Law Enforcement Training Overview
Training Resources from DCJS
Start here to find training requirements information.
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
Training standards and requirements will vary by law enforcement role.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
Certification
Upon completion of the training requirements and state exam, documentation must be sent to DCJS and entered into the training management system (TRACER).
In-Service Training
To maintain certification, law enforcement officers must continue in-service training throughout their careers.
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, documentation must be sent to DCJS and entered into the training management system (TRACER).
In-Service Training
Every courtroom security officer/deputy must complete in-service requirements throughout their career to remain certified.
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 jail officer/deputy trainees.
Certification
Upon completion of the training requirements, documentation must be sent to DCJS and entered into the training management system (TRACER).
In-Service Training
Every jail officer/deputy must complete in-service requirements throughout their career to remain certified.
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 civil process deputy trainees.
Certification
Upon completion of the training requirements, documentation must be sent to DCJS and entered into the training management system (TRACER).
In-Service Training
Every civil process deputy must complete in-service requirements throughout their career to remain certified.
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 dispatcher trainees.
Certification
Upon completion of the training requirements, documentation must be sent to DCJS and entered into the training management system (TRACER).
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 corrections trainees.
Certification
Upon completion of the training requirements, documentation must be sent to DCJS and entered into the training management system (TRACER).
In-Service Training
Every corrections officer must complete in-service requirements throughout their career to remain certified.
Most Requested Training Forms
Below are some commonly requested forms pertaining to training.
For all forms related to the Division of Law Enforcement, go to DCJS Forms.
For all forms related to the Division of Law Enforcement, go to DCJS Forms.
Auxiliary Police Officer Training
The forms below are retained at the agency and submitted to DCJS:
Auxiliary Police II Training (Form A-2)
Used by agencies to document auxiliary basic law enforcement training completed in-house for Level II police officers
Used by agencies to document auxiliary basic law enforcement training completed in-house for Level II police officers
Auxiliary Police III Training (Form A-3)
Used by agencies to document auxiliary basic law enforcement training completed in-house for Level III police officers
Used by agencies to document auxiliary basic law enforcement training completed in-house for Level III police officers
Initial Completion of Training and Completion of In-Service (Form A-41)
Used by agencies to report auxiliary basic law enforcement training completed in-house
Used by agencies to report auxiliary basic law enforcement training completed in-house
Field Training and On-the-Job Training
The forms below are retained at the agency and submitted to DCJS:
Field Training for Law Enforcement (Form B-13)
Used by agencies to report the completion of law enforcement officer field training
Used by agencies to report the completion of law enforcement officer field training
Field Training for Civil Process Officers (Form CP-1)
Used by agencies to report the completion of civil process officer field training
Used by agencies to report the completion of civil process officer field training
Field Training for Court Security Officers (Form CS-1)
Used by agencies to report the completion of court security officer field training
Used by agencies to report the completion of court security officer field training
On-the-Job Training for Dispatchers (Form D-1)
Used by agencies to report the completion of dispatcher on-the-job training
Used by agencies to report the completion of dispatcher on-the-job training
Field Training for Jail Deputies and Officers (Form J-1)
Used by agencies to report the completion of jail deputy and jail officer field training
Used by agencies to report the completion of jail deputy and jail officer field training
Training Extensions, Waivers and Exemptions
Applications for training extensions:
Request for Training Extension II (Form TE-2)
Used by agencies to request an extension to complete instructor recertification training or annual firearms qualifications
Used by agencies to request an extension to complete instructor recertification training or annual firearms qualifications
Request for Training Extension (Form TE)
Used by agencies to request an extension for more time to complete basic or in-service training
Used by agencies to request an extension for more time to complete basic or in-service training
Applications for training exemptions:
Application for Exemption from Virginia Compulsory Minimum Training Standards (Form W-2)
Used by agencies to request a waiver of some or all of the compulsory minimum training standards hiring standards for a criminal justice officer
Used by agencies to request a waiver of some or all of the compulsory minimum training standards hiring standards for a criminal justice officer
In-Service Training, Partial Credits and Transfers
General partial in-service credit forms:
Partial In-Service Course (PIC) Information Sheet
Used by agencies for general information on requesting partial in-service credit for training held outside of a certified training academy
Used by agencies for general information on requesting partial in-service credit for training held outside of a certified training academy
Out-of-State Training Partial In-Service Credit (Form PIC-1)
Used by agencies to request partial in-service credit for relevant training received out-of-state
Used by agencies to request partial in-service credit for relevant training received out-of-state
Out-of-State Conference Training Partial In-Service Credit (Form PIC-2)
Used by agencies to request partial in-service credit for relevant conference training received out-of-state
Used by agencies to request partial in-service credit for relevant conference training received out-of-state
Partial In-Service Course Pre-Approval (Form PIC-3A)
Used by not-for-profit training vendors to request pre-approved partial in-service credit for trainings held outside of a certified criminal justice agency or academy
Used by not-for-profit training vendors to request pre-approved partial in-service credit for trainings held outside of a certified criminal justice agency or academy
Applications for college course in-service credits:
College Course In-Service Credit Application (Form CC-1)
Used to request partial in-service credit for completion of a college course
Used to request partial in-service credit for completion of a college course
College Course In-Service Credit Attest (Form CC-2)
Used by college course coordinators/professors to provide the required supplemental documentation attesting that the officer completed the course
Used by college course coordinators/professors to provide the required supplemental documentation attesting that the officer completed the course
Quick Reference
Commonly required and requested information provided by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
TRACER
Download or log in to Training and Certification Electronic Records (TRACER) to review and check for accuracy of information for personnel.
Committee on Training Approved Training Standards Information
Find out more about the policy-making body responsible to the Board for effecting provisions of the Virginia Code related to training standards.
Field Services
Field Services provides statewide services to criminal justice agencies and criminal justice training academies to increase quality and ensure compliance with DCJS training directives.
Academy Resources
Start here to find standards, requirements, and other information pertaining to academies.
