Part IV. Compulsory Minimum Training Standards for Bail Enforcement Agents
Article 1
Training Requirements
6VAC20-260-120. Entry-level training.
A. Each bail enforcement agent as defined by § 9.1-186 of the Code of Virginia must meet the compulsory minimum training standards established in this part unless provided for otherwise in accordance with this regulation.
B. Training will be credited only if application for licensure is submitted to the department within 12 months of completion of training.
C. The compulsory minimum entry-level training hour requirement by category, excluding examinations, practical exercises and range qualification, shall be:
1. Bail Enforcement Core Training -- 40 hours.
2. Firearms Training -- 14 hours.
D. The compulsory minimum entry-level training course content, excluding examinations, mandated practical exercises and range qualification, shall be as provided in this subsection.
Core subjects. The entry-level curriculum sets forth the following areas identified as:
I. Orientation: ethics -- 2 hours
A. Ethics
1. Professionalism
2. Conflict of Interest
3. Code of Ethics
II. Law: Code of Virginia and Regulations; basic law; courts; and bail enforcement -- 12 hours + 1 practical exercise
A. Code of Virginia and Regulations
1. Definitions
2. Licensing Procedures and Requirements
3. Compulsory Minimum Training Standards
4. Standards of Practice and Prohibited Acts
5. Administrative Requirements/Standards of Conduct
6. Administrative Reviews, Complaints, Procedures
B. Basic Law
1. Legal Terminology and Definitions
2. Purpose and Function of Law
3. U.S. Constitution
a. Bill of Rights
b. Amendments
4. Code of Virginia
a. Bail Bonding Laws
b. Laws of Arrest
5. Landmark Cases
a. Taylor v. Taintor
b. Old Fugitive Slave Laws
6. Virginia Cases
7. Limitations and Liabilities
C. Courts
1. Federal Court System
a. Criminal
b. Civil
2. State Court System
a. Criminal
b. Civil
D. Bail Enforcement
1. Right to Arrest
2. Search and Seizure
3. Uniform Extradition Act
4. Virginia Extradition Procedures
5. Legal and Criminal Forms
III. Fugitive Recovery: investigative techniques; recovery procedures; agent survival; and apprehension of a fugitive -- 24 hours + 1 practical exercise
A. Investigative Techniques
1. Surveillance
2. Court Research
3. Law Enforcement Coordination
4. Interviewing
5. Impersonation and Misrepresentation
6. Reference Materials and Resource List
7. Skip Tracing Techniques
8. Fugitive Identification
B. Recovery Procedures
1. Pursuit
a. Foot
b. Vehicular
c. Other
2. Entry and Search
3. Perimeter/Interior Room Control
C. Agent Survival
1. Confrontation Management
2. Use of Force
3. Deadly Force
4. Escalation of Force
5. Emergency Procedures
D. Apprehension of a Fugitive
1. Compliant versus Noncompliant Procedures
2. Search of Person
a. Personal Items
b. Seizure of Contraband
3. Handcuffing Techniques
4. Rights of the Accused
5. Detainment and Transportation
6. Interstate Transport
7. False Arrest
IV. Remanding to Custody: legal detainment facilities; entering the jail or sally port; signing the bail piece/return to court; and hospital procedures for injuries -- 2 hours + 1 practical exercise
A. Legal Detainment Facilities
B. Entering the Jail or Sally Port
C. Signing the Bail Piece/Return to Court
D. Hospital Procedures for Injuries
V. Written Comprehensive Examination.
Statutory Authority
§§ 9.1-102 and 9.1-186.2 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 1, eff. October 14, 2009.
6VAC20-260-130. In-service training.
A. Each person licensed with the department as a bail enforcement agent shall complete the compulsory in-service training standards within the last 12 months preceding the expiration date of licensure.
B. The compulsory minimum in-service training course content by category, excluding examinations, practical exercises and range qualification, shall be as follows:
Bail enforcement core subjects:
1. Legal authority -- 2 hours
2. Job-related training -- 6 hours
Total hours -- 8 hours
Statutory Authority
§§ 9.1-102 and 9.1-186.2 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 1, eff. October 14, 2009.
6VAC20-260-140. Training exemption.
Persons who meet the statutory requirements as set forth in § 9.1-186 of the Code of Virginia may apply for a partial exemption from the compulsory training standards. Individuals requesting such partial exemption shall file an application furnished by the department and include the applicable, nonrefundable application fee. The department may issue such partial exemption on the basis of individual qualifications as supported by required documentation. Those applying for and receiving exemptions must comply with all regulations promulgated by the board. Each person receiving a partial exemption must apply to the department for registration within 12 months from the date of issuance; otherwise the partial exemption shall become null and void.
Statutory Authority
§§ 9.1-102 and 9.1-186.2 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 1, eff. October 14, 2009.
6VAC20-260-150. Entry-level training exemption.
A. Persons previously employed as law-enforcement officers for a local, state or federal government who have not terminated or been terminated from the employment more than five years prior to the application date must submit official documentation of the following with the application for partial exemption of the entry-level training requirements:
1. Completion of law-enforcement entry-level training; and
2. Five continuous years of law-enforcement employment, provided such employment as a law-enforcement officer was not terminated due to misconduct or incompetence.
B. Persons having previous bail enforcement agent training and five years continuous experience must submit official documentation of the following with the application for partial exemption:
1. Completion of previous bail enforcement agent training, which has been approved by the department and which meets or exceeds the compulsory minimum training standards promulgated by the board; and
2. Five years continuous experience in bail recovery, provided such experience did not end more then 12 months prior to submittal of licensure application.
Statutory Authority
§§ 9.1-102 and 9.1-186.2 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 1, eff. October 14, 2009.
6VAC20-260-160. In-service alternative training credit.
Persons who have completed training that meets or exceeds the compulsory minimum training standards promulgated by the board for the in-service training required for bail enforcement agents may be authorized credit for such training, provided the training has been completed within 12 months of the expiration date of the license period during which in-service training is required. Such training must be provided by a third party organization offering services or expertise for the particular training category. Official documentation of the following must accompany the application for in-service training credit:
1. Information regarding the sponsoring organization, including documentation regarding the instructor for each session;
2. An outline of the training session material, including the dates, times and specific subject matter;
3. Proof of attendance and successful completion; and
4. The applicable, nonrefundable application fee.
Statutory Authority
§§ 9.1-102 and 9.1-186.2 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 1, eff. October 14, 2009.
6VAC20-260-170. Prior firearms training exemption.
Persons having previous department-approved firearms training may be authorized credit for such training that meets or exceeds the compulsory minimum training standards for private security services business personnel, provided such training has been completed within the 12 months preceding the date of application. Official documentation of the following must accompany the application for partial in-service training credit:
1. Completion of department-approved firearms training; and
2. Qualification at a Virginia criminal justice agency, academy or correctional department.
Statutory Authority
§§ 9.1-102 and 9.1-186.2 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 1, eff. October 14, 2009.
6VAC20-260-180. Renewal extension.
A. An extension of the time period to meet in-service training requirements for renewal of a license may be approved only under specific circumstances that do not allow bail enforcement agents to complete the required renewal procedures within the prescribed time period. The following are the only circumstances for which extensions may be granted:
1. Extended illness;
2. Extended injury; or
3. Military deployment.
B. A request for extension shall:
1. Be submitted in writing, dated and signed by the licensee prior to the expiration date of the time limit required for completion of the requirements. This requirement may be waived by the department in cases of military deployment;
2. Indicate the projected date the person will be able to comply with the requirements; and
3. Include a copy of the physician's record of the injury or illness or a copy of the government orders.
C. No extension will be approved for licenses that have expired except in the cases involving military deployment.
D. Applications for additional extensions may be approved upon written request of the licensee.
E. Approved extensions may only be granted for a period not to exceed 12 months.
F. The bail enforcement agent shall be nonoperational during the period of extension.
Statutory Authority
§§ 9.1-102 and 9.1-186.2 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 1, eff. October 14, 2009.
Article 2
Firearms Training Requirements
6VAC20-260-190. General firearms training requirements.
Firearms training endorsement is required for all bail enforcement agents who carry or have access to a firearm while on duty. Each person who carries or has access to firearms while on duty shall qualify with each type of action and caliber of firearm to which he has access.
Statutory Authority
§§ 9.1-102 and 9.1-186.2 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 1, eff. October 14, 2009.
6VAC20-260-200. Firearms (handgun/shotgun) entry-level training.
All armed bail enforcement agents must satisfactorily complete the firearms classroom training, practical exercises and range training as prescribed in 6VAC20-171, Regulations Relating to Private Security Services, for handgun and for shotgun, if applicable, prior to the issuance of the firearms endorsement.
Statutory Authority
§§ 9.1-102 and 9.1-186.2 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 1, eff. October 14, 2009.
6VAC20-260-210. Firearms (handgun/shotgun) retraining.
On an annual basis all armed bail enforcement agents must requalify for a firearms endorsement by satisfactorily completing firearms classroom training, practical exercises and range training as prescribed in 6VAC20-171, Regulations Relating to Private Security Services, for handgun and for shotgun, if applicable.
Statutory Authority
§§ 9.1-102 and 9.1-186.2 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 1, eff. October 14, 2009.
Article 3
Training Sessions
6VAC20-260-220. Bail enforcement and firearms training sessions.
A. Training sessions will be conducted by private security services training schools certified or licensed under 6VAC20-171, Regulations Relating to Private Security Services, in accordance with requirements established in this chapter. Adherence to the administrative requirements, attendance and standards of conduct are the responsibility of the training school, training school director and instructor of the training session.
B. Administrative requirements.
1. In a manner approved by the department, a notification to conduct a training session shall be publicly accessible and submitted to the department upon request. All notifications shall be posted no less than seven calendar days prior to the beginning of each training session to include the date, time, instructors and location of the training session. The department may allow a session to be conducted with less than seven calendar days of notification with prior approval. A notification to conduct a training session shall be deemed to be in compliance unless the training school director is notified by the department to the contrary.
2. Notification of any changes to the dates, times, location or cancellation of a future training session must be made at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled starting time of the class. In the event that a session must be cancelled on the scheduled date, the department must be notified immediately.
3. On a form provided by the department, the training school director shall issue an original training completion form and training certificate to each student who satisfactorily completes a training session no later than five business days following the training completion date.
4. In a manner approved by the department, the training school director shall maintain an original training completion roster and submit to the department upon request, affirming each student's successful completion of the session.
5. A written examination shall be administered at the conclusion of each entry-level training session. The examination shall be based on the applicable learning objectives. The student must attain a minimum grade of 70% for all entry-level training examinations to satisfactorily complete the training session.
6. Firearms classroom training shall be separately tested and graded. Individuals must achieve a minimum score of 70% on the firearms classroom training examination.
7. Failure to achieve a minimum score of 70% on the firearms classroom written examination will exclude the individual from the firearms range training.
8. To successfully complete the firearms range training, the individual must achieve a minimum qualification score of 75% of the scoring value of the target.
9. To successfully complete the bail enforcement agent entry-level training session, the individual must:
a. Successfully complete each of the three graded practical exercises required; and
b. Pass the written examination with a minimum score of 70%.
C. Attendance.
1. Individuals enrolled in an approved training session are required to be present for the hours required for each training session unless they have been granted a partial exemption to training from the department.
2. Tardiness and absenteeism will not be permitted. Individuals violating these provisions will be required to make up any training missed. Such training must be completed within 60 days after the completion of the training session or at the next available session offered by the training school. Individuals not completing the required training within this period are required to complete the entire training session.
3. Individuals who do not successfully complete the compulsory minimum training standards of the training session shall not be reported to the department except where required pursuant to this chapter.
4. Each individual attending an approved training session shall comply with the regulations promulgated by the board and any other rules within the authority of the training school. If the training school director or instructor considers a violation of the rules detrimental to the training of other students or to involve cheating on examinations, the training school director or instructor may expel the individual from the school. Notification of such action shall immediately be reported to the employing firms and the department.
D. Standards of conduct.
1. The training school, training school director and instructor shall at all times conform to the application requirements, administrative requirements and standards of conduct established for certification as a training school and instructor.
2. Training sessions will be conducted by certified instructors or other individuals authorized to provide instruction pursuant to this chapter.
3. Training sessions will be conducted utilizing lesson plans developed, including at a minimum the compulsory minimum training standards established pursuant to this chapter.
4. Instruction shall be provided in no less than 50-minute classes.
5. Training sessions may not exceed nine hours of classroom instruction per day. Range qualification and practical exercises shall not be considered classroom instruction; however, total training, including the maximum allotment of nine hours classroom instruction and applicable range qualification and practical exercises, shall not exceed 12 hours per day. This does not include time allotted for breaks, meals and testing.
6. All audiovisual training aids must be accompanied by a period of instruction where the instructor reviews the content of the presentation and the students are provided the opportunity to ask questions regarding the content.
7. A training session must adhere to the minimum compulsory training standards and must be presented in its entirety. Training school directors may require additional hours of instruction, testing or evaluation procedures.
8. A training session must provide accurate and current information to the students.
9. Mandated training conducted not in accordance with the Code of Virginia and this chapter is null and void.
10. A duplicate set of instructor course materials including all student materials shall be made available to any department inspector during the training session, if requested.
Statutory Authority
§§ 9.1-102 and 9.1-186.2 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 26, Issue 1, eff. October 14, 2009.