School Security Officer (SSO)

Please submit all paperwork to schoolsecurity@dcjs.virginia.gov

Initial Certification: (Be sure your SSO is in the database before submitting any paperwork)

Certified school security officers are required to obtain 16 hours of job-related training, including at least one legal topic, as ongoing professional development during their 2-year certification period. You can find all available training opportunities on the VCSCS Training Page or by searching "VCS" on your DCJS Benchmark account.

• Our school division does not have an SSO program, but we are interested in starting one. Where can I get more information?

Please contact Danielle.clark@dcjs.virginia.gov for information related to starting an SSO program!  

Armed school security officer eligibility requirements can be found in Virginia Code 22.1-280.2:1. The armed SSO must meet all of the following criteria and be a certified SSO before they can carry a firearm in the performance of their duties.

• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
• National Center on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments
• School Safety and Security Toolkit