School Security Officer (SSO) Certification Training 

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Description

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is pleased to announce, “School Security Officer (SSO) Certification Training,” a two-day course that meets Virginia’s mandated training and certification requirements for K-12 security personnel.    

All security officers employed by Virginia Public Schools are required to complete the minimum entry-level employment training and certification requirements. This course consists of five modules of content developed and approved by the Department of Criminal Justice Services, with topics including but not limited to:  

• The role and responsibility of School Security Officers
• Relevant state and federal laws
• FERPA
• School and personal liability issues
• Security awareness in the school environment
• Mediation and conflict resolution
• Students with disabilities
• Disaster and emergency response
• Behavioral dynamics  

This compulsory minimum training will include a cumulative test at the end of each module.  

Intended Audience  

School Security Officers currently employed by a public or private school system. School Security Directors and School Administrators with SSOs within their division. 

NOTE: This class is NOT intended for currently certified SSOs. This class is intended for individuals needing initial certification. 

PLEASE NOTE:   School Security Officer means any person employed by or contracted to a K-12 School for the sole purpose of maintaining peace and order and who is primarily responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Certified law enforcement officers as defined in § 9.1-101 are not included in this definition.       

Training Time and Details  

The training hours for all training days will be 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.  Registration will begin each day at 7:30 AM  

Partial In-Service Credit (PIC)  

Partial In-service Credit (PIC) will not 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.  

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. Registrants not accepted will be notified via the email address provided during registration.