Va. Attorney General announces new police training initiative

Attorney General Mark Herring has launched a new initiative to train law enforcement officers in “impartial policing” and how to deescalate unsafe situations.

Herring said beginning next spring his office will host multi-day training sessions to law enforcement agencies on bias awareness, professionalism, de-escalation tactics, appropriate use of force and impartial policing.

Herring said he did not know how much the program would cost _ he said is office will solicit bids shortly for contractors to develop and provide the training materials that can be implemented at local police academies.

“I wish to thank Virginia’s law enforcement agencies that have spent the last 20 years building collaborative partnerships and trusting relationships with their communities”, said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran.

He also said the training exercises can expose officers who are unwilling or unable to change their approach, which helps supervisors identify those who might need corrective action.

Another training topic gaining momentum in the commonwealth and beyond is figuring out how to respond to a person in a mental health crisis. Herring said in a press release.

“As we were having those conversations around the state we’re also a few instances here in Virginia that lent urgency to what we were doing and reaffirmation that this was important to do here in Virginia”, Herring said.

“Build trust and legitimacy in the community”.

The economic theory of supply-and-demand may indeed allow for a few price-inflation during shortages, but state Attorney General Mark Herring has warned against price-gouging. Training tools will also be developed for use by police academies. Alexandria Police Department Chief Earl Cook voiced his support for the plan saying, “every officer in Virginia deserves the best quality training that can be provided”. “Virginia is poised to lead the nation in ensuring that our law enforcement officers receive the best professional training possible”.

Although Captain Newsome said “we’re fair to everyone” when asked if racial bias was an issue at his department, he said his officers will benefit from the training.

Herring is set to announce additional strategies of the initiative in the coming weeks.