Are Special Police Officers the "Real Police?"

Yes. Special Police Officers can make arrests for felonies and misdemeanors, and issue citations for infractions, the same as any municipal or county officer in the State of North Carolina.

What is the jurisdiction of Special Police in North Carolina?

Special Police have jurisdiction on any real property that we own, or that we are in possession and control of, or have been contracted to protect by the owner or person in possession and control.  Some conditions apply.

 If a crime is committed on the property in the presence of the officer and the offender runs off the property, does this mean that Special Police can not pursue the Offender?

No. As long as the incident or crime initiated on the contracted property, and special police are in immediate and continuous pursuit, they can pursue the offender, conduct investigation and issue a citation or make an arrest as needed. Just as any other police officer may do.
 

Where does Special Police get these police powers from?

Chapter 74E of the North Carolina General Statutes (state law) authorizes the North Carolina Attorney General to administer the Company Police Program and commission Company Police Agencies and Officers.  Our agency  and officers are properly certified/commissioned by NCGS 74E.  Special Police Officers must meet the same minimum standards as city, county and state law enforcement officers.

Do Special Police Officers carry guns and other weapons?

Yes. All Special Police officers carry side arms 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. Special police officers also carry OC ("pepper") spray, tasers and impact weapons (such as wooden or ASP batons.) All special police officers train regularly in firearms and defensive tactics.  In certain special situations, special police officers also carry shotguns or rifles.

Do Pinnacle Special Police Officers use cars with blue lights and sirens?

Yes. While on contracted property or while in pursuit of an offender from contracted property.  Reference 74E-7

Where can Special Police work?

Special Police  Officers currently work for apartment complexes, gated communities, retail establishments,  railroads, office buildings, and commercial businesses, theme parks, race tracks, court houses, schools, or any private or public property.  (pursuant to contract)  Special Police officers can work anywhere in the State of North Carolina on any contracted property under specific rules issued by the N.C. Attorney General.


Are Pinnacle Special Police Officers like private security officers?

No. Our officers must complete over six hundred hours of specialized training at a North Carolina Police Academy approved by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.  In addition they must take a state mandated company police test administered by the North Carolina Attorney General's Office. Security officers are not required to have this training, nor do they have arrest powers like Special Police Officers. However, our special police teams patrol our security posts randomly or when on call.

Who supervises special police officers?

Every special police agency must have a "Department Head" or a Chief of Special Police.  That chief, must meet certain standards as set forth by NC LAW and comply with all rules and regulations of the company police program.  The chief is accountable for all officers commissioned under the agency, The Company Police Program Administrator monitors all activities of  special police agencies in NC. 

If you have any questions or comments about Special Police in NC please call our agency at 910-798-8586 or the NC Attorney Generals Office at 919-716-6470.