FAQ
What is Company or Private Police?
Metro Special Police or "Private Police" officers are sworn police officer’s in the State of North Carolina that has the power to make arrests for all crimes, felonies and misdemeanors. We are authorized to issue traffic citations for infractions and motor vehicle violations on private contracted property. Metro officers have the same legal arrest authority as any municipal police officer with the exception that the officer must be assigned and contracted to the specific property of jurisdiction.
What is Metro Company Police's Jurisdiction?
Metro Special Police & Security 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 the property, does this mean that Metro Special Police & Security can't catch them?
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 Metro work for my city, town, state or other government 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 do not and can not 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: the city/town hall, city/town parks, any government owned buildings and land, public housing communities, hospitals and similar areas. This does not include any public streets or highways or any private property, unless we had a separate contract with each property owner.
Where does Metro Special Police & Security get their authority from?
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 officers are properly certified by this program.
Are Metro officers professionally trained?
Yes, we do all of our own in-service training, and in addition to the State of North Carolina's annually required training mandates.
Do Metro Officers carry guns and other weapons?
Yes. All Metro officers carry sidearm’s 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. All Metro Special Police officers train regularly in firearms and defensive tactics as taught by our state certified instructors.
Do Metro officers drive cars with blue lights and sirens?
Yes. Metro officers drive marked and unmarked patrol cars. We use blue lights and sirens the same way that your local police department does, but within the appropriately contracted property or area of jurisdiction.
Are Metro officers like private security guards?
No, our officers are experienced police officers who have extensive training. Security guards have only that authority to detain a person or investigate a crime than any citizen.
Are Metro 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 workers compensation insurance, liability insurance and automobile insurance. When you hire off-duty officers from your local police agency, you are liable for the officer and his/her workers compensation or claims while in the performance of his off duty job. And the actions of the officer you are employing. Also, working for you is our primary job duty and contracted requirements. This is our officer’s full time job.
Do Metro Special Police & Security officers go through a tough hiring process?
Yes. 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 they are satisfied as well, is a Metro officer ready to be sworn in.
