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News & Announcements

Survey: Law Enforcement Overburdened by Failure of Mental Health Departments

December 21, 2011 | National News

A new nationwide survey of 2,406 senior law enforcement officials (75% of whom were officers longer than 20 years) documents police and sheriffs are being tremendously overburdened with the "unintended consequences of a policy change that in effect "removed the daily care of our nation's severely mentally ill population from the medical community and placed it with the criminal justice system." This policy change has caused a spike in the frequency of arrests of severely mentally ill persons...(and) has become a major consumer of law enforcement resources nationwide.

Halifax police chief to take job with sheriff’s department

December 21, 2011 | Virginia News

Halifax Police Chief David E. Martin will resign effective Dec. 31, Town Manager Carl Espy announced Tuesday.

After serving the residents of the Town of Halifax since September 2006, he has accepted a position with the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, Espy said.

Harrisonburg Police Chief to Retire in March

December 21, 2011 | Virginia News

March 31, 2012 will mark a milestone within the Harrisonburg Police Department. Col. Donald G. Harper will wrap up his career and celebrate his tenure as the 17th Chief of Police with the Harrisonburg Police Department.

Chesapeake police officer dies during dive-team training; VACP requests shrouding of badges

December 20, 2011 | Virginia News

The VACP requests that Virginia law enforcement shroud their badges through Wednesday, December 28 in honor of Chesapeake Police Officer Timothy Schock.

Information on memorial services is now available.

Governor McDonnell Unveils 2013-2014 Budget

December 19, 2011 | Virginia News

Budget Invests in Core Functions of Government; Prioritizes State Spending; Does Not Raise Taxes

McDonnell: "We will not raise taxes on hardworking Virginians. This is a budget that embraces reform and sets priorities, makes Richmond live within its means and requires state government to be more efficient and effective. It positions Virginia for job creation and economic growth in the years ahead."

Evidence Confirms Connection Between Two Fatal Shootings on Virginia Tech Campus

December 9, 2011 | Virginia News

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Ballistics evidence testing has officially linked the two fatal shootings that occurred Thursday afternoon (Dec. 8, 2011) on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Va. Testing conducted by the Virginia Department of Forensic Science has confirmed that both victims were shot by the same weapon.

Funeral arrangements set for Officer Deriek W. Crouse

December 8, 2011 | Virginia News

The VACP requests that Virginia law enforcement shroud their badges through Monday, December 12 in honor of Virginia Tech Police Officer Deriek Crouse.

State trooper shot, Interstate 95 closed north of Richmond

December 8, 2011 | Virginia News

CAROLINE COUNTY, VA (WTVR) - The southbound lanes of Interstate 95 are closed near the Thornburg exit (mile marker 118).

Jon Burkett is reporting a state trooper was shot in that area. Jon reports the injuries are non-life threatening.

Vinton hires new police chief from within

December 8, 2011 | Virginia News

Interim Chief Ben Cook and one other finalist were interviewed out of 27 applicantsThe Vinton Town Council tonight selected Ben Cook, a 10-year veteran of the department and interim chief since July, as police chief.