Security guard management software for Virginia security companies

Schedule guards across every Virginia site, prove they were on post, record patrols and incidents, and keep copies of their DCJS registration card on file, in one platform.

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What software do Virginia security companies use to manage guards?

Virginia security companies use security guard management software to schedule guards, verify they were on site, record patrols and incidents, and report to clients. ForceVera does this in one platform: shifts published to guards' phones, a geofenced time clock, QR patrol checkpoints, incident and daily reports, dispatch and a client portal. Guards can upload a photo of their DCJS registration card so a copy sits on their profile.

Virginia in numbers

How many security guards work in Virginia?

Virginia employed 34,870 security guards in May 2025, 8.49 for every 1,000 jobs in the state, at a mean wage of $22.63 an hour (US: $20.42). 660 security guard and patrol service locations employed 25,949 people in 2025.

34,870 guards2.7% of the 1,283,470 in the US (BLS, May 2025)
$22.63 an hourMean wage for security guards in Virginia (BLS, May 2025)
660 guard company locationsSecurity guard and patrol service worksites, 2025 average (BLS QCEW)
1,394.7 property crimes per 100,000Reported to the FBI for 2025, with 210.8 violent crimes per 100,000 (FBI estimates for the US: 1,534.8 and 327.6)

Security guards in Washington, DC

ForceVera runs scheduling, a geofenced time clock, patrols and client reports for security companies in Washington, DC, and anywhere else in Virginia. The metro area below is among the 20 with the most security guards in the US (BLS, May 2025).

Metro areaSecurity guardsPer 1,000 jobsMean wage
Washington–Arlington–Alexandria40,95013.06$26.17
Licensing in Virginia

Who licenses security guards in Virginia

Regulator: Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), Private Security Services.

Unarmed security officer registrationUnarmed security officers must hold a valid DCJS registration and may perform their duties only while employed by a licensed private security services business. DCJS issues registrations for up to 24 months. Officers must carry the registration card, or a temporary registration letter, at all times on duty.
Eligibility and fingerprintsApplicants must be at least 18 and a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien. Fingerprints must be submitted on or before the first day of hire for Virginia and national criminal history checks. Applicants with a felony or misdemeanor conviction (other than minor traffic violations) must file a Criminal History Supplemental Form.
TrainingEntry-level training is 18 hours (01E Security Officer Core Subjects). A new officer may work up to 90 consecutive days while finishing training if fingerprints were submitted by the hire date and the employer gives a 90-day authorization document. In-service training is 4 hours (01I), once in each 24-month registration period.

Overtime for security guards in Virginia

Virginia uses the federal overtime standard. Under Code of Virginia 40.1-29.2, an employer that violates the overtime pay rules of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act is liable to the employee under Virginia law. The FLSA's definitions, exemptions and overtime calculation methods apply, and a lawsuit must be filed within three years after the claim accrues. Under the FLSA, non-exempt employees get at least 1.5 times their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. The Virginia section does not set a daily overtime rule.

Estimate the overtime in a schedule with our free security guard overtime calculator, or work out headcount with the 24/7 coverage calculator.

How ForceVera helps

Run your Virginia guard operation in one platform

Registration papers on fileStore a photo of each officer's DCJS registration card, or the 90-day authorization document for a new hire, on their ForceVera profile. Virginia rules require officers to carry these on duty and show them when a client asks. ForceVera does not verify registrations with DCJS or track the 90-day window or expiry dates.
Hours for payrollTimesheets show each officer's hours shift by shift and export to CSV or Excel for your payroll process. Client invoices apply a weekly overtime threshold only.
Schedules on every guard's phonePlan the week by site and guard, including recurring and overnight shifts, publish it to the guard app and send reminders before each shift.
Proof guards were on postGuards clock in and start breaks only inside the site's geofence with a PIN; leaving the site, going idle or clocking out off site is flagged.
Proof of patrolQR checkpoints scanned from the guard app, with missed and late tour alerts and time-stamped, located scans.
Reports clients trustIncident and daily activity reports with photos from the guard app, and branded daily reports emailed to clients.

ForceVera keeps records; it does not make a company compliant with state law. See all features or see pricing.

FAQ

Security companies in Virginia: questions, answered

Who registers unarmed security officers in Virginia?

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), through its Private Security Services program.

How many training hours does an unarmed security officer need in Virginia?

18 hours of entry-level training (01E). After that, 4 hours of in-service training (01I) once in each 24-month registration period.

Can a new officer work before getting a registration?

Yes, for up to 90 consecutive days while completing training, if fingerprints were submitted on or before the hire date and the employer provides a 90-day authorization document. The officer must carry that document and a photo ID on duty. No one may work more than 120 days without a registration.

How long does a Virginia registration last?

DCJS issues registrations for up to 24 months. Renewal applications should reach DCJS at least 30 days before expiration, and renewal requires the in-service training.

Does Virginia have its own overtime rule?

Virginia ties overtime to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Code of Virginia 40.1-29.2 lets employees seek remedies under Virginia law when an employer breaks the FLSA's overtime rules, which require 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek.

Is this legal advice?

No. This page summarizes information published by Virginia state agencies and official sources as of October 2026. Rules change and exceptions apply, so check the official sources or ask an employment lawyer.

Official sources

Checked October 2026. Licensing and wage rules change, so confirm them with the agency before you rely on them. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Other states: California · Texas · Florida · New York · Illinois · Pennsylvania · Maryland · Arizona · Nevada · North Carolina · Ohio · Washington · all US states.

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