RICHMOND, Va. — Serious assaults on Virginia Department of Corrections staff fell by more than half during the first five months of 2026 as the agency rolled out a series of reforms aimed at improving safety, accountability and operations across the state’s correctional facilities.
According to Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s administration, serious inmate-on-staff assaults decreased by 56% from January through May 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. During that same timeframe, confirmed overdoses dropped by 47%, use-of-force incidents decreased by 39% and facility lockdowns declined by 27%.
The governor announced the results on June 23 while unveiling additional corrections initiatives, including the creation of the Governor’s Community Partnership Council on Corrections, a new advisory group that will gather feedback from corrections staff, incarcerated individuals and community stakeholders.
“When I came into office, I got an early window into the many things that were wrong inside Virginia’s correctional system,” Spanberger said in a statement. “Not wrong because of the dedicated VADOC employees who work tirelessly day in and day out — but systemically wrong.”
The administration attributed the improvements to several changes implemented since January, including the appointment of a new leadership team, the establishment of a code of ethics, and the creation of an Office of Professional Standards charged with investigating misconduct and promoting accountability.
Other reforms included mandatory use-of-force training focused on de-escalation and rendering aid, as well as ending the use of five-point restraints for individuals experiencing mental health crises.
State officials also reported a 20% reduction in the number of incarcerated individuals housed in restorative housing units and a 12% decrease in suspected overdoses.
Virginia Department of Corrections Director Joseph Walters said the agency has focused on building a “people-first culture” while emphasizing integrity, accountability and public trust.
“We have taken a new approach over these last five months, and I am pleased to say it is working,” Walters said.
The newly created Community Partnership Council on Corrections will be led by Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Stanley Meador and Walters. According to the administration, the council will serve as a permanent forum to address issues including staffing, conditions of confinement, reentry and reintegration, family engagement and public accountability.
Spanberger said the council is intended to help ensure the reforms continue beyond her administration.
The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about safety in Virginia prisons following the 2025 killing of Corrections Officer Jeremy Hall, the first Virginia correctional officer killed in the line of duty in 50 years.
Virginia credits new use-of-force and de-escalation training for some of its improvements. Has training at your facility made a noticeable difference on the job? Why or why not?
