Special Police Officer Certificate
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.
Approx. Number of Hours/Months:
88 hours/11 days
Program Cost:*
Certification Earned:
Certificate of Completion
Min. Occupational Requirements:
At least 18 years old; of good moral character, reputation, and qualification.
What You’ll Learn
Students 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
Students 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
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.
- How do I get my Special Police Officer Commission?
The application for Special Police Officer Commission is completed through the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal. The employer submits the application for each individual seeking a commission and will include the applicant’s SPO training program Certificate of Completion from the College. - What is the average salary for Special Police Officers?
The average wage for SPOs is $11-22 per hour. (Wages are based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are estimates only.) - Is financial assistance available?
Yes! This program is eligible for tuition assistance. - Do you offer in-service training?
We do not currently offer in-service classes, but are looking to add to our SPO course offerings in the near future. Please reach out to program coordinator Ashley Halsey at ahalsey2@carrollcc.edu or 410-386-8120 with requests for specific in-service topics.
Get Started Today
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.