Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Criminal Justice Services Board intends to consider amending 6VAC20-100, Rules Relating to Compulsory Minimum Training Standards for Correctional Officers of the Department of Corrections, Division of Adult Institutions. The purpose of the proposed action is to amend the minimum training standards to improve performance outcomes, adjust minimum number of training hours, and update language for effectiveness and efficiency in training new academy recruits within the Department of Corrections (DOC). Substantial changes are proposed to the performance outcomes, training objectives, testing criteria, and lesson plan guides in each individual category of training. The required number of training hours (including field training) for new correctional officers will also be amended. Additionally, legislation from the 2020 Session of the General Assembly requires specific training for and means of dealing with pregnant inmates at DOC facilities. This regulatory action will incorporate this into the revised training standards.

In addition, pursuant to Executive Order 14 (as amended, July 16, 2018) and § 2.2-4007.1 of the Code of Virginia, the agency is conducting a periodic review and small business impact review of this regulation to determine whether this regulation should be terminated, amended, or retained in its current form. Public comment is sought on the review of any issue relating to this regulation, including whether the regulation (i) is necessary for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare; (ii) minimizes the economic impact on small businesses consistent with the stated objectives of applicable law; and (iii) is clearly written and easily understandable.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing following the publication of the proposed stage in the Virginia Register.

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

Public Comment Deadline: April 14, 2021.

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.