Education and training

The SWAC recommended expanding training opportunities for VCU Police sworn officers and staff as well as the VCU community. The following is a progress update on new training opportunities for officers and community members.

Mental health and crisis intervention training

As of August 2022, 96% of VCU Police officers and dispatchers (combined) are trained in either Mental Health First Aid or Crisis Intervention Training (CIT).

Active bystander training

VCU Police implemented Georgetown University Law Center’s Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) training to address officers’ conduct. Officers learn how to intervene safely when their peers escalate a situation unnecessarily, make a mistake or violate policy. The program has three pillars, which promote safe interactions and police accountability: reducing mistakes, preventing misconduct and promoting officer health and wellness. As of August 2022, 100% of VCU Police officers are ABLE-trained.

Officer leadership training

VCU Police hosted an officer-level training of “Every Officer is a Leader.” Additional classes are scheduled for 2022.
After consideration of the ICAT program, it was determined that officers could not attend due to a lack of training opportunities nationally. VCUPD is currently using multiple trainings such as the One Mind Campaign, Mental Health First Aid, ABLE and Crisis Intervention Training.