VCU Police Recognized as Certified Employer under Virginia Values Veterans Program

Department is the first campus law enforcement agency in Virginia to be certified for its commitment to hiring veterans and military personnel

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On Wednesday, VCU Police Chief John Venuti and Assistant Chief Chris Preuss accepted the department’s plaque designating it a certified employer under the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program. Created in 2012, V3 is a voluntary program to secure commitments from Virginia employers to hire veterans and better connect veterans with companies who are hiring.

Under Preuss’ leadership, VCU Police earned Bronze Certification by participating in the program’s training course in the fall of 2012 and committing to hiring at least 20 percent veterans during the following calendar year. The department’s recently graduated academy class featured 31 percent veterans, fulfilling the department’s commitment and making it eligible to apply for advanced Silver Certification.

According to V3’s roster of certified organizations, VCU Police is the only campus law enforcement agency in Virginia to be V3 certified and was the fifth law enforcement agency in the state to be certified. The department maintains a strong commitment to hiring veterans and supporting officers with active military obligations such as service in the National Guard or reserves. In 2011, the department was recognized by the Secretary of Defense as a “patriotic employer” for its support of guardsmen and women and reservists. Approximately 26 percent of the department’s 88 sworn personnel are activity military or veterans.

 

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