NOVA Police Officers Stay Sharp During Pandemic

Although NOVA’s buildings are closed and the college is operating remotely, NOVA’s police officers are still working hard monitoring our campuses, assisting people who have been authorized by their Provosts to access their building and catching up on paperwork, etc.

As sworn law enforcement officers, NOVA’s police are required to complete professional training every two years to maintain professional certifications. Our officers are using this time of less activity on campus to refresh and sharpen skills needed to serve the college. The trainings are to keep NOVA safe and to complete mandatory certifications.

A roll call training program has been established, and officers have received training information via email. To date, officers have reviewed various areas including Clery Act, Title IX and VAWA requirements. This includes: how to de-escalate conflict; how to deal with people with mental health challenges; NOVA Police jurisdiction and First Amendment rights as they relate to citizen-police interactions. Secondly, officers undertake weekly training reviews of the department’s General Orders (GOs). The GOs consolidate standards and regulations governing every aspect of police operation. The most recent training covered search and seizure, the use of force and standards of conduct. Finally, officers are being enrolled in various on-line courses such as U.S. constitutional law, cultural diversity and legal updates.

In short, NOVA officers are working hard, both on campus and remotely, to maintain their expertise and the critical skills needed to continue to provide the highest standards of safety, security and service to the entire campus community.