Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety | | | | |
Upcoming Training
Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention
July 9, 2026 - Fredericksburg, VA
July 28, 2026 - Norfolk, VA
K-12 Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Basic Training
July 16, 2026 - Online
August 6, 2026 - Online
September 10, 2026 - Online
Threat Assessment and Management in Schools and Campuses: Enhancing the Nexus
July 30, 2026 - Roanoke, VA
Threat Assessment and Management in a Campus Setting: Special Issues and Applications Workshop
August 4, 2026 - Lynchburg, VA
Civilian Response and Casualty Care (CRCC)
September 19, 2026 - Spotsylvania, VA
K-12 Behavioral Threat Assessment Management Roundtable
September 22, 2026 - Online
School-Based Crisis Management Virtual Roundtable
September 23, 2026 - Online
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"Leading the Way to Bring the School Safety Vision into Focus"
Executive Forum:
Monday, July 20, 2026 (by invitation only)
Main Conference:
July 20-22, 2026
Hampton Roads Convention Center
Hampton, VA
The 2026 School Safety Training Forum is right around the corner! Participants will have the opportunity to hear from renowned experts on a wide range of topics related to school safety, network with other school safety leaders, and learn how to build stronger school communities across Virginia today. Join us as we zoom in on three critical “lenses” that shape safe learning environments: Physical Safety, Social Emotional Safety, and Prevention and Planning.
Register today to join school administrators, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community leaders from across the Commonwealth to sharpen our collective vision for student safety. Please contact Shellie Evers or Denae Griffin if you have any questions.
| | | | Have you read our latest memo? As you prepare for your schools to open, check out our Back-to-School Memo for reminders of required safety compliance tasks and available VCSCS resources to support you this year. | | New eLearning Opportunities | |
VCSCS offers a wide range of on-demand trainings through Benchmark that can help you prepare for a safe school year. Here are just a few of our latest offerings:
In addition to the 2.5-hour K-12 Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Full eLearning program, DCJS is proud to offer our Behavioral Threat Assessment Overview. This 40-minute module is offered on demand to supplement the DCJS model, policies, procedures, and guidelines. It’s a great way to strengthen your BTAM toolkit or get back up to speed as we head into a new school year.
DCJS proudly offers Pathways for Prevention: Suicide Prevention and Intervention, an on-demand eLearning course offered at no cost to you through Benchmark. This 45-minute module provides scenario-based examples and activities to identify risk and protective factors and warning signs of suicide. For additional in-person and virtual training opportunities for both school and first responder communities, view the available trainings on Benchmark by selecting “Suicide Prevention” under Training Categories.
The Before, During, and After: Crisis Management Planning Series is available now on Benchmark. This self-paced eLearning program introduces the School Crisis, Emergency Management, and Medical Emergency Response Plan (CMP). Participants will learn essential actions to take before an emergency to mitigate risks, how to coordinate an effective response during a crisis, and the steps needed for recovery. With its focus on rapid, coordinated, and community-centered safety practices, this course helps ensure your school is ready for any challenge the upcoming school year may bring.
| | | Updates to Threat Assessment Legislation | |
There have been important updates to Virginia legislation on threat assessment teams and training.
Starting in July 2026, all threat assessment team training in K-12 and campus settings MUST include training on red flag laws—that is, laws concerning emergency substantial risk orders and substantial risk orders "to address the risk of harm to self or others posed by a student's access to a firearm" (Code of Virginia § 22.1-79.4 and § 23.1-805). The Virginia General Assembly has also expanded the group of people who can apply for an emergency substantial risk order (see the Code of Virginia § 19.2-152.13).
For more information, you can view the full language of HB1071 here. Please contact Robin Tuck or Marc Dawkins with any questions.
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Be Safe Virginia is a program focused on educating students pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Virginia’s Public Schools. The program's goals are to educate our youngest community members on important public safety topics in an age-appropriate manner. Themes range in scope from learning about the role of community helpers, to how to stay safe during in-person and online interactions, as well as understanding the impacts of substance abuse and bullying.
Licensed teachers and early childhood specialists developed the lessons and materials, and all lessons correlate to the Virginia Standards of Learning. The program is intended to be taught primarily by school resource officers and school security officers in Virginia elementary schools familiar to their students but may also be taught by Pre-K–5 staff, substitute teachers, or school volunteers. Learn more and download the free curriculum here.
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Strengthening School Readiness
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While we hope emergencies never occur, preparedness saves time and lives. The Critical Incident Response Curriculum offers nine age and audience-specific modules for Pre-K to 12, school staff, and parents on how to respond effectively during crises. With clear, scenario-based instruction, CIR helps build confidence, coordination, and clarity across school teams—ensuring that when seconds matter, everyone knows their role. View the promo or request the free downloads here.
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This graphic, reflecting data from the 2025 School Safety Survey, demonstrates the variety of safety concerns for which schools need to be prepared. Each year, the School Safety survey allows VCSCS to assess safety conditions and improve safety across schools in the Commonwealth.
Have you reviewed last year's safety survey results yet? You can view all previous School Safety Surveys here under "Previous School Safety Audit Survey Results," and you can learn more about School Safety Survey requirements here.
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September is Suicide Prevention Month; however, suicide prevention should be a focus all year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10–24, making prevention efforts more important than ever. Virginia schools and communities continue to work together to identify risk factors, strengthen protective factors, and connect youth with the support they need.
It is important to know the warning signs of suicidal behavior, which may include persistent feelings of hopelessness, withdrawal from friends and activities, dramatic mood changes, increased risk-taking behaviors, or talking about wanting to die. Early intervention can save lives. Educators, parents, coaches, and community members all play an important role in recognizing these signs and helping young people access support.
The Suicide Prevention Guidelines for schools and other important resources are available on the VDOE Website. These guidelines and resources are vital to creating and maintaining an effective suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention plan. Additional resources are available through the Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety’s Mental Health and Trauma Support page and KnowTalkAsk.org, as well as the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. For immediate intervention support, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day through calls or text.
By fostering connectedness, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and ensuring access to support services, we can help prevent suicide and promote hope for Virginia’s youth.
| | | Hallway Highlight: SRO Deputy Jeffrey Smihal | |
This month, we are recognizing School Resource Officer (SRO) Deputy Jeffrey Smihal from the Stafford County Sheriff's Office for his outstanding service, dedication, and positive impact on the students and staff of Rodney Thompson Middle School in Stafford, Virginia.
Deputy Smihal joined the Stafford Sheriff's Office in 2023 and quickly became a valued member of the SRO team. In 2026, he became a D.A.R.E. officer and began teaching the D.A.R.E. program in several elementary schools throughout the county. His enthusiasm, professionalism, and commitment to mentoring young people have made him a tremendous asset to both the Sheriff's Office and the school community.
Known for his positive attitude and willingness to help wherever needed, Deputy Smihal routinely assists at other schools, including local high schools, when additional support is required. His coworkers and school staff consistently praise the strong relationships he builds with students and his dedication to creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
Deputy Smihal's law enforcement and public service career spans nearly three decades. From the D.C. Pretrial Services Agency to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division) to the Bureau of Prisons, he served D.C. and Virginia faithfully until his retirement from federal service in December 2022.
Following his retirement, Deputy Smihal continued his commitment to public service by joining the Stafford Sheriff's Office, where he continues to make a difference every day in the lives of students, staff, and fellow deputies.
Deputy Smihal's experience, leadership, and genuine care for others make him an exceptional School Resource Officer and a tremendous representative of the Stafford Sheriff's Office. We thank him for his continued service and the positive impact he has on our community.
Is there someone from your school whom you would like to recognize for their positive contributions? You can submit them here to be included in a future VCSCS newsletter!
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