According to the Code of Virginia § 9.1-138, an "'armed security officer/courier' means a natural person employed to (i) safeguard and protect persons and property or (ii) deter theft, loss, or concealment of any tangible or intangible personal property on the premises he is contracted to protect, and who carries or has access to a firearm in the performance of his duties."
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.
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.
VA DCJS -Frequently Asked Questions - Armed Security Officer/Courier
What is an armed security officer? A person employed to safeguard and protect persons and property or deter theft, loss, concealment of any tangible or intangible personal property on the premises he is contracted to protect, and who carries or has access to a firearm in the performance of his duties.
What does armed mean? A private security registrant who carries or has immediate access to a firearm in the performance of his duties.
What is a courier? Any armed person who transports or offers to transport from one place to another documents or other papers, negotiable or nonnegotiable instruments, or other small items of value that require expeditious service.
What type of license/registration/certification must I have? You must possess a valid registration in this category and a firearms endorsement.
Do I have to have a registration before I can work? Yes. You must have a current registration in order to work in this registered category.
Do I have to be trained before I can work? Yes. You must have completed all required training and have a current registration in order to work in this registered category.
What are the entry-level training requirements? 40 hours -- 01E security officer core subjects (18 hours) + 05E armed security officer arrest authority (8 hours) + 07E handgun training (14 hours) + 08E shotgun training if applicable (2 hours)
What are the in-service training requirements? 6 hours -- 01I security officer core subjects in-service (4 hours) + 07R handgun retraining (2 hours) + 08R shotgun retraining, if applicable (2 hours)
Do registered armed security officers have arrest powers? Yes, Title 9.1-146 of the Code of Virginia limits the power of arrest for an offense occurring in his presence on such premises or in the presence of a merchant, agent, or employee of the merchant the private security business has contracted to protect, if the merchant, agent, or employee had probable cause to believe that the person arrested had shoplifted or committed willful concealment of goods.
Do I have to wear a uniform? Yes, if it is required by your employer. The uniform must not contain the word "police" or any other word suggesting a law-enforcement officer; be worn while on duty; and include at least 1 insignia clearly identifying the name of the licensed firm, and a name plate or tape bearing, as a minimum, your last name, as described under 6 VAC 20-171-320.17 of the state regulations.
Why does my photo identification just say 'Security Officer' when I am armed? You must have a valid firearms endorsement in order to be armed in any registration category.
