Frequently Asked Questions
Are Capitol Special Police
real police officers?
Yes, we are. We arrest for felonies and misdemeanors; issue
citations for infractions; and enforce local ordinances.
What is CSPD's jurisdiction?
Capitol Special Police has jurisdiction on all property owned or
controlled by our agency and any property that we are contracted to
protect by the owner or person in possession and control of the
property.
If a criminal runs off of the property, does this mean
that you can't catch him?
As long as the incident started within our jurisdiction, and we are
in immediate and continuous pursuit, we can pursue him as far as the
state line.
Can Capitol Special Police work for my city, town, state,
or other governmental entity?
Yes, we can work for any governmental entity (federal, state, town,
city, housing authority, lake authority, water and sewer authority,
special taxing district, etc.) in the State of North Carolina in
certain circumstances. We CANNOT replace, augment, or act as your
local police force. We are authorized to work on real property owned
by or in the possession and control of your governmental entity.
Examples would be: the town hall, town parks, any government owned
buildings and land, public housing communities, hospitals, and
similar areas. This would NOT include any public streets or highways
nor any private property, unless we had a separate contract with
each property owner.
Where does Capitol Special Police get their authority?
Chapter 74E of the North Carolina General Statutes authorizes the
North Carolina Attorney General to administer the Company Police
Program and certify Special Police Agencies and Officers. We are
authorized to be a Special Police Agency through this program and
all of our police officers are properly certified by this program.
Do Capitol Special Police officers carry guns and other
weapons?
Yes. All Capitol Special Police officers carry sidearms during the
performance of their duties. Depending on the assignment, they may
carry them openly while wearing their uniform, or concealed, when in
plain clothes. Our officers also carry OC ("pepper") spray and
impact weapons. All Capitol Special Police officers train regularly
in firearms and defensive tactics as taught by our state certified
instructors. In certain special situations, CSPD officers also carry
shotguns or rifles.
Do Capitol Special Police officers drive cars with blue
lights and sirens?
Yes. Capitol Special Police officers drive marked and unmarked
patrol cars. We use blue lights and sirens the same way that your
local police department does.
What can CSPD do for me?
We provide patrol and stationary officers, alarm response, business
checks, money escorts for merchants, banks, credit unions, and ATM
servicing companies. We provide executive protection services for
VIP's in the Triangle area. We also provide training services to
public and private agencies.
Where in North Carolina does Capitol Special Police work?
We are currently based in Durham, and have accounts in Durham,
Chatham, Cumberland, Wake and Orange Counties. From time to time, we
work in other parts of the state.
Are Capitol Special Police officers like private security
guards?
No, our officers are experienced police officers who have extensive
training. Security guards have no more authority to detain a person
or investigate a crime than any other citizens.
Are Capitol Special Police officers like off-duty
municipal police officers?
No. We have the same powers and jurisdiction that they have, but we
have a great advantage over off-duty officers. We carry our own
workman's compensation insurance, liability insurance, and
automobile insurance. When you hire off-duty officers from your
local police agency, you are liable for any workman's compensation
or claims due to the actions of the officer you are employing. Also,
working for you is our primary job, not a sideline.
Do Capitol Special Police officers go through a tough
hiring process?
YES! For details on the hiring process, look in our recruitment
section. We have stringent background requirements that go beyond
what is required by either the State of North Carolina or many
public agencies. After we are satisfied with an applicant, the
State's Company Police Administrator reviews our background check
and documentation. Only after she is satisfied as well, is a CSPD
Officer ready to be sworn in.
Are Capitol Special Police
officers professionally trained?
Absolutely, we do all of our own in-service training, in addition to
the State of North Carolina's mandates. CSPD also provides training
to other departments and companies. We are available to train your
department or private company in a variety of skills.