Becoming a Special Police Officer in Virginia

• 1). Participate in the necessary level of training. If you are seeking employment as an unarmed special police officer, then you will be required to complete 24 hours of training. Armed special police officer applicants must train for 40 hours (see Reference 2). A list of approved training schools can be obtained from the Department of Criminal Justice Services. The Department's web address is linked in the Resources section of this article.
  
  
• 2). File a request for licensing with the Department of Criminal Justice Services. You must document that you are at least 18 years of age, have completed training requirements at an approved school, and are a citizen or legal resident of the United States. The application should include a mailing address, fingerprint cards, drug and alcohol test verification, and documentation that a bond of at least $10,000 has been issued on your behalf (see Reference 3).
  
  
• 3). Submit the proper fees to the Department of Criminal Justice Services. The Department charges an initial registration fee of $60 and a fingerprint card processing fee of $50 to each applicant (see Reference 4). After receiving your application, the Department may issue a temporary registration letter which can be used to secure your commission as a special police officer.
  
  
• 4). Secure a commitment from an eligible employer. Virginia law allows both government and private entities to employ special police officers (see Reference 1). Your employment search can be conducted using the traditional tools such as online job boards and websites devoted to law enforcement and related subjects in Virginia.
  
  
• 5). Provide your registration letter to the applicable circuit court. Based on this letter, the court can issue a court order designating your appointment as a special police officer (see Reference 4). This order must be issued by a Circuit Court Judge who has authority over the jurisdiction of your employer (see Reference 5).