News & Announcements
Remembering a pioneer: Waynesboro’s first black police officer honored at funeral
December 30, 2009 | Virginia News
More than 200 people attended the funeral of Waynesboro’s first African-American police officer Tuesday morning, to pay their respects and celebrate his life.Several members of the Waynesboro Police Department joined Eugene Calvin Perry Sr.’s family in the rows of Westminster Presbyterian Church, including Deputy Chief William Maki.
Public Safety On The State Chopping Block
December 30, 2009 | Virginia News
Outgoing Governor Tim Kaine had to fill a $4.2 billion gap in the state budget, and public safety is taking a huge hit.Public safety is one of those areas in the budget lawmakers typically try to keep from cutting. But with this record deficit and several rounds of reductions already behind us, Kaine says he doesn't have much choice.
VSP Trooper Awarded Carnegie Hero Medal for Saving Girl’s Life
December 29, 2009 | Virginia News
RICHMOND – Virginia State Police Trooper Kurt J. Johnson is among the 23 individuals from throughout the United States and Canada to be named as a recipient of the esteemed CARNEGIE MEDAL. The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission gives the medal to those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others.Va. crime lab stretched as experts called to court
December 24, 2009 | Virginia News
RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia's crime lab has fallen further behind in conducting drug and alcohol analyses as forensic examiners spend more time attending trials to comply with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, officials say.Travel and overtime costs also are on the rise, and the two most obvious solutions--hire more scientists or establish a system allowing them to testify by videoconference--are cost-prohibitive at a time when the state is trying to close a $3.6 billion budget shortfall.
The problem arose from the Supreme Court's June 25 ruling in favor of Luis Melendez-Diaz, who challenged a lab analysis that confirmed cocaine was in plastic bags found in the car in which he was riding. Massachusetts courts had rejected his claim that he should be allowed to question the lab scientist about testing methods and other issues.
Orange County Sheriff’s Office investigator dies from gunshot wounds
December 21, 2009 | Virginia News
Bob Canosa, a veteran investigator with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, died Sunday afternoon at the University of Virginia Medical Center, succumbing to complications from multiple gunshot wounds he suffered nine days ago, according to the Virginia State Police. He was 55.VSP spokesman Sgt. Les Tyler said Special Agent M.L. Jones has charged Canosa’s estranged wife, Brenda Lee Canosa, 49, with first-degree murder.
Kaine: End car tax, replace it with income tax increase
December 18, 2009 | Virginia News
The state's hated local car tax would be replaced with a $2 billion-a-year income tax increase under the new budget Gov. Timothy M. Kaine presented Friday.The departing Democratic governor's tax proposal accompanied a budget that prescribes about $1.2 billion in spending cuts in a bid to reconcile a $3.6 billion state revenue shortfall for 2010 through 2012.
The plan was on an immediate collision course with incoming Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell, who has pledged to reject any general tax increase, and an anti-tax GOP House majority strengthened by last month's elections.
The budget bill deeply cuts funding for public safety, including $73.4 million cut from local police departments and $270.5 million cut from constitutional officers such as sheriffs and commonwealth's attorneys.
Kaine is preparing a separate bill that would phase in a 1 percent income tax increase over two years.
Celebrate With Your Loved Ones This Holiday Season — Drive Safe & Sober
December 17, 2009 | Virginia News
Dec. 18-20, 2009 — Operation CARE/Holiday Lifesaver WeekendRICHMOND – The holidays are a time of festivity, fun and celebration with family, friends and coworkers. However, this is also a time of responsibility and safety when it comes to getting behind the wheel to drive. Even though Virginia is experiencing a 13 percent decline this year in traffic fatalities, more than 669 individuals have already been killed in crashes statewide because of an individual’s careless and reckless actions.
‘Active shooter’ tactic saves lives
December 17, 2009 | Virginia News
After a shooter started firing in a building at Northern Virginia Community College's Woodbridge campus last week, police rushed in to try to stop the violence.Years ago, the response would have been somewhat different. Officers used to initially respond to a situation like this by containing the scene and waiting for reinforcements and specially trained forces, such as the SWAT team.
But after Columbine and similar school shootings, Prince William County Police Chief Charlie T. Deane changed his department's tactic in such scenarios.
McDonnell hints at job cuts for state employees
December 17, 2009 | Virginia News
Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell is warning state employees of tough times ahead, hinting that budget-balancing could cost some of them their jobs.In a "Dear Fellow State Employee" e-mail, McDonnell thanked workers for their service and dedication, asking them "to help me find ways to make government work more effectively at a lower cost."
Without specifically mentioning layoffs, McDonnell referred to spending cuts by departing Gov. Timothy M. Kaine since April 2007 that have erased more than 1,600 jobs.
Interim Police Chief Announced for Woodstock
December 17, 2009 | Virginia News
Kline To Oversee Department After Miller RetiresBy Benjamin Weathers
WOODSTOCK — A short-term replacement has been named for retiring Police Chief Jerry Miller.
Last week, the town council approved First Sgt. Mike Kline to take over as interim Police Chief, following Miller's Dec. 31 retirement after 35 years of service. Starting Jan. 1, Kline will be Woodstock's top cop until a permanent successor is found.
