Skip to main content

Campus Alert

Search
Dismiss Search
Search
Dismiss Search
Menu

Special Police Officer Certificate

Special Police Officer

At a Glance

Serve & Protect Your Community as a Special Police Officer!

Special Police Officers (SPOs) hold a commission granted by the Governor authorizing them to arrest individuals who commit offenses on the property described in their commission and exercise other powers of a police officer on the property. This course is designed for new SPOs who are being sponsored by their employer.

Schedule:

Offered Fall & Spring; weekday daytime classes

Next Class Date:

April 13, 2026

Approx. Number of Hours/Days:

88 hours/11 days

Program Cost:*

$860; Tuition Assistance Available

Certification Earned:

Certificate of Completion

Min. Occupational Requirements:

At least 18 years old; of good moral character, reputation, and qualification.

Helpful Resources

What You’ll Learn

Participants in the Special Police Officer Certificate program are trained in all state-mandated learning objectives, including:

  • Criminal law
  • Field interrogation
  • Court procedure
  • Terrorism & gangs
  • Defensive tactics
  • Crisis intervention
  • First aid & CPR

Curriculum

The SPO Academy is taught at the Carroll Community College campus in Westminster and at the Coppermine Pantherplex in Hampstead.

Serve and protect your community as a special police officer. Learn about criminal law, field interrogation, court procedure, terrorism and gangs, defensive tactics, crisis intervention, and first aid and CPR. Special police officers may be employed by colleges and universities, K-12 school systems, court systems, retail establishments and restaurants, and hospitals and healthcare facilities. A special police officer must be at least 18 years old and hold a commission granted by the Governor. A commission authorizes the officer to arrest individuals who trespass or commit offenses on the property described in the commission and exercise other powers of a police officer on the property. Upon successful completion of this course, special police officer candidates will receive a Certificate of Completion that is required to submit when applying for a commission.

Licensure/Certification Earned

Individuals who successfully complete this course will receive a Certificate of Completion that employers are required to submit to the Maryland State Police when applying for a Special Police Officer commission.

Financial Assistance

Funding is available to help pay for short-term job training. Up to 90% of costs may be covered to complete this training program.

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of police and detectives—an occupational category that includes many SPO roles—is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033. This growth represents a consistent need for new personnel, largely driven by retirements, transfers, and normal workforce turnover. The BLS anticipates about 63,000 job openings per year in this broader field.

SPOs are typically employed in institutions that require ongoing, specialized security presence, including:

  • Colleges & universities
  • K–12 school systems
  • Court systems
  • Hospitals & healthcare facilities
  • Retail stores & restaurants

With experience and continued training, Special Police Officers may move into supervisory roles, training positions, or specialized security units. Some go on to pursue traditional law enforcement careers or transition into broader public safety roles. Those working for large organizations—such as hospital networks or school systems—may have access to internal advancement programs or tuition reimbursement for continuing education in criminal justice or public administration.

As the importance of security and preparedness continues to grow, so too does the value of well-trained professionals ready to meet that need. Whether protecting a campus, supporting hospital staff, or maintaining order in a courthouse, SPOs can expect a meaningful and sustainable career with room to grow.

  1. What is a Special Police Officer (SPO)?
    According to the Maryland Department of State Police, a Special Police Officer (SPO) is a security professional who is granted by the Governor limited law enforcement authority on specific property in Maryland. SPOs are commonly employed by institutions such as colleges, hospitals, courts, and school systems to provide security and enforce laws on designated premises.
  2. What are the requirements to become a Special Police Officer in Maryland?
    To qualify for a Special Police Officer commission in Maryland, applicants must:

    • Be at least 21 years old
    • Be of good moral character, reputation, and qualifications
    • Successfully complete an MPCTC-approved 80-hour training course, such as Carroll’s program

    The applicant’s employer must apply for the SPO commission on the individual’s behalf.

  3. How do I get my Special Police Officer Commission?
    Special Police Officer commissions are issued by the State of Maryland, not by Carroll Community College. Applications are submitted through the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal. The employer submits the application on behalf of the applicant and must include proof of completion of an MPCTC-approved SPO training program, such as the Certificate of Completion issued by Carroll.
  4. How long is the Special Police Officer training program?
    The training program consists of 88 total hours completed over 11 days. Classes are held Monday through Friday for two consecutive weeks, with an additional session on the following Monday.
  5. Is Carroll’s Special Police Officer training recognized by the state of Maryland?
    Yes. Carroll’s Special Police Officer training program is approved by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC), the state agency responsible for certifying law enforcement training programs in Maryland.
  6. Where do Special Police Officers work in Maryland?
    SPOs are commonly employed in settings that require a dedicated security presence, including:

    • Colleges and universities
    • K–12 school systems
    • Court systems
    • Hospitals and healthcare facilities
    • Retail stores and restaurants
  7. Can I carry a firearm as a Special Police Officer in Maryland?
    Special Police Officers may carry a firearm only if they receive the required training and certifications and are authorized by their employer. SPOs are not automatically authorized to carry a firearm. Firearm policies—including when and where weapons may be carried—are determined by the employing agency. Firearms training and certification are not included in Carroll’s MPCTC-approved SPO training program.
  8. Do Special Police Officers receive on-the-job training?
    An SPO’s employer sponsors the individual to attend an MPCTC-approved entry-level training academy, such as Carroll’s program. Employers are also responsible for providing legally mandated in-service training every three years. Some employers may offer additional on-the-job training beyond what is required by state law.

Get Started Today

Fill out the form below or contact our team to learn more about the program, upcoming classes, or financial assistance.

410-386-8100 | wbce@carrollcc.edu | Building A, Room 115

*Unless noted, cost does not include any required textbooks and related materials, applicable licensing fees, background check fees, testing fees or prerequisite courses.