FAQs

What is a Special Police Officer? (SPO)

An SPO is a security personnel who has arrest powers on the property that he/she protects in Maryland. Special Police officers have the same powers as regular police officers with the exception that their jurisdiction is limited to the property that they are licensed to protect. Their powers evaporate at the property line.

What is the difference between a security and special police officer?

Security officers do not have arrest powers and are not sworn personnel. Special Police Officers are sworn personnel who have arrest powers on private property and who are employed directly by the property.

What is the difference in training between SPO and security?

The initial security officer course is 12 hours, while the Special Police officer course is 80 hours. For a renewal, special police training is 12 hours, while security guard training is 8 hours. The special police course is much more in depth training.

Can I enroll in online courses?

As a SPO can I work for a security guard company? Can I rent myself out as an SPO?

SPOs can technically work for security guard agencies, but their powers are only on the property that they are assigned to protect. They do not have "State Wide" jurisdiction. Only on their assigned properties. A security guard company cannot rent out SPOs as they do security guards. An SPO cannot rent themselves out to different properties, etc. They must be commissioned at each property they protect or must be employed by as security guard company and typically are W-2 employees. They are typically not subcontractors.

We offer convenient online instructor led courses for Maryland Security and Special Police Officers. Our courses are designed to fit your busy schedule and provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to excel in your career. You cannot be a felon.

How can I get in touch with an advisor?

Who teaches the courses?

All of our courses are taught by certified MPCTC instructors with a background in law enforcement and security operations. Our instructors have years of experience in the field and are committed to providing you with the best possible training.

What are Special Police courses?

What payment options are available?

You are required to pay in advance for each course. We accept credit card, debit card, E-check, PayPal and Venmo or you can opt to pay over time using Klarna.

What are Security Officer courses?

Maryland has established requirements for Special Police Officers to be licensed. Part of that requirement is that they receive training that is certified by the Maryland Police and Corrections Training Commission (MPCTC). We teach those courses. The initial course is 80 hours, and the renewal course is 12 hours and is required every 3 years from initially being licensed.

Can I become a Special Police Officer or a Security Officer without this training?

No. The State of Maryland now requires this training for both professions. In order for the Maryland State Police to process your application for either profession or renew your license, you must submit certified training documents with your application packet. The only job that is exempt from this training is an unarmed bar security person (typically called a bouncer). The requirement for security officers goes into effect Jan 1, 2025.

Maryland has established new requirements for security officers to be licensed. Under these new requirements, new security officers who are licensed must undergo 12 hours of initial training and 8 hours of in-service training every 3 years. All security officers in Maryland, regardless if working for a security company or directly working for a property such as a cannabis dispensary, in-house security at a business, an HOA, an apartment complex, etc. must be licensed. This takes effect Jan 1, 2025.

We're here to help! You can contact us by phone or email to speak with an advisor who can answer any questions you have about our courses, enrollment, and more.

All of the security companies are only hiring people that have security guard cards. How do I get a security guard card prior to working for a company or employer?

Is the Maryland Special Police and Security Training Academy a government agency?

No. We are a private training company. All training for Special Police and/or security officers in Maryland is conducted by either private companies or educational institutions. The only government agencies that train security and special police officers are those who employ their personnel for the security of public buildings, etc.

Do you guarantee that I get licensed?

This is because the security company doesn't want to pay for the training and would rather hire security guards who already have cards. If you take the training and get the certificate, when you apply to the company, you advise them that although you do not have the card, you do have a training certificate; thus, they only have to process your application rather than pay for your course.

Am I exempt if I was a prior military or a prior police officer? What about if I am a security or special police officer in another state?

It depends. If you were a police officer within the last 3 years, you may skip the training requirement for initial or renewal training. However, licensing is still required. Military service is not exempt. Security officers and special police officers from other states are not exempt.

Are you really certified to provide these classes?

Yes. Our courses are certified by the Maryland Police and Corrections Commission and all of our instructors are also certified.

Do I get licensed to carry pepper spray, handcuffs, a gun, a taser or a baton?

No, not with an approved MPCTC course. MPCTC does not allow weapons qualifications/certifications to be a part of the instructional objectives. However, we do offer certification for baton, pepper spray, JPX, defensive tactics and handcuffing but that is at an additional expense and are separate classes.

Do you sponsor security guards or SPOs?

Sponsorship

No. No agency or instructor can "guarantee" you as licensed. The Maryland State Police licensing division performs licensing. However, this course is required to be licensed.

Am I an SPO or Security Officer after taking this class?

No. To be an SPO you have to be employed at a property that will endorse your application to be an SPO, complete the application to the Maryland State Police, then get sworn in at the county clerk's office, then receive the card from the Maryland State Police. To be a security officer prior to January 1st, 2025, you have to be employed either directly by the property (which does not require the course until Jan 1, 2025) OR you have to be employed by a security guard company and complete a Maryland State Police application through the security guard company that is employing you.

I have a prior felony conviction or a serious misdomenor conviction, can I become a security guard or a special police officer?

No. Felony convictions are automatic disqualifiers to work in the special police or security industry in Maryland. Also, depending on the severity of a misdemeanor conviction, the Maryland State Police may decline to license you.

You are saying that if I have a criminal history I can't be a security guard or Special Police Officer? Why?? This is unfair!

We sponsor security guards but NOT SPOs. It is an enormous liability to "sponsor" an SPO just so that an applicant can get a license. Basically, that agency is absorbing the liability in giving you a license under their name when you are not really working there. It's unlawful. Plus, there is no point in being a special police officer unless you are employed as such. Be very cautious about agencies that offer to "sponsor" you. They are not conducting themselves in an ethical manner.

We are not saying it; the law says it. If you have a serious criminal past, no, you can't become a security officer or special police officer. It's because you are a criminal. Yes, if you have been convicted of a crime, you are, by definition, a criminal.

I do not have any documentation that I am allowed to be in the United States. Can I become a security officer or Special Police Officer?

No. To become a security guard or special police officer in Maryland you must be legally in the United States and produce either a naturalization certificate, a green card, or a work permit.

Who can be disapproved?

Disapprovals

Maryland Security Guard Certification ("Guard Card")

An individual can be denied or disapproved for a Maryland security guard certification if they fail to meet the qualifications outlined in the Business Occupations and Professions Article, primarily under § 19-402. Key grounds for disapproval include:

Conviction of a disqualifying crime: Defined under Public Safety Article § 5–101 (typically felonies and certain serious misdemeanors that indicate a lack of trustworthiness or pose a public safety risk).
Conviction of a crime of violence: Under Criminal Law Article § 14–101 (e.g., murder, rape, robbery, certain assaults).
Lack of good moral character and reputation: This is a broad standard assessed by the Maryland State Police.
Fraudulent or deceptive application: Attempting to obtain certification through false statements or misrepresentation.
Failure to meet other requirements: Such as being under 18 years old, not completing required training (12 hours of initial security training approved by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, effective January 1, 2025), or not being employed/applied with a licensed security guard agency or employer.
Prior issues as a police officer (if applicable): Formal findings of unlawful/excessive use of force or false statements.

The Maryland State Police may also deny certification based on other factors revealed during the background check or investigation.

Maryland Special Police Officer (SPO) Commission

A Special Police Officer commission is granted by the Governor upon recommendation by the Secretary of State Police (under Public Safety Article, Title 3, Subtitle 3). The process involves a thorough investigation, and disapproval can occur for:

Poor character, reputation, or qualifications: The Secretary investigates these aspects, and denial is recommended if the applicant is deemed unsuitable (broad discretion, often tied to criminal history or integrity issues).
Criminal history: While not explicitly tied to the same "disqualifying crime" list as security guards, convictions (especially felonies or serious misdemeanors) typically lead to denial, as they reflect on character and reputation. Background checks include state and federal criminal records.
Failure to meet basic requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and complete approved training (or equivalent law enforcement experience).
Other unsuitability: Any factors indicating the applicant would not responsibly exercise police-like powers (e.g., arrest authority on designated property).

For SPOs provided through licensed security guard agencies (enabled by SB 455, effective ~late 2025), the same individual qualifications apply, as the agency applies on behalf of the officer, but the commission process remains with the Maryland State Police and Governor.

In both cases, applicants undergo fingerprint-based criminal background checks, and denials can be appealed as contested cases under state administrative law. Always check the latest from the Maryland State Police Licensing Division for updates, as requirements can evolve.