School Safety Inspection Checklist and Certification
The Code of Virginia § 22.1-279.8 requires all public schools in Virginia to conduct safety audits annually. Those audits include the requirement for schools to conduct site-based safety inspections using a standardized checklist incorporating CPTED Principles and to certify their completion to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) – Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety (VCSCS).
The Virginia School Safety Inspection Checklist provides a systematic, zone-based process for evaluating school safety through Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles and modern security technologies. This assessment tool fulfills requirements under The Code of Virginia § 22.1-279.8 and supports school divisions in enhancing the safety, accessibility, and well-being of their learning environments.
Annual inspections remain a recommended best practice. Annual inspections may include a full inspection walk-through, a reassessment of previously recommended areas, progress updates on improvements, or general identification of new areas of concern. Therefore, as of August 2026, certifications are collected annually.
In 2026, the checklist was updated, and a mobile app version is now available.
Virginia School Safety Inspection Checklist - fillable PDF
2025 Virginia School Safety Inspection Checklist Orientation - video