Virginia Traffic Safety Specialist Program

The new Virginia Traffic Safety Specialist (TSS) Program is a statewide professional recognition program for Virginia law enforcement officers who demonstrate advanced training, experience, and proficiency in roadway safety and traffic enforcement. It is administered by the Virginia Associations of Chiefs of Police (VACP) in partnership with the Virginia DMV Highway Safety Office. 

Applying for the TSS designation is a way to formally validate your traffic safety expertise, advance your career, and contribute meaningfully to Virginia road safety goals. It’s both a personal achievement and a public service commitment.

Applications for this program are accepted on a continual basis, but in order to be formally recognized at the luncheon on September 2, 2026, please apply by July 15, 2026!

Purpose:

The program encourages officers to pursue ongoing professional development in traffic safety and recognizes those who meet rigorous standards in enforcement, training, and leadership. It is open to Virginia law enforcement certified:

• Police Officers
• Deputy Sheriffs
• State Troopers 

Each level builds on the previous one and requires specific training, experience, and documented activities.

1. Traffic Safety Specialist I (TSS-I)

Recognizes officers with foundational specialized training in traffic enforcement. Requirements include:

• Minimum 2 years of independent patrol/traffic experience
• Speed Measurement Radar & Lidar Operators Certification
• Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) certification
• Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) training (in-person)
• Traffic Incident Management (TIM) training (online accepted) 

APPLY FOR TSS-I DESIGNATION

2. Traffic Safety Specialist II (TSS-II) — FUTURE PHASE

• The TSS-II requirements are currently under development.  

3. Traffic Safety Specialist III (TSS-III) — FUTURE PHASE

• The TSS-III requirements are currently under development. 

Program Recognition:

Officers who complete a TSS designation are honored at an annual awards luncheon, receiving:

• A TSS uniform pin
• A TSS designation certificate
• Public recognition for their achievement 

TSS Program Resources: 

• TSS Program Manual currently under development 
• Application Form for TSS-I

Program Contact:

• Traffic Safety Specialist Program Administrator —
  John Keohane, VACP Highway Safety Project Manager – john@vachiefs.org