VA Law Enforcement Training

Virginia police officers recieve various types of training throughout their careers.

In Virginia, as in all states, people expect the government to protect their institutions, ensure security, and preserve law and order. They expect it to be done lawfully, professionally and with respect for individual rights. As the director for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center stated in 2007, "To meet these expectations, we must ensure that the people we empower as law enforcement officers have been fully trained in the skills and knowledge necessary for effective and safe enforcement of the law and are prepared to do so in a just and ethical manner."

Training Authority

The Code of Virginia directs the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to develop a "comprehensive, statewide, long-range plan for strengthening and improving law enforcement and the administration of criminal justice throughout the Commonwealth." The DCJS establishes required minimum standards across the board for all training in the state.

Basic Training

Officer candidates are required to successfully complete basic training at one of the roughly 40 state-certified academies serving more than 200 law enforcement agencies. This course of training typically lasts four to six months and touches on a number of law enforcement issues and skills. Classroom training consists of such topics as professionalism, legal issues, communication, patrol techniques and investigations. Hands-on topics of instruction usually include defensive tactics, use of force, weapons use, driver training and physical training.

Field Training

Upon completion of basic training, candidates are paired with veteran officers who assist and critique them as they answer calls for service and go about normal duties. This phase of training is designed to help candidates become acclimated to specific issues related to their department, local court systems, local government structures and community resources and agencies which may assist a person in need. This is the last step in becoming a police officer or sheriff's deputy.

In-Service Training

To maintain certification, police officers are required to complete 40 hours of legal, cultural diversity and career development training every two years. Topics of instruction vary greatly and can be customized to help officers get into or progress within a specialized field. For example, if an officer aspires to be an investigator or detective, he may want to take interview and interrogation courses. Or if she's interested in crime scene forensics, she may take evidence-technician courses.

Specialty Training

Certain positions require specific training in a particular technique or skill, and upon completion of extensive training, officers can become certified in that specialty. Specialties also typically require continual training within that field. Examples of specialty positions include K9 handler, SWAT member and polygraph operator. These fields all require ongoing training in their associated methods, techniques and equipment.

References

• Federal Law Enforcement Training Center: Strategic Plan
• Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services: Minimum Training Requirements
• Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services: Directory