Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise noted.
We require a minimum number of registrants to hold a course. If the minimum number is not reached within 15 days before the course is scheduled to begin, we will be forced to cancel. Whenever practical, we will attempt to inform you of cancellations by telephone (typically through your employing agency) or by email.
Please Note: If you cannot attend a class, you must notify the Academy 48 hours prior to the start of the class. We must charge the course fee listed if 48 hours notice is not given. Substitutes may be sent to replace the original registrant as long as the substitute also meets any course pre-requisites.
- All courses are held at the VT Police Academy, Pittsford, VT unless otherwise noted. View Directions.
- View the Fee Schedule (effective January 1, 2023).
Please Note: Errata and misprints in pricing, dates, and locations are not binding. The Council reserves the right to correct, change, and cancel courses without penalty. Training Talk is a publication of the staff of the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council (State of Vermont) which reserves all rights and privileges with regards to printing, publication, and distribution.
Click to see: Training Opportunities from Other Agencies
Entrance Exam Testing dates
Click Here for Dates & Descriptions
2025 Mandatory Fair and Impartial Policing (FIP) Training
This training is designed for all certified members of Vermont Law Enforcement. For this year’s training you will learn specifically about the Model Fair and Impartial Policing Policy and the importance of collecting demographic data in law enforcement.
Animal Cruelty Investigation for Law Enforcement Officers
Date/Time: April 4, 2025 @ 12:00-16:30
This class satisfies the required statutory minimum animal cruelty investigation training for Level II, Level III and Waiver officers.
ARIDE Refresher Course
The ARIDE Refresher course was developed for law enforcement officers who have attended the 16-hour in-person ARIDE course. It is designed to provide the officers with key concepts taught in the full two-day training through an interactive web-based format to refresh their skills.
NHTSA's ARIDE training is a 16-hour, in-person instructor-led course that builds on the skills of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests to enhance a law enforcement officer's ability to detect impaired driving and enforce relevant laws. With the development of the 4-hour ARIDE Refresher eLearning course, officers trained in ARIDE can refresh their skills without having to attend an in-person course; instead, they can access the course when their schedule allows, from anywhere with an internet connection. Featuring highly skilled and well-trained subject matter experts from across the country, this course will allow learners to re-engage with the material from the in-person course while testing their knowledge through realistic scenarios and testing before, during, and after the training.
Officers can sign up for an account to access the training at www.copstrainingportal.org It requires minimal information and gives the officer access to all courses offered through the LMS. All courses are free and can be taken at the officers’ own pace.
Once your account is created navigate to E-Learning Courses, Drug Awareness & Enforcement, and select Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) Refresher.
Upon completion, please provide the certificate of completion and the supporting documentation to Jen Hier (Jennifer.hier@vermont.gov) at the Vermont Police Academy. You will receive 4 credit hours for this training
ARIDE
Date/Time: May 8-9, 2025 @ 08:00-16:30
Location: Essex Police Department - 145 Maple Street Essex, VT 05452
Date/Time: June 23-24, 2025 @ 08:00-16:30
Location: West Dover Fire Department - 253 Vermont Rte 100 West Dover, VT 05356
DUI Detection/SFST course is a pre-requisite, and you must have at least 1 year of experience on the road conducting DUI investigations.
Please note that additional ARIDE courses will be offered throughout the year based on geographical location of officers who need it. Please check back after February for additional dates/information or reach out to JamieLee Bedard at jamielee.bedard@vermont.gov
Background Investigation for Law Enforcement
Date/Time: July 17-18, 2025 @ Day 1 - 08:00-17:00 & Day 2 - 08:00-12:00
Cost: $445 - For those wanting to have LUNCH and/or STAY OVERNIGHT at the Vermont Police Academy, YOU WILL ALSO NEED TO REGISTER WITH EVENTBRITE.
This course is designed for both background investigators, supervisors, and human resource policymakers.
Law enforcement strives for professionalism; however, abuses by officers cast a negative light on the entire organization. An examination of the past behavior of some involved officers reveals that a pattern of undesirable behavior existed before the appointment as a police official. This behavior was unknown to the hiring agency due to inadequate or non-existent applicant screening. The integrity and ethical reputation of a police department mandate a thorough background investigation of police applicants. This course offers a systematic approach to background investigations which will assist in making informed hiring decisions.
This is a 12 hours course hosted at the Vermont Police Academy.
For additional information or questions, contact TC Adam Murach at adam.murach@vermont.gov
Basic Domestic Violence Training
Date/Time: April 30, 2025 @ 08:00-16:30
IF THIS CLASS IS FULL PLEASE USE THE WAITLIST OPTION. SEATS MAY BECOME AVAILABLE. THE WAITLIST IS ALSO USED TO DETERMINE IF IT IS NECESSARY TO SCHEDULE ADDITIONAL CLASSES.
This course fulfills the domestic violence training requirement for:
- Persons going through the part-time police officer process
- Out of state waiver officers
Responding to reports of domestic violence continue to pose high risks and deep frustrations to police.
During this training, officers will review and, in the case of a new officer, learn the fundamentals on how to most effectively respond to domestic violence incidents, to include, reviewing:
- The dynamics of domestic violence
- Domestic violence related Vermont statutes and relevant case law
- The investigation and creation of solid domestic violence cases for prosecutorial purposes
- Local and state resources for victims/survivors of domestic violence
- Dominant aggressor determination
- Making the arrest decision
- Types of Vermont protection orders, their service, and enforcement
Basic SWAT - NTOA Training
Date/Time: July 14-18, 2025 @ 08:00-16:30
Member Cost: $802.00
Non-Member Cost: $857.00
Individuals who have recently been assigned to SWAT and have not received basic SWAT training will benefit from this comprehensive introduction to tactical skills. Students will be introduced to basic SWAT topics, tactics and techniques including a historical overview of SWAT, team organization and structure, resolution of barricaded suspect situations, covert individual and team movement, searches and room clearing, chemical agents, less-lethal options, warrant service and multiple field training exercises. This is a hands-on, high-intensity course in which students practice tactics and techniques in the field.
Communications Training Officer Course
Date/Time: April 21-22, 2025 @ 08:30-16:30
*This training is FREE but does not include LUNCH or OVERNIGHT FEES. If you want lunch or need to stay overnight, please purchase the tickets while you enroll. *
Prerequisites:
- The Emergency Communication Dispatcher seeking to become a CTO must:
- Have a minimum of TWO YEARS experience as an Emergency Communication Dispatcher.
- Have approval by the agency head,
- A strong desire to teach new officers, and
- Have the attributes of a successful CTO, which include being professional, knowledgeable, committed, ethical, and fair.
The Communication Training Officer Program (CTOP) provides for the initial formal and informal training specifics of the day-to-day dispatch operations. The CTOP also introduces the trainee to the internal operation of an Agency including the agency’s policies and procedures. For the agency, the CTOP is also part of the hiring process.
Imperative to this program is the Communication Training Officer (CTO).
The Communication Training Officer Certification Course (CTOCC) is designed for the dispatcher who is seeking certification as a Communication Training Officer. This course, although developed from the FTO San Jose (CA) Model, is Vermont-oriented.
Subjects included in this course:
- History and development of the program;
- The CTO process;
- The role of the CTO;
- Leadership models;
- CTO liability issues;
- Ethics and being a CTO;
- Standardized evaluative procedures and forms;
- The adult learning model; and
- Vermont’s CTO certification process;
Practical exercises will be utilized to fine-tune important demonstrative areas.
Successful completion of the CTOCC will be based on class participation and passing a graded teaching exercise at the conclusion of the school.
If you have any questions regarding the course please contact Michelle Hunt via email at Michelle.C.Hunt@vermont.gov
Crime Scene Investigation - Level II/ Waivers
Date/Time: March 26, 2025 @ 08:00-16:30
**This training is for Level II & Waivers only**
Physical evidence is not subjective. It does not lie, forget, or distort.
Thorough crime scene investigation is vitally important to effective law enforcement. The purpose of this course of instruction is to provide police officers with instruction on the awareness, documentation, preservation, and collection of physical evidence and basic crime scene processing procedures.
The course will cover information outlined in the Physical Evidence Handbook published by the Vermont Forensic Laboratory, as well as other information obtained from training aids and hands-on practical exercises.
By the end of the class, each officer will have to demonstrate that they can perform a number of skills, to include, dust for and lift developed latent prints, swab for biological collection purposes, make a cast of a tool/tool mark impression, and make a tire and/or foot wear impression using dental stone.
NOTE: This is a “hands-on” training. Students should wear appropriate clothing that they do not mind possibly getting dirty. Students will also be going outside and thus should prepare to dress accordingly.
DMT Supervisor Course
Date/Time:
- April 24, 2025 @ 10:00 & 13:00
- April 29, 2025 @ 10:00 & 13:00
This two hour course will train users in minor repairs, maintenance and preventative steps to ensure the DMT evidential breath testing instrument remains in proper working order. The course is taught by staff from the Vermont Forensic Lab and covers routine and scheduled maintenance of the DMT. DMT Supervisors also are trained to respond to errors and advise operators in the appropriate use of the instrument.
DRE Training School
Phases I & II March 24 - April 4, 2025. Phase III April 21 - 26, 2025.
For more information about the DECP visit www.DECP.org, or visit https://shso.vermont.gov/programs/dre
DRE Trainings
Multiple dates and webinars available.
DUI Detection/SFST Course and DMT Certification
Date/Time: April 14-18, 2025 @ 08:00-16:30
This 40-hour course provides police officers with the knowledge and skills to identify alcohol-impaired drivers, conduct SFSTs, and operate the DMT Infrared Breath Testing Device used to collect evidentiary breath samples for DUI cases. The course, delivered by VCJC-certified instructors, instructors from the Vermont Forensic Laboratory Toxicology Section, and the State's Attorney's Office, provides Infrared Breath Testing Device Certification.
The following topics are also discussed:
- DUI Law and Case Law
- Physiological and Psychological Effects of Alcohol
- DUI Detection and Apprehension Techniques
- Standardized Field Sobriety Exercises
- DUI Processing Forms
- Courtroom Testimony at the DUI Trial
- Introduction to Drugged Driving
* Homework Required.
Entrance Exam Testing dates
- March 25, 2025
- April 15, 2025
- May 6, 2025
- May 20, 2025 MMPI Only
- June 24, 2025
- July 15, 2025
- July 29, 2025 MMPI Only
- August 12, 2025
- September 23, 2025
- October 14, 2025
- November 18, 2025
- December 9, 2025
Fair and Impartial Policing Baseline Training
Date/Time: March 31, 2025 @ 08:30-15:00
This class satisfies the training requirement for all new officers under Title 20 VSA § 2358(e).
This class does NOT satisfy the biennial training update!
This course looks at the biases that we all carry, from the standpoint of behaviors and effects. We look at the origins of these behaviors and try to consider the ways in which the effects of various behaviors impact effective policing.
Fingerprinting Certification
Police officers are required by Vermont statute to be re-certified every 3 years in order to take fingerprints from minors as part of a voluntary identification program. To be recertified, an officer must submit to VCIC a set of prints via electronic capture OR the standard ink and roll method. The prints will be examined for quality, and if acceptable, recertification will be granted. If the prints are found to be unacceptable, the officer will have to re-take the Basic Fingerprinting Certification Course. Please note: recertification is NOT required for the purposes of taking prints as part of an investigation, employment-related background checks, etc.
Send a set of fingerprints to VCIC C/O Identification Section Supervisor, 42 State Street, Waterbury, VT 05671-130
Fingerprint Certification for In-Service and Level II
Date/Time: March 27, 2025 @ 08:00-12:00
This course is for Fingerprint certification, and is open to all VT law enforcement officers and civilians employed by a VT law enforcement Agency.
Instructor: Nicholas Briggs, VT DPS
This is a 4 hour block of instruction held at the Police Academy
Lunch is NOT provided
Instructor Development Course
Date/Time: May 13-15, 2025 @ 0800-1600 (This is a 3-day course)
Cost: $750 - For those wanting to have LUNCH and/or STAY OVERNIGHT at the Vermont Police Academy, YOU WILL ALSO NEED TO REGISTER WITH EVENTBRITE.
This course will provide instructors of public safety members with a fundamental understanding of teaching adults, professional presentations, and class facilitation. Specific focus will be placed on practical learning and application opportunities. Additionally, the course will afford students the opportunity to develop teaching skills required to present any topic of instruction to a variety of audiences.
Topics of discussion will include:
- Lesson Planning and Course Concepts
- Adult Learning Styles
- Do’s & Don’ts of Adult Learning
- Teaching and Training Via Media Resources
- Instruction Practical
For additional information or questions, contact TC Adam Murach at adam.murach@vermont.gov
Interacting with People Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis
Date/Time: April 2, 2025 @ 08:00-16:30
This is the mental health crisis response course that is required for all level 2 and level 3 waiver students to take. This course includes presentations by individuals with lived experience related to topics of the instruction. Classroom 1 of the VPA.
This is an 8 hour course at the Vermont Police Academy instructed by the following:
- Mourning Fox - Department of Public Safety
- Kristin Chandler - Norwich University and Team Two Vermont
- Mark Gutel - Addison County Sheriff's Office
- Brock Marvin - Vermont Police Academy
LIDAR Operation Certification
Date/Time: April 11, 2025 @ 08:00-16:30
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Certification course. This course provides officers training in the set-up, testing and operation of any LASER measuring device.
Participants need to bring their agency's Laser device to class.
Eight hour course consisting of classroom instruction and supervised practical training.
NHTSA Doppler Radar Operator Certification
Date/Time: April 10, 2025 @ 08:00-16:30
IF YOU ARE TAKING RADAR AND LIDAR AND WOULD LIKE TO STAY OVERNIGHT, EMAIL JAMIELEE.BEDARD@VERMONT.GOV TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS. IT WILL COST $46.50.
Search and Rescue
Date/Time: April 4, 2025 @ 08:00-11:30
This course meets the requirements of 20 V.S.A. 2365(a) for all part-time and out-of-state waiver officers. ATTENTION: If you need ANIMAL CRUELTY training, there is a training in the afternoon. You will need to register for that separately. LUNCH IS INCLUDED IF REGISTERED FOR BOTH CLASSES.
VIN Verification for in-service and Level II
Date/Time: March 27, 2025 @ 12:30-16:30
This course is offered for both sworn VT LEO and civilian employees employed by a VT law enforcement agency. This course will certify personnel to conduct VIN Verification's. Classroom 1 - Vermont Police Academy.
This a 4 hour block of instruction held at the Vermont Police Academy.
Lunch is NOT provided