A police agency seeking to hire an individual who is certified as a law enforcement officer in another jurisdiction may apply for a waiver, exempting the applicant from Basic Training. Upon successful completion of the process, the applicant receives Level III certification and a full scope of enforcement authority under Vermont law.
A list of forms can be found below or on our forms and resources page.
Prerequisites:
- Successful completion of a comparable training program. An assessment of the applicant’s Basic Training program involves an in-depth review and audit of coursework by VCJC personnel.
- Successful completion of a field training process and graduation from probationary status with their employing out-of-state law enforcement agency, and subsequent employment by that agency totaling more than three (3) years.
- A score of 70% or better on the Vermont Police Academy Entrance Exam, a 100-item multiple-choice test of general knowledge (temporarily waived).
- Submission of a Waiver Request Form, along with the applicant’s training records and accompanying documentation, and a signed release authorizing the VCJC to access and authenticate training records and employment history.
- The VCJC will query the National Law Enforcement Officer Decertification Database prior to accepting the application.
Following a validation that one meets the prerequisites, a completed Registration Form, including an attestation that the applicant is emotionally suited for law enforcement work, and the Statement of Completion of Background Investigation. A polygraph is only required if the applicant has not had one previously.
Approved applicants are provided with a training prescription that outlines the coursework that must be successfully completed to fulfill all requirements for Vermont Level III Law Enforcement Officer certification.
- A twelve (12) month period is allotted for this process.
- A minimum training prescription includes 5 or more weeks of training (not consecutive; includes Vermont law, DUI, speed enforcement, mental health response, etc.) and is dependent upon how closely the applicant’s training history aligns with Vermont’s requirements. Sample training prescription.
- Significant deficiencies may require additional training.
- Substantial or critical deficiencies will result in a denial of a waiver. The agency may then seek to register the applicant for Basic Training.
The first training of primary importance is the “Waiver Course,” a Vermont-specific law package that results in the applicant receiving a provisional Level III certification, valid for up to twelve (12) months. During that time, the officer must successfully complete all requirements, including field training. Once all requirements are completed, a non-provisional certification will be issued.
For current standards, rules, exceptions or to discuss a specific case, contact the Vermont Criminal Justice Council.
Please note: Waiver courses are offered based on demand. Some may choose to enroll their applicant in the Level II certification process to begin their training process sooner.
For more information see Rule 18
Waiver Forms
- Waiver Process Release of Records Request
- Statement of Completion for the Waiver Officer Certification Process
- Waiver Process Registration form
- Standard Training Prescription