Florida Lateral to Virginia

[Department 30]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to take my Florida certification to Virginia. I have read though that VA is very picky about accepting out of state certifications. Is this true? Does anyone have a like to the VA EOT requirements? I'd like not to repeat the academy if possible. Are there equivalency training centers here in VA like there are in FL?

Thanks for any info.

[Cape804]

Virginia does provide waivers for out of state training, however it usually depends on the hiring agency if they will accept it. You would have to check with individual agencies in the area you're relocating to as to whether or not they will accept your training and apply for a waiver.

Also, this may help: http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/

[Bearcat357]

When I was looking to go there in 04ish, every agency I looked at in Northern VA was a no-go (I ended up going Fed). They all wanted me to go thru a VA Academy.

I do know that the Airports (Reagan/Dulles) have now opened up to laterals.....but I haven't seen any others.

Good Luck....

[Department 30]

Thanks for the info guys. I submitted an email to the DCJS. I am looking at anything within an hour drive of Hopewell. Any recommendations?

http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/forms/s...e=2&program=le I'm assuming the waiver is the doc file near the bottom of this page?

[Radford]

You should take a look down around the Newport News/Virginia Beach area. I tested in Hampton and there was a guy who was currently and officer in Florida there. I dont know if he would have to retake the academy if hired though.

[Department 30]

Radford,

I was looking into Virginia Beach. I've been there once, even though the beach isn't like it is here lol, but I have heard good things about their dept.

[Mysticine]

With my department (Chesterfield County) you'd go to a "pre-cert" academy. It's nothing like the first academy you went to, trust me. No yelling, screaming, etc. You'll take classes to familiarize yourself with department policies and SOPs, as well as VA law. We get several laterals from NY for some reason, not sure if we've ever had one from FL.

[Department 30]

Cool, thanks for the info. How long is the pre-academy? Is this how most agencies process laterals?

[Mysticine]

The pre-cert academy is 15 weeks long: http://www.chesterfield.gov/police.aspx?id=7484

I'll bet your next question is about pay. I talked to one of our laterals that went through in 2008 and it was the base salary ($39k) plus 1.5% increase for each year you have sworn at your old department.

I can't speak for if other departments have a similar process to ours as I don't know.

[ramon67]

Thats good money!