Michael Guest

The demands placed on law enforcement professionals look very different than they once did. They stand on the line between danger and safety in our communities, often making split-second decisions that carry lasting consequences. Every call carries uncertainty, and routine interactions can turn critical in seconds.

Officers are expected to de-escalate tense situations, respond to mental health crises, work in coordination with social services, and build and maintain trust across the communities they serve. They must also stay current with evolving technology and changing laws while performing complex and demanding work. That kind of responsibility requires serious training in a setting designed for the job.

Our current facility, the former Seatack Elementary School built in 1951, does not meet that standard. It was intended as a temporary solution that has stretched into more than two decades.

The facility was never designed for law enforcement training. It lacks space to properly accommodate recruits, instructors and staff. Offices for instructional staff are limited, and space for specialized training and workshops is constrained. Fitness equipment has outgrown the gym and now occupies additional classroom space. Recurring issues include roof leaks, flooding and security concerns, and the layout still reflects its original purpose, with classrooms, fixtures and toilets designed for children, not adult law enforcement professionals. Technology is limited, parking is inadequate, accessibility remains a concern, and shared use of nearby fields restricts training availability.

Training is also spread across multiple locations, including the Creeds Training Facility and Academi in Moyock, North Carolina. It places added strain on officers and deputies, increases expenses for taxpayers, adds wear and tear to city vehicles, and pulls personnel away from their regular assignments for longer stretches of time.

The challenges with the current facility are well understood. Virginia Beach’s police chief and sheriff, whose departments rely on this training, have both been clear about the limitations of the existing space and the need for a modern, purpose-built academy.

Even with these constraints, Virginia Beach officers and deputies continue to perform at a high level. That speaks to their professionalism and makes clear that they deserve a training environment that reflects the level of responsibility they carry and the dignity of their service.

Departments across the country are struggling to recruit and retain officers, and Virginia Beach is no exception. We are currently 86 officers short. Hiring remains a challenge, and retaining experienced officers continues to be difficult. Law enforcement agencies, including in Virginia Beach, have seen concerning levels of violence directed toward officers in recent years, adding to the difficulty and weight of the job. It also underscores the importance of supporting the officers and deputies who continue to serve.

A modern training academy is part of that support. It strengthens training, reinforces professionalism and sends a clear message that Virginia Beach is committed to its public safety workforce. It also helps position the city as a place where officers and deputies can begin and build their careers.

City Council has begun to take action. During the Capital Improvement Program retreat in January 2025, there was clear direction that replacing LETA is a priority. That direction carried into the FY2026 budget, where a sustainable funding approach for major capital projects was established and $8.8 million was set aside to begin design work. Site selection is moving forward.

A new academy will provide a modern setting for the full range of training required today. Design will take time, followed by construction, with completion projected around 2031. This is a long-term investment, but one that is necessary. The need is clear, the direction has been set, and the work has begun. Now we need to follow through.

Michael Berlucchi represents District 3 on the Virginia Beach City Council.