FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SERVING RALEIGH, SAPPHIRE AND CHARLOTTE, NC SINCE 2002
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
