 268, § 33, Impersonating a Police Officer). Sec. 3 LICENSES: Special Officers under this Rule are licensed by the Police Commissioner to serve without pay from the City of Boston and are not considered employees of the City of Boston as a consequence of this appointment. A. The corporation or person applying for a license under this section shall be held liable for the official misconduct of officers appointed on such application. B. Each individual applicant must sign group applications made by or on behalf of more than one person. A duly authorized agent must sign applications from a corporation and must present a certified copy of a corporate vote authorizing the application. All applicants shall be required to state the nature of their interest in the property or locality for which the officer is to be appointed; that is to say, whether as owners, lessees, agents or managers. C. Based upon an employer’s request or upon such other reason as the Police Commissioner may determine, a licensee may be forbidden to carry a firearm. This restriction shall be noted on their license (CBC St. 11 §15). Sec. 4 TRAINING: All persons seeking a Special Officer license must pass a course of instruction approved by the Police Commissioner. After successful completion, applicants must pass a Licensing Examination developed and administered by the Police Department’s Training & Education Division. The examination tests the applicant’s knowledge of: • His/her duties and responsibilities as a Special Officer; • The law; and • The proper use of non-lethal force. The Training and Education Division shall also test applicants who are licensed to carry a firearm and who are authorized to carry one in the course of their employment. This test shall cover the proper use of deadly force, in addition to meeting the requirements of Section 10 of this rule, Firearms. The Training and Education Division shall test each Special Officer applicant on the weapon he/she will carry while on duty. Once qualified, the Special Officer shall only carry, while on duty, the firearm with which he/she qualified. Special Officers must take the Licensing Examination every three years. Sec. 5 POWERS AND AUTHORITY: Special Officers licensed under the provisions of this Rule shall have, while their license is in force, the power of police officers to make arrests, preserve order and enforce the laws of the Commonwealth and ordinances of the City of Boston limited to the premises or locality specified in the license. Special Officers are prohibited from applying for or executing search warrants. Sec. 6 DUTY TO OBEY AND COOPERATE: It is the duty of every licensed Special Officer to observe and obey this Rule and all orders of Boston police officers in matters involving the need for police service. It is the duty of every Special Officer to cooperate with Boston police officers. Boston police officers, in turn, shall cooperate with a licensed Special Officer in the performance of his/her respective duties, rendering assistance as needed. Whenever a Boston police officer responds to or is present at an incident, the judgment of the Boston police officer shall prevail. Except for those situations where the only involvement of the Boston police officer is to transport prisoners, the Boston police officer is responsible for the proper handling and reporting of such incident, in conformance with Department policies in effect at the time. Participation by licensed Special Officers, on or off duty, in police action where police officers are present, shall be limited to identifying themselves to the officer(s) and offering their assistance. Licensed Special Officers shall assist police officers, when requested, in preserving peace or taking a prisoner to a District Station. All incidents requiring a police report in which a licensed Special Officer is involved shall be reported to the District Station responsible for the area in which the incident occurred. Such reports shall be submitted immediately after the incident. Read more about Rule 400 below. Join the United Federation LEOS-PBA Law Enforcement Officers Security & Police Benefit Association the true authority of Law Enforcement, Protective Service Officers, Special Police Officers, Security Police Officers, Nuclear Security Officers, K9 Handlers, Security Officers, Security Guards and Security Professionals nationwide. Contact us today @ 1-800-516-0094 or visit our website @ www.LEOSPBA.org Organizing: 1-800-516-0094 United Federation LEOS-PBA (202) 595-3510

Metropolitan Police Department Security Officers Management Branch (SOMB) Effective January 2, 2014, the processing of all license applications, including license renewals, for private detectives, private investigators, special police officers, and security officers will be handled by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), although final signoff of each application will still be done by the Metropolitan Police Department, Security Officers Management Branch (SOMB). License applications and renewals will continue to be done at the SOMB office, located at 2000 14th Street, NW, Room 302. DCRA staff will be on-site to process applications. Payment of license fees must be paid at the SOMB office and must be in the form of a cashiers check, money order, or certified check; no cash or personal checks are accepted. The license fees are listed below. All new license applications and license renewals must complete a streamlined application, provide fingerprints for a criminal background check, and submit two color photos measuring 1 x 1½ in size for each application submitted. Applicants must also provide the following documents: Criminal History Affidavit Applicants must submit the appropriate affidavit form indicating the applicants past employment, residence(s), and arrest history. Applicants with an arrest history must provide a copy of the final court disposition for any charge. The affidavit must be notarized by a notary public of the applicants choice. These documents cannot be dated more than 30 days prior to the date of the application process. Drug Screening (New Applicants and Special Police Officer Renewals) A drug screening from a certified laboratory must also accompany the application(s). The applicant must be tested and screened at the levels for drugs that are outlined on the Metropolitan Police Departments Drug Screening Standards Form. Applicants who test POSITIVE for any drugs must submit medical documentation from the prescribing physician supporting the positive reading. The statement must be on letterhead from the attending physicians office and have the original signature of the doctor. Physical exams must be completed no later than 30 days prior to the date of the application process. Physical (New Applicants only) Applicants are required to submit medical documentation certifying that he or she is physically and mentally capable of performing security related functions. Applicants may respond to the physician of their choice for examination. The original signature of the doctor and the date must appear on the physical. Applicants being treated by a private physician for an existing medical condition must also submit a doctors statement from that physician, which states that the condition will not prohibit the applicant from performing security related functions. Drug screening results must be completed no later than 30 days prior to the date of the application process. Birth Certificate or Naturalization Documentation (New Applicants) Applicants must submit a photocopy of their birth certificate from the Vital Statistics Office from their state, not the hospital birth certificate. Original birth certificates submitted will not be returned. A photocopy of any legal documentation supporting a name change, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption papers must be submitted with the application. If the applicant is not a citizen of the United States, proof of their immigration status must be submitted for certification as a Security Officer. The original document should be shown, but a copy needs to be submitted for the file (example: Resident Alien Card (Green Card), Employment Authorization, or I-94 Departure Record).\ DD-214 (Special Police Officer New Applicant) An applicant who submits an application for a commission as a Special Police Officer must submit a photocopy of their DD-214 indicating the type of separation from that branch of the military. Marriage License or Name Change Documentation Range Certification & Gun List (Special Police Officer only) Once an applicant has completed and submitted all documents, the same authorized person that signed the application must review the complete package for accuracy and affix his/her signature somewhere on each document. No paperwork will be accepted unless the required signature is on each document. Upon completion of the above requirements, a background investigation will be conducted on the applicant to include local and FBI criminal checks. Background investigations require 10 to 14 days to complete. Additionally, security officer applicants will be required to take a test based on the applicable D.C. Municipal Regulations in Title 17, Chapters 20 and 21. The tables below list the application fees charged by DCRA. Please note that the fees reflect the license having a two-year term, rather than the previous one-year term. Regulations All Special Police Officers, Security Officers and Private Detective Agency Owners are required to have knowledge of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Title 6A, Chapter 11 and 21. Join the United Federation LEOS-PBA Law Enforcement Officers Security & Police Benefit Association the true authority of Law Enforcement, Protective Service Officers, Special Police Officers, Security Police Officers, Nuclear Security Officers, K9 Handlers, Security Officers, Security Guards and Security Professionals nationwide. Contact us today @ 1-800-516-0094 or visit our website @ www.LEOSPBA.org Organizing: 1-800-516-0094 United Federation LEOS-PBA (202) 595-3510

Special police usually describes a police force or unit within a police force whose duties and responsibilities are significantly different from other forces in the same country or from other police in the same force, although there is no consistent international definition. A special constable, in most cases, is not a member of a special police force (SPF); in countries in the Commonwealth of Nations and often elsewhere, a special constable is a voluntary or part-time member of a national or local police force or a person involved in law enforcement who is not a police officer but has some of the powers of a police officer. In United States terminology, special police can mean: Auxiliary police, members of volunteer, unpaid or paid, part-time civilian police, security officer units, interns; Company police; Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT); Security police; or Special Law Enforcement Officers/ Special Jurisdiction Law Enforcement – used in New Jersey to supplement full-time police officers; The term can also refer to limited police power granted in some jurisdictions to lifeguards, SPCA personnel, teachers, and other public sector employees which is incidental to their main responsibilities. Special Police Officers (or SPOs) can be employed to protect large campuses such as theme parks, hospital centers, and commerce centers. Some states, such as Maryland, New York, and the District of Columbia, grant full State Police/peace officer authority to SPOs for use in whatever area they are employed to protect. They can make traffic stops in their jurisdiction if they have had accredited training. They are also permitted to conduct traffic control and investigations pertaining to the area protected by them, while a majority of SPOs are armed with a firearm, some states permit the age for an SPO to be 18, while still they can not carry a sidearm. Special police can make a criminal arrest and run blue strobe lights on their vehicle. California The San Francisco Patrol Special Police is a neighborhood police force authorized in the City Charter, with officers appointed and regulated by the Police Commission after an initial security review by the San Francisco Police Department. Hourly rates for service are principally paid by private clients, with some cost to the City for general program administration concerning standards of professional performance, but not concerning day-to-day operations. Thus, the nature of this special police force is both quasi-private and quasi-public. The force has been in operation in the United States, city of San Francisco for over 162 years. By current City Code the force provides patrols on the streets of San Francisco as well as at fixed locations, and also provides a range of other safety services as requested by private clients. Kentucky In Kentucky, special police officers are Special Law Enforcement Officers (SLEO). They are sworn peace officers with limited jurisdiction. They have full legal police powers; explicitly including arrest authority, the ability to carry a weapon, and use emergency vehicles. However, their jurisdiction is specifically limited to public property that they have been hired to protect. While Kentucky law allows both the State and local governments to use SLEO's, most are used by the Kentucky State Police in the Facilities Security Branch. Massachusetts In Massachusetts, ‘special police’ usually refers to Special State Police Officers (SSPOs) whom are law enforcement officers employed by a college, university, or hospital police force. SSPOs must attend and graduate either the 16-week SSPO Academy hosted by the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) in New Braintree, MA, or any of the 20-week Recruit Officer Courses (the same academies attended by municipal LEOs across the commonwealth) approved by the Municipal Police Training Council (MPTC). Prospective SSPOs may have the training requirement waived by the Massachusetts State Police if they have completed an MPTC-approved Reserve/Intermittent Academy, have worked at least 2,000 hours as a part-time LEO, and have an associate’s degree or higher in criminal justice; SSPO candidates whom have a significant full-time LE work history and have previously completed any LE academy may also apply for a training waiver from the MSP. SSPOs typically have the same police powers as ‘regular’ police officers within the commonwealth, although they may only exercise it pursuant to their duties and usually only while on their employer’s property. New Jersey In New Jersey, Special Law Enforcement Officers (SLEOs) are used to supplement full-time police officers. There are currently three classes of special law enforcement officers. Class I SLEOs are allowed to conduct routine traffic detail, spectator control, and similar duties, but are not authorized to carry a firearm while on duty. Class II SLEOs are permanent, regularly appointed full-time police officers. They are authorized to carry a firearm. Class III SLEOs are retired fully trained police officers who are under the age of 65 years old. They serve on a part-time basis and authorized to provide security while on school or college premises during hours when the school or college is normally in session or when occupied by students, teachers, or professors. These Officers do not replace regular law enforcement officers or school resource officers currently employed in schools. By law, all armed SLEOs must return their firearm to the station house unless the firearm is owned by the SLEO in compliance with unit policy on personally owned firearms. All Class II and Class III SLEOs are fully trained and certified police officers in the State of New Jersey. Class I SLEOs go through different certifications, but still have police officer status. Class Two Officers in Newark carry weapons off duty. New Orleans Louisiana The Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department in accordance with New Orleans Home Rule Charter section 4-502 (2) (a) (b) and New Orleans Municipal Code 17271 MCS 90-86, may deputize private Security Guards, within the city limits, with limited Police Power as New Orleans Police Special Officers. Louisiana R.S. 40:1379.1 (b) states the Special Officer, when performing those tasks requiring a Special Officer's commission, shall have the same powers and duties as a Peace Officer, however, that when not performing these tasks directly related to the special officer's commission, he shall be regarded as a private citizen and his commission shall not be in effect. Special Officers may make arrest for felony or misdemeanor offenses on the property or area they are to protect, patrol, or in relation to their direct assignment. However, Special Officers still may make an arrest, as a private person, for a felony, whether in or out of his presence, under Louisiana Law CCRP Art.214 Arrest by private person; when lawful. North Carolina In North Carolina, some private companies have their own special police forces. These include hospitals, hotels, race tracks, and shopping malls and are more properly referred to as "Company Police". There are also companies that offer contract special police services for a fee to anyone who has property they wish to protect. In the state of North Carolina, special police differ greatly from security companies. North Carolina Special police officers have full arrest powers on any property they are hired to protect within the state as granted by the North Carolina Attorney General. Special police officers must also attend and pass the Basic Law Enforcement Training program like all other police officers. Security officers do not have arrest powers as their job is to mainly observe and report. Smithsonian Museum Special Police in NY, Virginia, & DC Main article: Smithsonian Police The Smithsonian museum utilizes federal employees designated as "special police" under the United States Code (Title 10, Chapter 63, §6306). These officers patrol Smithsonian property in New York, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Smithsonian Special Police Officers carry firearms, mace and handcuffs and have arrest authority on federal Smithsonian property. Texas The Texas Special Police were formed along with the Texas State Police during the administration of Texas Governor Edmund J. Davis on July 22, 1870, to combat crime statewide in Texas. There were thirty special policemen assigned as auxiliary officers throughout the state. On April 22, 1873, the law authorizing the state police was repealed by the newly-elected Democratic-controlled state legislature. Texas state law authorizes mayors to appoint special police officers to enforce the municipality's laws, avert danger, or protect life or property; because of riot, outbreak, calamity, or public disturbance; or because of threat of serious violation of law or order, of outbreak, or of other danger to the municipality or its inhabitants. (§ 341.011. SPECIAL POLICE FORCE IN TYPE A GENERAL-LAW). Virginia Virginia possesses special police officers employed, typically, in the private police field. These officers are regulated by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and are termed special conservators of the peace (SCOP). These officers must meet specific training requirements and be sworn in by the district court judge or magistrate in the area where they request a commission. These officers, when so sworn and certified, are permitted to utilize the term 'police' (this was removed by the state legislature in 2018 and they may no longer use the term) and are permitted to operate emergency vehicles equipped with red flashing/strobing lights (municipal law enforcement operates either blue or combinations of blue and red). This class of officers should not be confused with armed security officers who in Virginia possess arrest authority on the property they are employed to protect. Armed security officers do not have fresh pursuit authority (off of their grounds/property) whereas SCOP officers do. Washington, D.C. Washington utilizes special police in both the public and private security sectors. Most work for private security companies although many security officers in the Washington, D.C., area also have special police status. Special police are required to be licensed and are appointed by the Mayor. Join the United Federation LEOS-PBA Law Enforcement Officers Security & Police Benefit Association the true authority of Law Enforcement, Protective Service Officers, Special Police Officers, Security Police Officers, Nuclear Security Officers, K9 Handlers, Security Officers, Security Guards and Security Professionals nationwide. Contact us today @ 1-800-516-0094 or visit our website @ www.LEOSPBA.org Organizing: 1-800-516-0094 United Federation LEOS-PBA (202) 595-3510

Special Police Maryland A special police officer is an individual at least 18 years old, who holds a commission granted by the Governor. Generally, a commission authorizes the officer to arrest individuals who trespass or commit offenses on the property described in the commission, exercise the powers of a police officer on the property described in the commission, and exercise the powers of a police officer in a county or municipal corporation associated with the property described in the commission, and direct and control traffic on public highways and roadways in the immediate vicinity of the property described in the commission. Required Training As of October 1, 2020, Maryland House Bill 1111 has taken effect which requires the following training: 1) Unless exempt, an applicant for an initial Commission shall complete a training course approved by the Secretary, in consultation with the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission, consisting of at least 80 hours of instruction, including criminal law, constitutional procedural requirements relating to search, seizure, and arrests and the appropriate use of force. 2) An applicant for a renewal Commission shall complete 12 hours of in-service training approved by the Secretary, in consultation with the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission. See House Bill 1111 for exemptions to the above requirements at: House Bill 1111. Direct questions on the training requirements associated with House Bill 1111 to the Police Training Commission website below: https://mdle.net/specialpolice.htm​ Where to Mail Applications Maryland State Police Licensing Division 1111 Reisterstown Road Pikesville, MD 21208 Attn.: Special Police Commissions Who Should Apply? You may apply for the appointment of an individual as a Special Police Officer if you are: A municipal corporation, county, or other governmental body of the State, in order to protect property owned, leased, or regularly used by the governmental body or any of its units; Another state, or subdivision or unit of another state, that has an interest in property located wholly or partly in this State, in order to protect the property; A college, university, or public school system in the State, in order to protect its property or students; or A person that exists and functions for a legal business purpose, in order to protect its business. The individual for whom the appointment is sought shall be: of good moral character, reputation and qualification; and at least 18 years old; How To Apply The employer submits the application for each individual applicant seeking a commission. The Special Police Commission unit will only accept applications completed electronically on the PDF form(s) provided below under Documents for initial and renewal applications. Please answer all questions accurately, completely and honestly. Once completed, the PDF form should be printed, signed, and mailed. Mail the application packet to the Licensing Division at the address provided above. Allow 90 business days for the completion of the application process. If the Licensing Division does not receive the renewal application, satisfactorily completed, by the expiration date, the applicant must begin as a new applicant and complete all requirements necessary for an initial application. All original applications require FBI and CJIS fingerprint submissions. Additionally, applicants must submit two (2) color passport type photographs of the applicant (2"x2" square, light background, head and shoulder full face, no hat, no dark glasses). The photographs must be taken within the last 30 days. How Much Does It Cost? The fee for an initial application is $100. The fee for a renewal application is $60. Fees must be paid by check or money order made payable to the Maryland State Police. When Should I Renew? Initial commissions expire three (3) years after its date of issuance and upon the end of the term of a commission, the commission is renewable for a three (3) year term if the employer of the special police officer: submits to the Maryland State Police a renewal application on the form provided on the Documents page on this site; submits to the Maryland State Police a Livescan receipt of FBI fingerprints; and pays to the Maryland State Police a renewal fee of $60 where applicable, but a renewal fee may not be charged to a unit of the State. The renewal process is the responsibility of the applicant and should be started no less than 90 business days from expiration of the commission. Timely renewal is the responsibility of the commission holder. The Licensing Division does not send out renewal reminders. Frequently Asked Questions What do I need to submit the license? ​For the special police application, make sure you are submitting the following: two (2) photos, all applicable fees, live scan receipt, and the application itself, which can be found under Documents.​ How long is the process? ​90 days, not to include weekends and holidays.​ Statutes Below you will find links to PDFs of relevant Maryland statutes, provided for your convenience. Please note that laws change over time. The below documents were created on June 12, 2013, and are for reference purposes only. To obtain the most recent text of any legislation, please go online to LexisNexis to access the up-to-date Maryland code. Statutes​ MDPublicSafetyCode3-307 MDPublicSafetyCode3-308 MDPublicSafetyCode3-309 MDPublicSafetyCode3-314 MDPublicSafetyCode3-315 Documents​ 3-12-15 Advisory - LD-SPO 15-001 Bulletin LD-SG-15-0001 Entrance Level Training Objectives LD-PSSU-20-001 Required Training SP LD-PSSU-20-002 Required Training Special Police Commissions - Amended Special Police Application (29-12G) Join the United Federation LEOS-PBA Law Enforcement Officers Security & Police Benefit Association the true authority of Law Enforcement, Protective Service Officers, Special Police Officers, Security Police Officers, Nuclear Security Officers, K9 Handlers, Security Officers, Security Guards and Security Professionals nationwide. Contact us today @ 1-800-516-0094 or visit our website @ www.LEOSPBA.org Organizing: 1-800-516-0094 United Federation LEOS-PBA (202) 595-3510

What is a D.C. Special Police Officer? ​ The term Special Police Officer, is any person who is commissioned which have been approved pursuant to this act, and who may be authorized to carry a weapon. They are privately commissioned police officers with full arrest powers within an area or premises which the officer has been employed to protect. The commission is conditional and is required to be renewed each year. C. Code, §4-114 (1981). Special police officer shall have the same powers as a law enforcement officer to Arrest without a warrant for offenses committed within the premises to which his or her jurisdiction extends or outside the premises on a fresh pursuit for offenses committed on the premises. C. Code §23-582A. ​ Special police officers appointed pursuant to § 1100.1 shall be strictly confined in their authority to the particular place or property which they are commissioned to protect. ​ To protect the property of one person or corporation located in various sections of the District of Columbia and in more than one police district, and to protect money, securities, or other property being transported between the locations of the property of that person or corporation, or between those locations and certain banks or other depositories. All locations of property, banks, or other places pursuant to § 1101.2 shall be specified upon the face of the commission issued to those special police officers. What are the requirements to take the course? A. Must be US Citizen, must be 21years of age or older and be able to pass the basic criminal background check. ​ Do I have to be employed to become a Commissioned D.C. Special Police Officer? A. Yes, you must be employed by a licensed D.C. security or proprietary company. Applications for appointment under the provisions of D.C. Official Code §4-114 (1981), shall be made jointly in the names of the prospective special police officers and the names of the persons or corporations in connection with whose property of business the appointment is sought. Join the United Federation LEOS-PBA Law Enforcement Officers Security & Police Benefit Association the true authority of Law Enforcement, Protective Service Officers, Special Police Officers, Security Police Officers, Nuclear Security Officers, K9 Handlers, Security Officers, Security Guards and Security Professionals nationwide. Contact us today @ 1-800-516-0094 or visit our website @ www.LEOSPBA.org Organizing: 1-800-516-0094 United Federation LEOS-PBA (202) 595-3510