PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is expected to experience delays in services due to safety training.
Trainings are scheduled from May 7-9 on a rolling basis to ensure that customer service centers can still provide services in each area. Each office will be closed in the morning, reopening at 1 p.m., on one day between May 7-9, and nearby offices will be open to support the closed office.
“We believe that good customer service extends far beyond just getting you in and out of the door with time to spare. We prioritize the safety of our customers and employees when you come in to visit DMV,” said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey. “DMV offices across the state served over 4.6 million people last year, and we want to ensure we are prepared to the best of our ability if one of our customers is in need. But this isn’t just about fire drills and medical emergencies, we also want to make use of our large statewide footprint to combat human trafficking. By training our employees to recognize signs of those who may need help, we can be extra eyes and ears looking to intervene for those who may need it.”
A DMV spokesperson said this is the first time it’s closed locations for trainings.
“So some of the things that we’re focusing on this year, we are really focusing on being able to be extra eyes and ears for things like human trafficking, right? That’s unfortunately something that’s happening in the Commonwealth. And with 4.6 million people came through our locations last year, it gives us a fantastic opportunity to be eyes and ears out for people who may need help with,” said Jillian Cowherd, a spokesperson.
She said staff will also train on handling natural disasters.
“So we’re covering everything from, you know, medical emergencies to weather emergencies like tornadoes and things like that to make sure that people are safe when they come in to see us,” said Cowherd.
Click here to learn which days DMV locations will open later.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.
