1. Can a level III security officer enforce school policies and rules? Yes, unlike a law enforcement officer, a security officer can enforce school policies and rules. A law enforcement officer can enforce school policies or rules that coincide with state law such as a weapon on campus.
2. Do school security officers receive active shooter training? Yes, our officers and those we train receive intense active shooter training which includes ALERRT level training.
3. Can security officers make arrests on the property they are assigned to? Yes, if the offense was committed in the officers' view. This can include weapons, fighting, criminal mischief, assaults of any kind, weapons or acts of violence.
4. Can a security officer detain a person on the property they are assigned to? Yes, Detaining a person could be simply isolating the person for safety reasons or to de-escalate a situation. Detaining can also include handcuffing a person or people, such as people involved in a fight.
5. How much training do security officers receive? Level III officers receive 45 hours of basic training and an additional 40 hours of training for officers assigned to a school campus. There are continuing education requirements as well.
6. Are security officers required to qualify with a handgun? Yes, Level III security officers must shoot 70% or 175 out of 250 on a B27 target. Those who serve in a school must shoot a 90% 225 out of 250 on a B27 target.
7. What agency commissions security officers? Texas DPS
8. Does DPS require an MMPI mental evaluation for Level III? Yes, as of Jan. 1, 2024.
