Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police | News

Warrenton gets new top cop

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:30:41 -0600

It’s official; acting Warrenton Police Chief Lou Battle is now the town’s top cop.

Town Manager Ken McLawhon announced the move Wednesday morning.

Supreme Court: Warrant Needed For GPS Tracking

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:45:27 -0600

The Supreme Court ruled on Monday that police must have a search warrant to place a GPS tracker on a suspect's vehicle. It's a key ruling carving out personal privacy space in the high-tech era. While the ruling was unanimous, the justices split three ways as to whether the decision went far enough.

Governor McDonnell Announces Public Safety Agenda for 2012 Session

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:45:29 -0600

Includes Initiatives to Toughen Penalties for Repeat Drug Dealers, Better Protect Victims of Crime, and Strengthen the Commonwealth for Future Public Safety Needs

Police chiefs discuss terrorism at White House

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:59:03 -0600

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is providing senior state and local police officials with its analysis of homegrown terrorism incidents, including common signs law enforcement can use to identify violent extremists.

The warning signs identified for police include someone joining a group advocating violence, receiving support from a network that plans attacks or seeking out charismatic leaders who encourage violence. The analysis was conducted by the Homeland Security Department, the FBI and the National Counterterrorism Center.

Report shows US police fatalities rose 13 percent in 2011 as firearms-related killings soared

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:29:57 -0600

The number of fatalities from departments across the country caused by firearms made 2011 one of the deadliest years in recent history for U.S. law enforcement.

Across the nation, 173 officers died in the line of duty, up 13 percent from 153 the year before, according to numbers as of Wednesday compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Five officers were killed in Virginia in 2011.

Survey: Law Enforcement Overburdened by Failure of Mental Health Departments

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:40:57 -0600

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

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:49:30 -0600

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

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:12:30 -0600

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

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:00:44 -0600

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

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:34:30 -0600

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."