TITLE 6. CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES BOARD

Final Regulation

Title of Regulation: 6VAC20-100. Rules Relating to Compulsory Minimum Training Standards for Correctional Officers of the Department of Corrections, Division of Adult Institutions (amending 6VAC20-100-20).

Statutory Authority: § 9.1-102 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: April 1, 2026.

Agency Contact: Kristi Shalton, Law Enforcement Program Coordinator, Department of Criminal Justice Services, 1100 Bank Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 786-7801, fax (804) 786-0410, or email kristi.shalton@dcjs.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendments (i) reduce the minimum number of basic correctional officer training hours to 320, (ii) reduce the minimum number of field training hours to 120, and (iii) revise training requirements in the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Basic Corrections Officer Compulsory Minimum Training Standards and Field Training Performance Outcomes to enhance performance outcomes and update outdated language for effectiveness and efficiency in training new academy recruits.

Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response: A summary of comments made by the public and the agency's response may be obtained from the promulgating agency or viewed at the office of the Registrar of Regulations.

6VAC20-100-20. Compulsory minimum training standards.

A. Pursuant to the provisions of subdivision 9 of § 9.1-102 of the Code of Virginia, the department under the direction of the board establishes the compulsory minimum training standards for full-time or part-time correctional officers of the Department of Corrections.

B. Individuals hired as correctional officers as defined in § 53.1-1 of the Code of Virginia shall meet or exceed the compulsory minimum training standards at a certified criminal justice training academy, external training location, or satellite facility and complete field training requirements. Correctional officers shall comply with the following:

1. Successfully complete basic correctional officer training at a certified criminal justice training academy, external training location, or satellite facility, which includes receiving a minimum of 400 320 hours of department approved department-approved training in the following categories:

a. Security and supervision;

b. Communication;

c. Safety;

d. Emergency response;

e. Conflict and crisis management;

f. Law and legal issues;

g. Duty assignments and responsibilities;

h. Professionalism;

i. Basic corrections officer firearms training; and

j. Physical fitness training.

2. Successfully complete a minimum of 200 120 hours of approved training in the category of field training identified in the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Basic Corrections Officer Compulsory Minimum Training Standards and Field Training and On the Job Training Performance Outcomes, [ draft dated November 1, 2024 Department of Corrections ], [ revision dated August 2025, ] hereby incorporated by reference.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (6VAC20-100)

Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Field Training and On the Job Training Performance Outcomes, published September 2012, Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (Revised January 2018)

Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Basic Corrections Officer Compulsory Minimum Training Standards and Field Training Performance Outcomes, Virginia Department of Corrections (rev. 8/2025)