Program Description
A special police officer must be at least 18 years old and holds a commission granted by the Governor of Maryland. A commission is granted for a specific company, institution, or municipality, and authorizes the officer to maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, state, or federal laws and ordinances, apprehend and arrest criminal suspects, respond to emergencies to provide assistance, maintain public order and security, prepare investigation and incident reports, and direct and control traffic on public highways and roadways in the immediate vicinity of the property described in the commission. Special Police Officers have knowledge of public safety, security, law and government.
This program features a course that is approved by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police. Students will learn the role of a Special Police Officer, criminal law and matters, crime prevention, crime control, court procedure, interpersonal interactions, first aid and CPR, and defensive tactics.
Students entering this program should have self-discipline, computer skills, strong interpersonal skills, strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, social perceptiveness, stress tolerance, strong negotiation skills, and integrity. Students should also be organized, detail-oriented, and resourceful.
Special Police Officers work in the private and public sector, and in small and large organizations, companies, and local, state, or federal levels. Among others, Special Police Officers may work as a Corrections Officer (CO), Public Safety Officer, Deputy, Deputy Sheriff, Bailiff, Peace Officer, Campus Security Officer, Custom Protection Officer, Customer Service Security Officer, Hotel Security Officer, Loss Prevention Officer, Safety and Security Officer, Security Agent, Security Guard, or Security Officer. Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:
1. apply the knowledge and skills to function effectively to protect businesses, guests, and assets as appropriate;
2. meet education requirements set by Maryland State Police for an SPO commission;
3. prepare to gain employment as a Special Police Officer; and
4. assume responsibility for continued professional and personal development through continuing education.
CCBC Pathway
Criminal Justice and Law Pathway - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs. Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study. You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.
Program Credentials
CCBC Credential:
Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Training Certificate and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).
Students will be prepared to begin employment with a municipal corporation, county, or other governmental body of the State, a college, university, or public school system in the State, or a business that provides security.
External Credential:
Students must apply to the Maryland State Police for a Special Police Officer commission. All original SPO applications require FBI and CJIS fingerprint submissions.
Certifying Organization:
Maryland State Police https://mdsp.maryland.gov
Financial Aid and Payment Options
We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.
Length of Training
2.5 weeks
Program Requirements
High School Diploma or GED
This program is not eligible for Baltimore County Public School Blueprint funding.
Application Process
To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application. An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.
Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.
Prior Learning Assessment
This program has no options for obtaining course waiver(s) for prior learning.
Program Course Sequence
|
Course Number
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Course Title
|
Course Hours
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Textbook Information
(approximate cost; subject to change)
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Costs
T=Tuition/F=Fees
|
|
SSP288
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Special Police Officer-Initial Training
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84
|
All material included
|
$849
T: $255/F: $594
|
| Course Totals |
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84 |
|
$849
T: $255 F: $594
|
Career Coach
Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more. View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA. Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.
Program Contact Information
Program Coordinator: Greg Zuest | 443-840-3037 | gzuest@ccbcmd.edu | Dundalk STAT 119
Program Assistant: Jessica Scoggins | jscoggins@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-3678 | Dundalk STAT 118