⚠️ NOTICE

MARYLAND SPECIAL POLICE OFFICER (SPO)

LICENSING & COMMISSION REQUIREMENTS (2026)

🛡️ OVERVIEW

To become a Maryland Special Police Officer (SPO), an applicant must meet state eligibility requirements, complete approved training, and obtain a commission granted by the Governor of Maryland for a specific property or entity.

As of January 2026, the Maryland State Police (MSP) Licensing Portal allows licensed security guard agencies to employ and submit applications for Special Police Officers.

✅ BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet the following minimum standards:

Age: At least 18 years old

Character: Must be of good moral character, reputation, and qualification

Citizenship / Work Authorization:

U.S. Citizens

Individuals with valid work authorization may also apply

🔍 BACKGROUND & SCREENING

All applicants must successfully complete:

Criminal History Investigation

FBI & CJIS LiveScan fingerprint submission

Fingerprints must be submitted within 30 days of application

🎓 MANDATORY TRAINING

Initial Training Requirement

Completion of an 80-Hour Special Police Officer Basic Training Course

Training must be approved by the
Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC)

Training Topics Include:

Criminal Law

Use of Force

Arrest Powers & Authority

Search & Seizure

Professional Conduct & Liability

🆕 2025 / 2026 UPDATED TRAINING STANDARDS

Effective July 1, 2025, SPO training includes updated state-mandated objectives, including:

De-escalation techniques

Updated interview and communication methods

🎖️ TRAINING EXEMPTIONS

Applicants may be exempt from all or part of the training if they:

Were a sworn police officer within the last five (5) years, or

Successfully completed an equivalent police academy

(All exemptions are reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis.)

📝 APPLICATION & COMMISSION PROCESS

Sponsorship Required

You must be sought for appointment by a specific:

Security guard agency

Business or institution (college, hospital, HOA, etc.)

Municipality or government entity

Application Submission

Applications are submitted through the
Maryland State Police Licensing Portal

The employer or sponsoring entity typically submits the application

Required Documentation

Two (2) color passport-style photographs selfie

Taken within 30 days

LiveScan fingerprint receipt

Completed application packet

Fees & Timeline

Initial Application Fee: $100

Processing Time: Approximately 90 days

Oath of Office

If approved, the applicant must take an Oath of Office before the Clerk of the Court in the jurisdiction where the appointment is granted.

🏛️ COMMISSION SCOPE & AUTHORITY

Once commissioned, a Maryland SPO may:

Arrest individuals for offenses committed on the property listed in the commission

Exercise full police powers on that specific property

Direct traffic on public roadways immediately adjacent to the approved property

⚠️ SPO authority is NOT statewide and is strictly limited to the property or entity listed in the commission.

🔁 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS

SPO commissions are valid for three (3) years

Renewal requires:

12 hours of approved in-service training

Continued eligibility and good standing

📍 TRAINING & OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Maryland State Police (MSP) – Official licensing & commission authority

MPCTC-Approved Training Providers, including:

Montgomery College

SecurityTrainingClasses.com

Security Training Academy (STA)

🔵 SECURITY TRAINING ACADEMY (STA)

MPCTC-Approved SPO Training | Maryland-Focused Instruction

📍 8585 Fort Smallwood Rd
Pasadena, MD 21122

📞 443-702-7891
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.securitytrainingacademy.com