Special Conservator of the Peace Defined | Initial Registration | Renewal Registration

For more details about the Special Conservators of the Peace Program, please visit the SCOP Program page. The page includes regulation information and details about the program itself.

Special Conservator of the Peace Defined

According to the Code of Virginia § 9.1-150.1, an "'special conservator of the peace' means any individual appointed pursuant to § 19.2-13 on or after September 15, 2004."

Registrations are issued for 12 months. There are two types of Special Conservators:

1. Armed Special Conservators of the Peace
2. Unarmed Special Conservators of the Peace

Initial Registration

Training Requirements

24 - 40 Hours, Consisting of:

• 06E - Special Conservator of the Peace Entry-Level (24 hours)
  • Training Outline (.htm)
  • Training Schools Offering Course (.htm)
• 07E - Special Conservator of the Peace Handgun Training Entry-Level (16 hours) - If Applicable
  • Training Outline (.htm)
  • Training Schools Offering Course (.htm)

Submit to the Department

1. Initial Special Conservator of the Peace application (PSS_VA) and applicable non-refundable fee.
2. Fingerprint card, fingerprint processing application (PSS_FP) and applicable non-refundable fee. For more information, view the Fingerprints page.
3. Drug and alcohol test. View list of approved drug and alcohol testing services.
4. Documentation verifying that the applicant has secured one of the following:
   • Surety bond or cash bond in the minimum amount of $10,000.
   • Certificate of insurance, reflecting the Department of Criminal Justice Services as a certificate holder, showing a policy of comprehensive general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $10,000.

Before a registration will be issued, individuals must complete all required entry-level training.

Required Forms

• PSS_VA - Initial Special Conservator of the Peace Registration Application (.pdf, 2 pages)
• PSS_SCBD - Special Conservator of the Peace Surety Bond Form (.pdf, 1 page)
• PSS_FP - Fingerprint Processing Application (.pdf, 2 pages)
  • The form must be submitted if you have not submitted fingerprints to DCJS within the last twelve (12) months.
  • List of acceptable documents to verify legal presence (.pdf, 1 page)
  • This form can be completed online using Watson, the Private Security Online Information System.

Additional Forms

• PSS_CHS - Criminal History Supplemental Form (.pdf, 1 page)
  • The form must be submitted with the PSS_FP form if you have ever been convicted or found guilty of a felony or misdemeanor (not to include minor traffic violations) in Virginia or any other jurisdiction to include military court martial or currently under protective orders.
• PSS_MP2 - Duplicate/Replacement Photo ID Form (.pdf, 1 page)
  • This form can be completed online using Watson, the Private Security Online Information System.
• PSS_RF - Firearms Endorsement (.pdf, 2 pages)
  • Complete this form and the necessary training if you carry or have immediate access to a firearm in the performance of your duties.
  • This form can be completed online using Watson, the Private Security Online Information System.
• PSS_WA - Partial Training Exemption Application (.pdf, 3 pages)
  • You may be eligible to waive a portion of your entry-level training if you have completed certain private security services training or if you are a qualified law enforcement officer as defined by the Code of Virginia §9.1-101. Please see the form for more details.
  • This form can be completed online using Watson, the Private Security Online Information System.

Following Completion of Registration Requirements

1. A temporary registration will be issued following completion of all registration requirements. This letter should be taken to the circuit court to petition for SCOP appointment. PLEASE NOTE: registration does not guarantee appointment.
2. When appointment has been granted, a copy of the court order of appointment must be filed with DCJS.
3. Once the court order has been filed with DCJS, a final registration letter will be sent to allow the individual to obtain a photo identification card as a SCOP.

Renewal Registration

Registrations are issued for 12 months.

Training Requirements

• 06I - Special Conservator of the Peace In-service (8 hours)
  • Training Outline (.htm)
  • Training Schools Offering Course (.htm)
• 07R - Special Conservator of the Peace Handgun Training Retraining (2 hours) - If Applicable
  • Training Outline (.htm)
  • Training Schools Offering Course (.htm)

Submit to the Department

1. Renewal Special Conservator of the Peace application (PSS_VR) and applicable non-refundable fee.
2. Documentation verifying that the applicant has secured one of the following:
   • Surety bond or cash bond in the minimum amount of $10,000.
   • Certificate of insurance, reflecting the Department of Criminal Justice Services as a certificate holder, showing a policy of comprehensive general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $10,000.

Before a registration will be issued, individuals must complete all required in-service training.

Required Forms

• PSS_VR - Renewal Special Conservator of the Peace Registration Application (.pdf, 2 pages)
• PSS_SCBD - Special Conservator of the Peace Surety Bond Form (.pdf, 1 page)

Additional Forms

• PSS_CHS - Criminal History Supplemental Form (.pdf, 1 page)
  • The form must be submitted with the PSS_FP form if you have ever been convicted or found guilty of a felony or misdemeanor (not to include minor traffic violations) in Virginia or any other jurisdiction to include military court martial or currently under protective orders.
• PSS_MP2 - Duplicate/Replacement Photo ID Form (.pdf, 1 page)
  • This form can be completed online using Watson, the Private Security Online Information System.
• PSS_RF - Firearms Endorsement (.pdf, 2 pages)
  • Complete this form and the necessary training if you carry or have immediate access to a firearm in the performance of your duties.
  • This form can be completed online using Watson, the Private Security Online Information System.
• PSS_WA - Partial Training Exemption Application (.pdf, 3 pages)
  • You may be eligible to waive a portion of your entry-level training if you have completed certain private security services training or if you are a qualified law enforcement officer as defined by the Code of Virginia §9.1-101. Please see the form for more details.
  • This form can be completed online using Watson, the Private Security Online Information System.

Return to the Apply & Renew page.