Training

We believe in training employees to superior levels to best meet the needs of current and future residents. As the population of Northumberland County grows, law enforcement will face new challenges such as increased contact with dangerous criminals, more calls involving persons with mental illness, and community livability issues such as gang activity, property crimes, and illegal drug use.

New recruits for certified positions attend the 18-week Basic Law Enforcement Academy at Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Training Academy. There they learn about customer service, communication, survival, criminal and traffic investigations, and other skills necessary to be a certified deputy. After successfully passing the academy, each recruit participates in the Field Training and Evaluation Program wherein certified field training deputies instruct, mentor, and evaluate recruit's skills as a deputy sheriff. Upon completion of this field training, recruits are ready to work independently on patrol. 

Civilian employees also receive high quality mandatory, ongoing in-service training that supports their expertise in a variety of areas.

In addition, employees are encouraged to apply to attend external training to further develop and expand their skills.