Over the years, Virginia law enforcement professionals have been increasingly aware of the importance of community crime prevention. Crime prevention units were created and many agencies developed a cadre of highly trained and motivated crime prevention practitioners. These practitioners worked and are working with citizens and business leaders to promote and employ an increasing variety of crime prevention strategies. In recent years, the advent and adoption of community-oriented policing has further increased the role and importance of these practitioners.

As knowledge about crime prevention grew and crime prevention strategies became more complex, crime prevention practitioners had to participate in an increasing number of training opportunities to stay on the cutting edge of the field. In addition, practitioners were asked to assume larger roles in their agencies and offer more than basic crime prevention services.

By the 1990's, a significant portion of Virginia's law enforcement community recognized that many crime prevention practitioners had reached a new level of professional development. In response, the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the Virginia Crime Prevention Association, and other crime prevention practioners created a certification program to recognize and encourage this development. This program allows crime prevention practitioners who meet specified training and performance standards to be officially designated as a Crime Prevention Specialist.

The guidelines and application forms for those seeking certification as a Crime Prevention Specialist are posted here:

• Crime Prevention Specialist Regulations (.pdf, 15 pages)
• Crime Specialist Certification Application (.pdf, 1 page)
• Crime Specialist Recertification Application (.pdf, 1 page)

Contact Information

Rick Arrington
Phone: 804.371.0863
Cell Phone: 804.840.7784
Email