Special Conservator of the Peace

1. For information on how to apply, please see the "apply and renew" section.
   

   View the Apply and Renew page for Special Conservator of the Peace.

   
   
   
2. For information on how to renew, please see the "apply and renew" section.
   View the Apply and Renew page for Special Conservator of the Peace.
   
   
3. What is a Special Conservator of the Peace?
   Any individual appointed pursuant to § 19.2-13 on or after September 15, 2004.
   
   
4. Who is exempted from this law?
   Pursuant to § 19.2-13 D, individuals listed in § 19.2-12, individuals who have complied with or been exempted pursuant to subsection A of § 9.1-141, individuals employed as law-enforcement officers as defined in § 9.1-101 who have met the minimum qualifications set forth in § 15.2-1705 shall be exempt from the requirements in subsections A through C of § 19.2-13.
   
   
5. Will the industry be represented on the Private Security Services Advisory Board (PSSAB)?
   Yes. The PSSAB shall have one member who is a Special Conservator of the Peace.
   
   
6. What are the minimum requirements for eligibility as a Special Conservator of the Peace?
   You must be a minimum of 18 years of age; United States citizen or legal resident alien of the United States; and successfully complete all initial training requirements for special conservator of the peace, including firearms training if applicable.
   
   
7. What will the individual show to the court when they are eligible to petition the court for Special Conservator of the Peace appointment?
   A temporary registration letter will be given to the individual when they have completed all the registration requirements. The letter will state that they have met the requirements and are now eligible to seek appointment with the Circuit Court as a Special Conservator of the Peace. If the individual’s order of appointment is granted, the individual is required to file a copy of their appointment order with the department. The Circuit Court maintains all discretion of granting appointments. The temporary registration letter only allows an individual to become eligible to seek appointment. Once the individual files their appointment order, DCJS will send a photo identification card.
   
   
8. Will existing Special Conservators of the Peace be "grandfathered" from Registration Requirements?
   No provision was included in the law to exempt current Special Conservators of the Peace from the new registration requirements.
   
   
9. Will there be any exemption of training standards for current Special Conservators of the Peace?
   DCJS may grant training exemptions based upon prior law enforcement experience or prior experience as a Special Conservator of the Peace. Individuals must submit the partial training exemption application (PSS_WA), fee and documentation of training/experience in order to be considered for a waiver.
   
   
10. Where will the approved training be taught?
    For a searchable directory of training schools click the following link: http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/ps/directory/schoolSearch.cfm.
    
    
11. What criminal history would be a basis for denial as a Special Conservator of the Peace?
    No person with a criminal conviction for a misdemeanor involving (a) moral turpitude, (b) assault and battery, (c) damage to real or personal property, (d) controlled substances or imitation controlled substances as defined in Article 1 (§ 18.2-247 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2, (e) prohibited sexual behavior as described in Article 7 (§ 18.2-61 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 18.2, (f) firearms, or (g) any felony, shall be registered as a special conservator of the peace.
    
    
12. Does being registered with DCJS guarantee me an appointment as a special conservator of the peace?
    No. Being registered only makes you eligible to seek appointment as a Special Conservator of the Peace. The courts have the final authority in granting appointments.
    
    
13. If I already have a firearm endorsement, do I need to retake firearms training?
    

    If your training is within 12 months of application for a Special Conservator of the Peace registration, you will not be required to retake firearms training.

    
    
    
14. What are the registration requirements for a Special Conservator of the Peace?
    

    Each person applying for registration shall file with the department:

    • A properly completed registration application provided by the department;
    • On the registration application his mailing address;
    • Fingerprint card provided by the department;
    • The applicable, nonrefundable registration application fee;
    • Drug and Alcohol Test;
    • Documentation verifying that the applicant has secured a surety bond or cash bond in the amount not to be less than $10,000 executed by a surety company authorized to do business in Virginia, or a certificate of insurance reflecting the department as a certificate holder, showing a policy of comprehensive general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $10,000 issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in Virginia.
    • Documentation verifying completion of initial training with a certified training school, private security services training school or documentation for training exemption for prior training.
    
    
    
15. Where do I complete the requirement for drug testing?
    

    You must contact First Lab at 1-800-732-3784.

    
    
    
16. How are results of the drug test reported to DCJS?
    

    Each week First Lab provides the results of the drug test to DCJS.

    
    
    
17. If I fail the drug/alcohol testing, can I request an Informal Fact Finding Conference?
    Yes, you may appeal with a request for an Informal Fact Finding Conference through the Administrative Process Act.
    
    
18. Where can I get insurance or a surety bond?
    You can obtain insurance or a surety bond from any surety company authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
    
    
19. Are there term limits for a SCOP?
    Yes. Appointments are limited up to 4 years.
    
    
20. How long is a SCOP registration valid?
    They are valid for 12 months. Registrations must be renewed every year to include completion of in-service training.
    
    
21. I am former law enforcement. Do I need to take training?
    Yes. All individuals must take some training to become registered. However, you may qualify for a partial exemption. The partial exemption application (PSS_WA), fee and documentation must be submitted before a partial exemption will be granted. The amount of training waived depends on your training and/or experience.
    
    
22. I am already a SCOP. Do I need to take training?
    Yes. All individuals must take some training to become registered. However, you may qualify for a partial exemption provided that such employment was at least 5 continuous years and was not terminated due to misconduct or incompetence. The partial exemption application (PSS_WA), fee and documentation must be submitted before an exemption will be granted. The amount of training exempted depends on your training/experience, as well as the category for which you requested exemption. Please allow thirty (30) days for processing.
    
    
23. What are the compulsory minimum training standards for a Special Conservator of the Peace?
    

    The compulsory minimum entry-level training hour requirement by category, excluding examinations, practical exercises and range qualification, shall be:

    • Unarmed special conservator of the peace - 24 hours
    • Armed special conservator of the peace - 40 hours

    
    The compulsory minimum in-service training hour requirement by category, excluding examinations, practical exercises and range qualification, for a Special Conservator of the Peace shall be 8 hours.

    
    
    
24. How are jurisdictions decided?
    Jurisdictions are decided by the Circuit Court where you are petitioning.
    
    
25. Do I have to be a current SCOP in order to begin the registration process?
    No. You can begin the registration process and take training without previously being a SCOP.
    
    
26. Where do I get an appointment as a SCOP?
    You seek appointment in the jurisdiction where you will be providing Special Conservator of the Peace Authority
    
    
27. How do I get an appointment as a SCOP?
    

    First, you will need to register with DCJS. Once DCJS sends you a temporary registration letter making you eligible to seek appointment, you must then petition the Circuit Court for appointment. The temporary registration letter only allows an individual to become eligible to seek appointment. Once the individual files their appointment order with the department, the department will send a final registration letter and a photo identification card will be issued.

    
    
    
28. If I don't get an appointment, can my registration fees be refunded?
    No. All fees are non-refundable.
    
    
29. Do all appointments grant the same powers?
    No. The courts decide the scope and jurisdiction of powers they grant to each individual.
    
    
30. Can I petition multiple jurisdictions?
    

    Yes, but you must petition each Circuit Court in each jurisdiction requesting Special Conservator of the Peace authority separately.

    
    
    

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