Security Officer Jobs in Washington, D.C.

Security Officer Roles in Washington, D.C.

Assignments in the District include luxury and specialty retail at CityCenterDC, Georgetown along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, Friendship Heights and The Wharf. Officers also staff lobbies and front desks in downtown office buildings, associations, law firms and residential buildings, and cover receptions and private events.

CityCenterDC and Georgetown draw diplomats, government officials and international visitors, so officers need to be discreet and professional and comfortable working near protective details and building security teams. Office posts downtown center on visitor screening, access control and clear incident documentation. Candidates interested in the wider capital region can also review the Washington, D.C. service page.

What McCray Offers Officers

• Weekly pay for every officer.
• Medical, dental and vision coverage and a 401(k) with match for eligible employees.
• Advancement to supervisor and management roles based on performance, qualifications and available positions.
• Roles from entry-level officer posts to Tier III positions for retired law enforcement officers with 20 or more years of sworn service. See the Officer Classification Program.

Before assignment, officers complete McCray’s five-stage screening process and tier-based training, including de-escalation and, for retail posts, organized retail crime recognition.

District of Columbia Security Officer License

Security officer licensing in the District is handled by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Occupational and Professional Licensing Security Program. Unarmed officers need a Security Officer license. The process includes:

• Scheduling fingerprints with the Metropolitan Police Department before applying.
• Applying for a new license online through DLCP and submitting the required documents listed for new Security Officer applicants.
• Taking the required exam at a PSI testing center.

The District has proposed regulations that would increase training hours for security and special police officers, so applicants should confirm current training requirements and other rules directly with DLCP before applying. This summary is general information, not legal advice.

Additional Requirements for Armed Officers

In the District, security officers may not carry firearms. As the Metropolitan Police Department explains, security officers are prohibited from carrying weapons such as firearms, handcuffs and self-defense spray, and only commissioned Special Police Officers have arrest authority. Armed work therefore requires a Special Police Officer commission, a separate DLCP license with its own application, along with the required firearms training. Armed and unarmed endorsements appear on the license. McCray assigns armed posts only after a review of the site’s risk, lease and insurance requirements.

What McCray Looks For

McCray looks for officers who are reliable, use sound judgment and communicate clearly. In Washington, D.C., that means being punctual and steady on long lobby shifts, knowing the limits of a security officer’s authority and when to call police, and writing precise reports. Discretion and courtesy matter in a city where officers regularly encounter officials, diplomats and their staff.

How to Apply

Open positions are listed on the McCray careers portal, hosted by ADP. Not every location has openings at all times. Applicants can check the portal for current openings in the Washington, D.C. area, select a position and apply online.

The recruiting team reviews each application and contacts qualified candidates. Questions can be sent to hr@mccraygp.com, and more about working at McCray is on the Careers page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do applicants need a license before applying?

The District requires a DLCP Security Officer license for unarmed security work, and a Special Police Officer commission for armed work. Applicants who already hold a license should include it in the application. Questions can be sent to hr@mccraygp.com.

Can a D.C. security officer carry a firearm?

No. Security officers in the District may not carry firearms. Armed work requires a Special Police Officer commission.

Where do D.C. applicants get fingerprinted?

DLCP directs applicants to schedule fingerprints with the Metropolitan Police Department before applying.

Are there openings in Washington, D.C. right now?

Not every location has openings at all times. Applicants can check the careers portal for current openings in the Washington, D.C. area.