Training

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The Metro Transit Police Department has established multiple training goals and objectives which will instill in sworn police officers the concepts and role requirements of Peace Officers within the tri-state Transit Zone.

Comprehensive Training Objectives

Upon eligibility via compliance with the tri-state selection standards required for probationary police officer candidates, Metro Transit Police probationary officers attend and receive:

  • 800 hours of mandated basic officer training at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA), including firearms and emergency vehicle operations training.
  • 400 hours of field training with certified Metro Transit Police field training officers.
  • 360 hours of mandated Maryland Comparative Compliance basic officer training for officers trained out-of-state in certified police academies.
  • 240 hours of District of Columbia basic officer training.
  • 48 hours of Metrorail/Metrobus Safety and Transit Technology training.
  • 40 hours of specialized basic Metro Transit Police training.
  • 24 hours of Metro Transit Police firearms training.

The curriculum of the basic officer training meets or exceeds the mandated police training standards required by the State of Maryland, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The methods of instruction include classroom lectures, videos, visual aid slides, field trips, report writing assignments, and academic/ performance-based tests. Metro Transit Police probationary officers receive a total of 1,492 hours of academic and performance-based training at entry-level and 10 additional weeks of field training with experienced Metro Transit Police Officers prior to being assigned to individual patrol assignments.

Mandatory Police In-service Training

The Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) requires that each officer and sergeant receive 18 hours of approved training yearly for three consecutive years to recertify. Virginia's Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) requires 40 hours of approved training and eight hours of legal instruction every two years to recertify. Classes offered by the Metro Transit Police Training Division are approved and certified for credit through DCJS and/or MPCTC as required. Firearms competency instruction is held annually in one-day sessions. Officials with the rank of Lieutenant and above are required by the DCJS to attend 40 hours of approved training every two years.

Career Development Training

The development of a police officer's career is a mutual process. The Metro Transit Police Department offers additional professional training in areas that are job-specific and mission-oriented. Metro Transit Police Officers are also encouraged to take charge of their own career paths by attending voluntary, career-guided educational endeavors on their own time. The Department also actively promotes Metro's Tuition Reimbursement program, because a better-educated and more-adaptable officer will positively influence the surrounding workforce and community.

Specialized Training

Training in the special ranges of police work demands the specific, technical, hands-on application of practical skills. The Metro Transit Police Department develops and implements programs that are both mentally and physically challenging. Anti-Terrorism, Bicycle, Explosive Detection Canine, Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Special Response Team, Civil Disturbance, Crime Scene Search, Motorcycle, and other special training is coordinated by the Metro Transit Police Training Division, allowing full control and administration of all training to ensure the highest standard. The Department also offers specific outside agency training as needed.