Special Police Officer

Program Description

A special police officer must be at least 18 years old and hold a commission granted by the Governor of Maryland. A commission is granted for a specific company, institution, or municipality. 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, 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.  Special Police Officers have knowledge of public safety, security, law, and government.​​

This program features a course of study that is approved by the Secretary of the Maryland State Police. Students will learn the role of a Special Police Officer, criminal and constitutional law, crime prevention, patrol procedures, crisis intervention, 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 both the private and public sectors, serving organizations of all sizes at the local, state, and 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.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students.  Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. 

Length of Training

3 weeks

Program Requirements

High School Diploma or GED​

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  Upon acceptance, an email will be sent with additional information directing you to your next steps.

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

Both Special Police Officer Initial Training courses must be completed at the same time. Class attendance is mandatory, and students must pass all assessments.

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  | D.STAT 119

Program Assistant: Shreen Mandour | 443-840-5107 | smandour@ccbcmd.edu ​|D.STAT 120