2025 Campus Security Officer (CSO) Recertification Training

Please note: We have moved to the Benchmark Learning Management System for this training. To register, create your account or log in here, then either search for your desired training, or come back here and click "Register" to be taken directly to the event page. For more information or help, please refer to this user guide.

Description

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is pleased to announce “Campus Security Officer (CSO) Recertification Training,” a two-day course that satisfies Virginia’s mandated recertification training requirements for college/university campus security personnel.  

CSO certification is valid for 2 years. Within those 2 years, CSOs are required to receive 16 hours of campus security-related training and have their point of contact submit a recertification application and accompanying documentation to DCJS. This 2-day course consists of the topics below:

Day 1 - Substance Abuse Prevention in Higher Education

This interactive, engaging workshop will provide attendees with updates in the field of young adult substance use and addiction science. Attendees will explore the risk factors that contribute to substance abuse and addiction and the impact this has on students and campus life. This session will explore how the campus environment can provide and enhance protective factors against these issues. Harm reduction strategies and recovery programming will be discussed in both campus and community contexts. 

Topics covered:

• Identifying current drug trends and patterns of use among young adults (including the status of the fentanyl & opioid epidemics)

• Risk factors for young adult substance use

• Impact of substance use on student well-being and campus life

• Creating an environment for health, safety, and growth

• Harm reduction strategies and recovery programming

Day 2 - Control Tactics for Campus Security Officers

Campus Security Officers are tasked with the responsibility of keeping students, staff, and visitors safe on campuses across the Commonwealth.  During the course of daily patrol, officers face the possibility of becoming involved in a situation where they may need to defend themselves from a physical attack or come to someone’s aid. This 1-day course has been specifically designed to meet the training needs of unarmed security officers and provide them with the knowledge and skills to increase safety on campus. This course will feature classroom instruction, and hands-on practical exercises. 

Topics to be addressed:     

• Use of Force
• Officer Presence
• Verbal De-escalation Skills
• Liability
• Basic Self-Defense Techniques

Intended Audience:

This training is open to all Campus Security Officers.

Training Time and Details:

Registration will begin each day at 7:30 am

The training hours for both training days will be 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.  

Partial In-Service Credit (PIC):

Partial In-service Credit (PIC) for security officers will be available. 

Travel, Lodging, and Meals:

Participants are responsible for their transportation, lodging, and meals. 

Registration and Cost:

Pre-registration is required.  There is no cost to attend this training.

You can register for one or both days. 

Please click here to register for the Substance Abuse Prevention Training

Please click here to register for the Control Tactics Training

Please note that the DCJS registration system does not have the capacity to sort eligible from ineligible registrants. Therefore, anyone who registers will receive a confirmation. It is the responsibility of the DCJS assigned course director to review the roster and make a final determination on acceptance into the course.