Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services

Mission: To provide leadership, training, and regulatory services to enhance the quality and effectiveness of criminal justice systems throughout Virginia.

Core Services & Programs

Law Enforcement Services:
* Certification & Training Programs: Provides certification, in-service requirements, and training standards for all law enforcement professionals including law enforcement officers, civil process deputies, courtroom security officers, dispatchers, and jail officers
* Training Resources: Maintains comprehensive training manuals and compulsory minimum training standards along with advanced specialized training programs
* Accreditation: Offers accreditation services for law enforcement agencies and oversees the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC)
* Career Support: Provides career development resources and guidance for law enforcement professionals
* International Transfers: Assists law enforcement officers transferring from out-of-state with certification requirements

School & Campus Safety:
* K-12 School Safety Program: Operates the Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety (VCSCS) providing comprehensive school security resources
* Certification Programs: Offers School Security Officer (SSO) Certification Program and School Resource Officer training
* Threat Assessment: Conducts threat assessment training for K-12 schools and higher education institutions
* Virginia School Safety Audit Program: Administers statewide safety audits for educational institutions
* Crisis Response: Provides critical incident preparedness and response training

Adult & Juvenile Justice:
* Office of Safer Communities: Provides youth services and community-based programs
* Victim Services: Manages comprehensive victim assistance programs including grants, human trafficking support, and the Victims Crisis Assistance and Response Team (VCART)
* Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA): Supports children in the court system
* Prisoner Reentry Programs: Operates the PAPIS (Virginia Prisoner Reentry Program) to support successful community reintegration
* Behavioral Health Programs: Administers criminal justice behavioral health treatment programs
* Electronic Monitoring: Provides guidelines for GPS/electronic monitoring programs

Licenses & Regulatory Services:
* Regulatory Oversight: Manages five key regulatory programs including Private Security Services, Bail Bondsmen, Bail Enforcement Agents, Special Conservators of the Peace, and Tow Truck Drivers
* Licensing Services: Provides online application systems for professional licenses and registrations

Training & Grants:
* Professional Development: Offers extensive training announcements and educational opportunities
* Financial Support: Administers various grant programs including Operation Ceasefire grants and Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program grants
* Regional Training Events: Hosts conferences, forums, and specialized training sessions across Virginia

Online Services Available

• Criminal Justice Directory access
• Training registration through Benchmark LMS
• Online license applications
• Emergency reporting systems
• DCJS updates subscription services

Geographic Reach

Provides services statewide throughout Virginia with specific programs reaching into local communities, schools, and law enforcement agencies.