Volunteer Overview & Expectations
Collective Threat Response Initiative (CTRI)
Thank you for your interest in protecting the Jewish community. CTRI builds a professional, licensed, and insured community security corps drawn from within the Jewish community. Joining CTRI is a serious commitment that carries both privilege and responsibility.
Role & Commitment
- Purpose: Serve on licensed security teams protecting synagogues, schools, and community events.
- Commitment: Complete all training, maintain readiness, and accept assigned shifts and events.
- Initial Training: 60–90 hours (see below)
- Ongoing Training: 4–6 hours per quarter
- Service: Minimum one security assignment per month once certified
Costs & Requirements
| Category | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application & Background Check | $50–75 | Paid directly to screening vendor |
| Fingerprinting & State Fees | ~$100 | Varies by jurisdiction |
| State Guard Card / DCJS Training | $315–$500 | Paid to the licensed training school of your choice |
| Uniform & Equipment | $150–250 | One-time, varies by role |
| Range / Ammunition | $50–100 | Per qualification cycle |
| Personal Firearm | Varies | Volunteers must supply an approved striker-fired semi-automatic handgun (see Equipment below). |
Equipment
- Handgun: Volunteers are required to supply an approved striker-fired semi-automatic handgun.
- Holster: Must be OWB kydex or injection-molded plastic (e.g., Bravo Concealment, Raven Concealment).
- Leather and IWB holsters are not allowed at any time.
- Ammunition during CTRI training is provided by CTRI.
Prerequisites
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident; age 21+
- Clean criminal and mental health record; successful background check
- Willingness to complete firearms qualification
- Alignment with CTRI’s mission and professional code of conduct
Training Path
All CTRI volunteers complete a structured, multi-phase training pipeline that combines state-required guard licensing with CTRI’s advanced protective curriculum.
Phase 1 — Initial Range Day (Assessment & Safety)
- CTRI-hosted range day covering fundamental firearm safety and handling.
- Orientation to CTRI standards and expectations.
- Live-fire assessment of safety, discipline, and suitability.
Passing the initial range day is required before moving forward. Those who meet standards receive clearance to complete state guard training.
Phase 2 — State-Required Guard Training (Licensing)
- Volunteers select any licensed training school to complete state coursework.
- Virginia (DCJS Armed): approx. 46–50 hours (courses 01E, 05E, 75E).
- Maryland: plan for 16–40 hours depending on provider and firearm endorsement.
Enrollment and payment for state courses are the volunteer’s responsibility. CTRI can recommend approved schools if needed.
Phase 3 — CTRI Program (Concurrent & Supplemental)
- 60–90 hours total, running largely concurrent with state licensing.
- Curriculum includes tactical emergency casualty care (C-TECC), situational awareness, de-escalation, defensive tactics, legal & ethical use of force, DSS-based protective doctrine, team comms, and incident coordination.
Schedule & Attendance
- Sessions run on weekday evenings and Sundays, excluding Jewish and U.S. national holidays.
- Attendance at all sessions during the initial training pipeline is mandatory to graduate and be placed on CTRI’s licensed roster.
Next Steps
- Complete the Volunteer Screening Questionnaire.
- Participate in an interview and background check.
- Attend the next scheduled Initial Range Day.