K-12 School Safety

Visit https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/available-k-12-curriculum 

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety (VCSCS) supports schools in emergency preparedness through comprehensive training and resources focused on prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery from critical incidents, including active attacks. Key resources include drill planning, a model crisis plan with essential elements and behavioral threat assessment policies, and the Virginia-adapted Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and Standard Reunification Method (SRM). These protocols promote clear, unified emergency responses without codes and provide a streamlined process for safely reuniting students with families. Virginia law mandates that school crisis plans include immediate notification to DCJS and the Virginia Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund to coordinate victim assistance during emergencies, ensuring a coordinated and effective response.

Visit https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/critical-incident-and-crisis-management-training-and-resources 

In 2013, the Virginia General Assembly enacted legislation requiring all public school divisions to establish and operate threat assessment teams in support of their schools- making Virginia the first state in the country to require such action.

This legislation also requires the Division of Public Safety Training and the Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety (PST-VCSCS) to develop model policies, collect quantitative data from schools using a case management tool, and provide technical assistance to schools on threat assessment-based protocols. To satisfy these requirements, the VCSCS worked closely with research partners, service providers, and subject matter experts to provide resources for schools, campuses, and law enforcement.

Visit https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/virginia-center-school-and-campus-safety/threat-assessment-virginia 

VCSCS offers training on a variety of topics related to suicide prevention, mental health, and trauma for K-12 and institutions of higher education staff and administrators, law enforcement officers working in schools and on campuses, in addition to school and campus security officers, and other interested stakeholders. 

Visit https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/virginia-center-school-and-campus-safety/mental-health-and-trauma-support 

As defined in § 9.1-101, Code of Virginia, an SRO is a certified law enforcement officer employed by a local law enforcement agency to provide law enforcement and security services to public elementary or secondary schools. A required Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes the framework for the SRO program, defining the purposes, goals, and responsibilities of each agency involved. Its primary aim is to clearly outline the roles of both schools and law enforcement in the use of SROs, creating a mutually beneficial partnership. By fostering mutual respect and understanding, the MOU helps build a positive and safe school environment while ensuring effective and timely communication and coordination between both parties. 

Visit https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/virginia-center-school-and-campus-safety/school-resource-officers 

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, all public schools are required to conduct an annual school safety audit in order to assess school safety conditions. Through enabling legislation (§ 9.1-184), the Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety (VCSCS) has been designated to collect, analyze, and disseminate various Virginia school safety data, including school safety audit information. In 2005, the General Assembly transferred the authority to collect school safety audit information from the Virginia Department of Education to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. To date, the VCSCS has developed five components for the school safety audit program:

Virginia School Safety Survey (annually)
Division Safety Survey (annually)
Virginia School Crisis Management Plan Review and Certification (annually)
Virginia School Survey of Climate and Working Conditions (administered in the Spring)
School Safety Inspection Checklist (due every three years; next due date 2026)

Visit: https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/virginia-center-school-and-campus-safety/virginia-school-safety-audit-program 

§ 9.1-101 A "school security officer" means an individual who is employed by the local school board or a private or religious school for the singular purpose of maintaining order and discipline, preventing crime, investigating violations of the policies of the school board or the private or religious school, and detaining students violating the law or the policies of the school board or the private or religious school on school property, school buses, or at school-sponsored events and who is responsible solely for ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors in the assigned school.

Visit https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/virginia-center-school-and-campus-safety/school-security-officer-sso-certification-program 

VCSCS offers a variety of resources which can be accessed here.