Registration with DCJS
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) registers private security officers. The laws are in Title 9.1, Chapter 1, Article 4 of the Code of Virginia, and the rules for registered personnel are in 6VAC20-174.
An unarmed security officer observes, detects and reports, or notifies authorities, about people or property on the premises they are contracted to protect. An unarmed officer does not carry or have access to a firearm while working.
Starting work
- Submit your fingerprints on or before your date of hire.
- You may then work for up to 90 consecutive days while you complete the compulsory minimum training.
- Until you have a temporary or permanent registration, carry your employer's 90-day authorization document and a photo ID on duty.
Officers who carry a firearm need an armed registration, which has more training, including firearms training. This guide covers the unarmed registration only.
The 01E entry-level course
Under 6VAC20-174-330, unarmed officers complete 18 hours of entry-level training in course 01E, Security Officer Core Subjects. The 18 hours do not include the exam.
| 01E subject | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Orientation | The Code of Virginia and private security regulations, the code of ethics, general duties and responsibilities, and signs of terrorism |
| Law | The legal limits on what a security officer may do |
| Security patrol, access control and communications | How to patrol, control entry and use radios and phones |
| Documentation | Notes, logs and incident reports |
| Emergency procedures | Fires, medical emergencies, evacuations and threats |
| Confrontation management | Calming conflict and avoiding fights |
| Use of force | When force may be used and how much is reasonable |
| Written comprehensive examination | The test at the end of the course |
After entry-level training, officers complete 4 hours of in-service training in course 01I, Security Officer Core Subjects In-Service.
Virginia law for security officers
A security registration does not give you police powers. Your main job is to observe, deter and report.
Watching, being visible and reporting are the core of unarmed security work.
- Observe: watch people, places and activity carefully
- Deter: a visible, alert officer discourages crime
- Report: pass on what you see by radio, phone or written report
Trespass
Under Code of Virginia section 18.2-119, it is trespass to go on or stay on property after being forbidden to do so orally or in writing by the owner, lessee, custodian or their agent, or by posted signs. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor. As the owner's agent, you may tell a person to leave. If they refuse, call the police.
Shoplifting detentions
Under section 18.2-105.1, a merchant or the merchant's agent or employee who has probable cause to believe a person shoplifted is protected from civil liability for the detention, as long as it does not exceed one hour.
Use of force
Use force only when it is lawful and necessary, and only as much as is reasonable. Stop when the threat stops, get medical help if anyone is hurt and report it in writing.
Reasonable force depends on the threat, the people involved and your other options.
- The threat faced
- Whether force was needed at that moment
- Proportionality: force in balance with the threat
- Other options that could have been used
- The aftermath and the duty of care
Patrols, reports and emergencies
Changing your patrol route and timing makes it harder for anyone to predict where you will be.
- A predictable route that follows the same loop every time
- An irregular route that changes its order and timing
- Vary your patrol times and routes.
- Check doors, windows, lights and fire exits, and report anything unusual.
- Control access by checking IDs and following post orders.
- In an emergency, raise the alarm, call 911 and follow the site plan.
Documentation
Documentation is a full 01E subject because your notes and reports may be used by police, insurers and courts. Write notes as soon as possible while details are fresh. Answer who, what, when, where, why and how. Record facts, not opinions, and quote people's exact words when you can.
A good notebook entry is dated, timed, factual and corrected with a single line and initials.
- Date
- Time
- Location
- Details of what happened
- Signature
Confrontation management
Most conflicts can be calmed with words. Stay calm, keep a safe distance, use open hands and listen. Show that you understand the person's problem and offer choices. If the person becomes violent or will not leave, step back and call the police.
Tension rises, peaks and falls. Calm words early help keep it from reaching a crisis.
- Calm until a trigger
- Escalation: tension rises
- Crisis point
- De-escalation: tension falls
- Recovery: things settle