All selected applicants for the position of police officer must successfully complete the following training requirements.
Successful Completion of the Basic Police Academy
The academy is held at the Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy and lasts approximately 17 weeks. The academy is in operation from Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. All applicable state and federal laws and codes will be taught as well as firearms, defensive tactics, police driving, and other skills. There is also a physical fitness component to the training. Those who possess a valid Virginia DCJS police officer certification may be exempt from this requirement.
Successful Completion of the Suffolk Police Post Academy
The post academy is held in the City of Suffolk and lasts approximately six weeks. The Post Academy is where all necessary City information, policy and procedures, and applicable local laws and codes will be taught.
Successful completion of the Suffolk Police Field Training Program
The Field Training Program is a 12 week program. Applicants will be assigned to three separate instructors for the duration of the 12 week program. Applicants will spend their first four weeks of training with their first or primary instructor. The applicant will then complete the next four weeks of training under their second instructor. The applicant will then complete two weeks of training under their third instructor. The final two weeks is a "shadow phase" of instruction where the applicant is followed at a distance by their primary instructor.
Successful Completion of the Mandatory Probationary Period
The probationary period for a police officer is for duration of approximately one year from their date of employment. Applicants will have needed to satisfactorily complete all the necessary training requirements to complete their probationary period. Extensions may be granted to applicants whose training is not completed within one year from their date of employment.
For any questions regarding the training requirements, please contact Sergeant Crawley at 757-514-7913 or e-mail him at ecrawley@suffolkva.us.
