Security guard management software for Washington, DC security companies

Schedule security officers across every DC site, prove they were on post, record patrols and incidents, and keep copies of their DC security officer licenses on file, in one platform.

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What software do Washington, DC security companies use to manage officers?

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

ForceVera in Washington, DC: key facts

  • ForceVera costs $169 a month for up to 25 guards (Basic), $449 a month for up to 100 guards (Pro) and $1,099 a month for up to 500 guards (Enterprise).
  • ForceVera is priced per company by the number of guards; admins, dispatchers, supervisors and client users are not counted.
  • Washington, DC employed 15,880 security guards in May 2025, 22.62 for every 1,000 jobs, at a mean wage of $29.19 an hour (BLS).
  • 221 security guard and patrol service locations in Washington, DC employed 13,223 people in 2025 (BLS).
  • ForceVera keeps a photo of each guard's security license or card on their profile, but does not verify it with the licensing agency or track expiry dates.

Prices in US dollars before tax, as of October 2026. Other figures from the official sources on this page, checked October 2026.

Washington, DC in numbers

How many security guards work in Washington, DC?

Washington, DC employed 15,880 security guards in May 2025, 22.62 for every 1,000 jobs in the state, at a mean wage of $29.19 an hour (US: $20.42). 221 security guard and patrol service locations employed 13,223 people in 2025.

15,880 guards1.2% of the 1,283,470 in the US (BLS, May 2025)
$29.19 an hourMean wage for security guards in Washington, DC (BLS, May 2025)
221 guard company locationsSecurity guard and patrol service worksites, 2025 average (BLS QCEW)
3,179.7 property crimes per 100,000Reported to the FBI for 2025, with 806.5 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 Washington, DC. 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 Washington, DC

Who licenses security guards in Washington, DC?

Regulator: Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Security Program, with final approval from the Metropolitan Police Department's Security Officers Management Branch.

Security officer licenseA DC security officer must be at least 18, a US citizen or hold a work permit, read, write and speak English, and pass an examination. DLCP lists a $103 license fee plus a $69 exam fee, and $103 to renew. Certification lasts 2 years, and renewal needs no new exam.
Training24 hours of pre-assignment training, 16 hours of on-the-job training within 90 working days, and 8 hours of in-service training every year. The employer pays for the training and fees and may not deduct them from wages.
Special police officersSpecial police officers (SPOs) are commissioned separately: at least 21, with 40 hours of pre-assignment training (16 of them on arrest, search and use of force), 16 hours on the job and 8 hours a year; a commission lasts one year or less. Only SPOs have arrest powers, and only on the property they protect.
Security agenciesAn agency needs its own DLCP license, approved by the Chief of Police, for 2 years ($1,000 for a firm, $935 to renew). It reports the officers it hires and lets go within 15 days, and an agency with 5 or more officers carries insurance of $250,000 per occurrence and $600,000 in total.

When do security guards in Washington, DC get overtime?

DC law requires overtime at 1½ times the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek (DC Code § 32-1003(c)). A security officer working in an office building must also be paid at least the federal "Guard 1" wage and fringe rate: from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 that is $20.31 an hour plus $5.55 an hour for health and welfare, and all vacation and holiday fringe benefits.

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

How does ForceVera help security companies in Washington, DC?

Licenses on fileOfficers upload a photo of their DC security officer license in the guard app, so a copy sits on their profile. ForceVera does not check licenses with DLCP or warn you before one expires.
Hours for the 40-hour weekTimesheets show each officer's hours and pay rate shift by shift and export to CSV or Excel, so payroll can check overtime and the office-building wage. ForceVera does not check pay against DC law.
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 patrolPrinted QR checkpoints that guards scan from the guard app, with missed tours listed on the dashboard.
Reports clients trustBranded daily reports emailed to clients; incident and daily activity reports with photos from the guard app are coming soon.

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

FAQ

What else do security companies in Washington, DC ask?

Who licenses security officers in Washington, DC?

The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) issues security officer and security agency licenses through its Security Program, and the Metropolitan Police Department's Security Officers Management Branch gives final approval.

What training do DC security officers need?

24 hours of pre-assignment training, 16 hours of on-the-job training within 90 working days and 8 hours of in-service training each year, paid for by the employer. Special police officers need 40 hours before assignment.

What is the minimum wage for security officers in DC office buildings?

From July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, a security officer working in an office building must be paid at least $20.31 an hour plus $5.55 an hour for health and welfare, and all vacation and holiday fringe benefits. The rate follows the federal Guard 1 rate each July.

Can DC security officers carry handcuffs or a weapon?

No. DC security officers may not carry a deadly weapon, handcuffs or aerosol spray; a wooden night stick is allowed. Armed work is done by special police officers, who are commissioned separately.

What happens to security officers when a DC contract changes hands?

Under DC's Displaced Workers Protection Act, a new contractor generally has to keep the existing security staff for 90 days. Armed special police officers are excluded. Check the Act for the details and exceptions.

Does ForceVera track DC license expiry dates?

No. Officers can upload a photo of their license and it is kept on their profile, but ForceVera does not check licenses with DLCP or remind you before they expire.

Which official sources does this page use?

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 · Virginia · Arizona · Nevada · North Carolina · Ohio · Washington · all US states.

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