What training does a DC Special Police Officer need?

A Special Police Officer must complete 40 hours of training (16 hours on arrest, search and use of force, plus 24 hours on duties), 16 hours of on-the-job training, and 8 hours of annual in-service training. See 6-A DCMR chapter 11 and 17 DCMR §2100 et seq.

How much is ATPS DC training?

Initial courses are $150 and renewal courses are $100. A bundle of two different initial courses is $275; an initial and renewal for different courses is $225; and two different renewals are $175. Less-Lethal Force Tools is a $75 add-on, excluded from bundles, with its hands-on practical scheduled separately.

Does completing training issue my DC credential?

No. Training completion does not itself issue a DC credential. The applicable DC agencies administer Security Officer licensing and Special Police Officer commissioning; confirm current application requirements directly with them.

DC Security Officer Training

ATPS provides training for DC Security Officer and Special Police Officer tracks. Completing training does not itself issue a license or commission; credential decisions are made by the applicable DC agencies.

DC requirements

Security Officer (SO)

24 hours pre-assignment; 16 hours of on-the-job training within 90 working days of assignment; and 8 hours of annual in-service training.

17 DCMR §2108.8–.9 · retrieved 28 Aug 2026

Special Police Officer (SPO)

40 hours (16 hours arrest, search and use of force plus 24 hours duties), 16 hours on-the-job training, and 8 hours of annual in-service training. SPO applicants must be 21+ and U.S. citizens.

6-A DCMR ch. 11; 17 DCMR §2100 et seq. · retrieved 28 Aug 2026

Available training

DC Security Officer Pre-Assignment Course — 24 hours — $150
DC Security Officer On-the-Job Training — 16 hours within 90 working days of assignment — Required after assignment
DC Security Officer Annual In-Service — 8 hours annually — $100
DC Special Police Officer Certification — 40 hours — $150
DC SPO Renewal — 8 hours annually — $100
Less-Lethal Force Tools — $75 add-on, excluded from bundles — hands-on practical scheduled separately

Multi-Course Bundle: two different initial courses $275; initial + renewal for different courses $225; two different renewals $175. Each saves $25. Less-Lethal Force Tools is a $75 add-on, excluded from all bundles, with its hands-on practical scheduled separately.

Official sources

Requirements verified 28 Aug 2026. Requirements change—confirm with the regulator before relying on this page.