Special Police Officer Class

The Special Police Officer job is one of the most sought-after security jobs in Washington, D.C., and where you receive your security training is often the deciding factor if you get employed by many companies.

The term Special Police Officer is any person who is commissioned pursuant to the provision of the District of Columbia Code, Section §4-114 and §4-115, and who may be authorized to carry a firearm.

A 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 and may arrest outside the premises on fresh pursuit for offenses committed on the premises. (D.C. Code 23-582A)

All Individuals who become an Armed Special Police Officer complete a 40-hour training course pursuant to Code §6A 1107.2., and must complete firearms training Baton training, O.C. training, Handcuff training and Red Cross First-Aid, CPR and AED certification, as applicable with Code §6A 1107.4.

The below is a list of topics taught in our courses:

  • Criminal and Constitutional Law
  • Arrest Procedures
  • Conflict Management
  • Ethics
  • Report Writing
  • Use of Force
  • Firearms Training
  • Expandable Baton
  • Pepper Spray

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be a citizen of the United States
  • Be at least twenty-one(21) years of age
  • Be able to read and write the English language
  • Be of good moral character
  • Be in good health and able to perform police duties
  • Be approved by the Chief of Police
  • Has not been convicted in any jurisdiction of any felony or convicted in any jurisdiction or any crime involving moral turpitude, or illegal use or possession of a dangerous weapon
  • Has not been declared incompetent by reason of mental defect or disease
  • Does not suffer from habitual drunkenness or from narcotics addiction or dependence

The Special Police Officer (SPO)

A special police officer is any person who is commissioned pursuant to the provision of the district of Columbia Code, Section 4-114 and 4-115, and who may be authorized to carry a firearm.

A 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 and may arrest outside the premises on fresh pursuit for offenses committed on the premises  (D.C. Code 23-582A).

How do I apply for a Special Police Officer’s License?
1. Go to: https://dlcp.dc.gov/service/professional-licensing
2. Click “Obtain Occupational and Professional Licenses”
a. Select Security Programs.
3. Follow the prompts to register for an “Applicant” by clicking the link for Apply for a License

After you complete your training you are responsible for the following additional fees:

$84.00 fee made payable to DC government for your SPO application;
$35.00 fee made payable to DC Metropolitan Police Department (DC MPD) for your fingerprint/background investigation;
$35.00 fee made payable to a drug test company for your drug test; and

$50.00 made payable to a physician for your health physical exam.

Submit the following documents for new licenses:

Special Police Officer

Pre-Qualifications:
  • Have reached the age of twenty-one (21) years;
  • Be a citizen of the United States;
  • Be of good moral character;
  • Possess a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma, or one year of experience as a special police officer in the District of Columbia;
  • Be able to read, write, and speak the English language;
  • Must be affiliated with a licensed Security Agency;
  • Be certified by a licensed physician as physically and psychologically fit to perform the duties of a special police officer;
  • An applicant who has been dishonorably discharged from the military shall be ineligible to be commissioned as a special police officer;
  • 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;
  • 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:
    • Terrorism awareness, including building evacuation, unattended packages, and unknown substances;
    • Emergency procedures, including evacuation and first-aid; and
    • Customer service and interaction with tourists.
  • 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;
  • Special police officers shall also satisfy all additional initial and re-qualification training standards for firearms and other equipment, as applicable;
  • Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit a security agency from voluntarily providing training programs and courses which exceed the minimum requirements. 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.
Submit the following documents for new licenses:
  • Government Issued ID
  • Unites States Passport, United States Birth Certificate or Naturalization Document
  • 2×2 photo
  • Proof of Military Service (DD214 – if applicable)
  • Notarized Arrest Affidavit (including dispositions for arrests)
  • Drug Screening (6 panel with levels)
  • Physical Examination
  • Range Certificate (if armed)
  • Fingerprint Receipt
  • Confirmation Receipt of Payment

Security Officer

Pre-Qualifications:
  • Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
  • Either be a United States citizen or have in his or her possession a valid Immigration and Naturalization Service work permit;
  • Be able to read, write, and speak the English language; and
  • Must be affiliated with a licensed Security Agency Business
Submit the following documents for new licenses:
  • Government Issued ID
  • United States Passport, United States Birth Certificate, and Immigration and Naturalization Service Work Permit
  • 2×2 photo
  • Proof of Military Service (DD214 – if applicable)
  • Notarized Arrest Affidavit (including dispositions for arrests)
  • Drug Screening (6 panel with levels)
  • Health/Physical Examination
  • Security Officer’s Passed Examination Results
  • Fingerprint Receipt
  • Confirmation Receipt of Payment

Employment Opportunity