The Virginia W-2 Form, officially known as the Application for Exemption from Virginia Compulsory Minimum Training Standards, is a significant document provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Criminal Justice Services. This form is essential for individuals seeking exemption from compulsory minimum training standards in various criminal justice positions, including law enforcement officers, court security/process servers, corrections officers, dispatchers, jailors, or custodial officers. Applicants and their employing agencies must complete specific parts of the application to be considered for an exemption.
The Virginia W-2 Form must be filled out by applicants seeking an exemption from the compulsory minimum training standards set forth for criminal justice positions within the state. This includes prospective or current employees serving in roles such as law enforcement officer, court security or process server, corrections officer for the Department of Corrections, dispatcher, jailor, or custodial officer. Both the applicant and the employing agency are required to complete portions of the application.
On the Virginia W-2 Form, both the employing agency and the applicant are responsible for completing several sections to ensure a thorough review of the exemption request. These sections include:
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Identification (Part A) - This section requires personal information about the applicant.
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Type of Exemption (Part B) - Applicants must specify the type of criminal justice position exemption they are applying for.
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Former Employment (Part D) - Applicants need to list all previous employment as a criminal justice officer or dispatcher.
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Training (Part E) - This section is for listing all completed criminal justice basic (entry-level) courses.
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Certification (Part F) - Both the applicant and the agency administrator must certify the accuracy of the information provided in the form.
The Virginia W-2 Form should be submitted within 30 days of the employment date of the individual seeking the exemption. The completed form, along with any required attachments, must be sent to the Department of Criminal Justice Services at 1100 Bank Street, 12th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219. Timely submission ensures that the exemption request is processed without unnecessary delays.
Once the Virginia W-2 Form is submitted, the Department of Criminal Justice Services reviews the application to determine eligibility for the requested exemption. The review may include:
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Verification of the applicant's employment and training status.
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Evaluation of the applicant's sensitivity to cultural diversity issues during previous employment.
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Assessment of the applicant's compliance with §9.1-116 of the Code of Virginia.
Upon completion of the review, the DCJS may approve the exemption, potentially upon completion of additional requirements, or deny the request, providing reasons for the decision. The applicant and employing agency, among others, are then notified of the decision.
Can an exemption request be denied, and what can be done if it is?
Yes, an exemption request can be denied by the Department of Criminal Justice Services. Reasons for denial may include insufficient evidence of completed required training, failure to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural diversity, or other factors as determined by the review process. If an exemption request is denied, the applicant and employing agency are notified of the reasons for the denial. They may choose to address the deficiencies noted in the denial and reapply or seek alternative means of achieving the necessary training standards.