While the idea of private security having some type of law enforcement authority is not new and in fact more than 20 states have statutes that allow it, the training requirements are not consistent with the duties and responsibilities of the private officer. SCOP personnel should have extended training of at least 80-120 hours which may be a burden to some but will reduce injuries, deaths and lawsuits.

Va. private security officers also have arrest authority on private property and need to have their training increased to at least 80 hrs.

Private policing is a fact of our world today and is needed to some extent and should not be done away with but rather enhanced with mandatory training and resources.

Rick McCann

CEO-Private Officer International