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Training Overview

Law Enforcement Training Overview
Training Resources from DCJS

Start here to find training requirements information.

Compulsory Minimum Training Standards

Standards Revision History
 
Training Requirements for Incoming Officers

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, Division of Law Enforcement, has multi-faceted responsibilities, including oversight and management of training standards and regulations for the criminal justice community, training programs in public safety and homeland security, the Crime Prevention and Accreditation Programs, and the development of law enforcement policies.

This document has been developed to provide criminal justice practitioners and criminal justice agencies with information regarding the Department’s operational requirements related to statutory and regulatory mandates.

Training Types Quick Find
Compulsory Minimum Training Standards

Find Virginia Criminal Justice Services Training Standards By Chapters That Include Information Such As Definitions And Certification Requirements.

Compulsory Minimum Training Standards And Requirements

Field Or On-The-Job Training Requirements

Find Requirements For Various Roles, Including Law Enforcement, Jail Officer, Dispatcher, Court Security, Corrections Officer, And Civil Process.

Go To Field Training And On The Job Training
Performance Outcomes

In-Service Training

Find Rules Relating To Compulsory In-Service Training, Which Varies By Roles.

See Administrative Code Of Virginia

Out-Of-State Transfers

Law Enforcement Officers Wishing To Transfer From Out-Of-State May Qualify For Training Waivers Based On Experience.

Go To Out-Of-State Transfers

Explore Law Enforcement Roles and Training - Law Enforcement

 
A law enforcement officer’s main duties include patrolling assigned areas to ensure civilians adhere to the law, investigating
crimes or accidents, and arresting criminal suspects.
 
Roles
  • Police Officer
  • Sheriff's Deputy
  • State Troopers
  • Conservation Police Officer
  • Virginia ABC Police Officer
  • School Resource Officer
  • Campus Police Officer
  • K-9 Handler
  • Marine Police Officer
 
 
 
Training Requirements
Upon employment, law enforcement officer trainees have 12 months to complete the compulsory minimum training standards.
 
State Exam
Once a trainee completes the law enforcement minimum training at an academy, the trainee must successfully pass the state certification exam.
See Code of VIrginia
 
Certification
Upon completion of the training requirements and state exam, documentation must be sent to DCJS and entered into the training management system (TRACER).
Certification Process >
 
In-Service Training
To maintain certification, law enforcement officers must continue in-service training throughout their careers.
See Code of Virginia
 
Law enforcement officers wishing to transfer from out-of-state may qualify for a training waiver based on experience.
 
Court security officers manage the security of the courthouse, verifying the identity of the visitors, and reporting any suspicious activities and behaviors within the premises.
 
Roles
  • Courtroom Security Officer
  • Courtroom Security Deputy
  • Bailiff
  • Marshal
 
 
 
 
Training Requirements
Courtroom security officer/deputy trainees have 12 months to complete the compulsory minimum training standards and field training.
 
State Exam
No state exam is required for courtroom security officer/deputy trainees.
 
Certification
Upon completion of the training requirements and state exam, documentation must be sent to DCJS and entered into the training management system (TRACER).
Certification Process >
 
In-Service Training
Every courtroom security officer/deputy must complete in-service requirements throughout their career to remain certified.
See Code of Virginia
 
Jail officers and deputies assist in overseeing the daily activities in jails or other facilities and keep order by enforcing the rules and regulations.
 
Roles
  • Jail Officer
  • Jail Deputy
 
 
 
 
 
Training Requirements
Jail security officer/deputy trainees have 12 months to complete the compulsory minimum training standards and field training.
 
State Exam
No state exam is required for courtroom security officer/deputy trainees.
 
Certification
Upon completion of the training requirements and state exam, documentation must be sent to DCJS and entered into the training management system (TRACER).
Certification Process >
 
In-Service Training
Every jail officer/deputy must complete in-service requirements throughout their career to remain certified.
See Code of Virginia
 
Law enforcement officers wishing to transfer from out-of-state may qualify for a training waiver based on experience.
 
Civil process deputies serve civil and legal court papers on persons throughout their jurisdiction.
 
Roles
  • Civil Process Deputy
 
 
 
 
 
Training Requirements
Civil process deputy trainees have 12 months to complete the compulsory minimum training standards and field training.
 
State Exam
No state exam is required for courtroom security officer/deputy trainees.
 
Certification
Upon completion of the training requirements and state exam, documentation must be sent to DCJS and entered into the training management system (TRACER).
Certification Process >
 
In-Service Training
Every civil process deputy must complete in-service requirements throughout their career to remain certified.
See Code of Virginia
 
 
Dispatcher responsibilities may include receiving emergency and non-emergency calls, monitoring driver logs, and dispatching appropriate teams.
 
Roles
  • Dispatcher
 
 
 
 
 
Training Requirements
Dispatcher trainees have 24 months to complete the compulsory minimum training standards and field training.
 
State Exam
No state exam is required for courtroom security officer/deputy trainees.
 
Certification
Upon completion of the training requirements and state exam, documentation must be sent to DCJS and entered into the training management system (TRACER).
Certification Process >
 
In-Service Training
In-service for dispatchers is currently not a requirement for certified dispatchers.
 
 
A corrections officer is responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining order and routines at a prison or other correctional facility.
 
Roles
  • Provisional Instructor
  • Juvenile Corrections Officer
  • Non-Custodial Employees of Dept. of Corrections
 
 
 
 
 
Training Requirements
Minimum training requirements vary based on role:
 
State Exam
No state exam is required for courtroom security officer/deputy trainees.
 
Certification
Upon completion of the training requirements and state exam, documentation must be sent to DCJS and entered into the training management system (TRACER).
Certification Process >
 
In-Service Training
Every corrections officer must complete in-service requirements throughout their career to remain certified.
See Code of Virginia
 
Training Events
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