News & Announcements Archives
October 2009
Northern Virginia task force reports 13% decrease in gang violence
October 28, 2009 | Virginia News
The Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force has released a comprehensive gang assessment for the years 2003 through 2008, which shows an overall 13 percent decrease in gang-related crimes in the region.The 62-page report looks at gang activity within 1,300 square miles of Northern Virginia, including Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William and Fauquier counties.
National Magazine Honors VSP Trooper for Heroic Actions in 2009
October 22, 2009 | Virginia News
Trooper Kurt Johnson Awarded Honorable Mention by PARADE Magazine / IACP Police Officer of Year ProgramRICHMOND – On Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009, Virginia State Trooper Kurt J. Johnson was presented with a plaque for receiving Honorable Mention in the 2009 PARADE/IACP Police Officer of the Year program. He is one of ten law enforcement officers across the country selected for the Honorable Mention Award in recognition for their extraordinary police work. All of the officers were recognized nationally in the Oct. 4, 2009 edition of PARADE Magazine.
JAG Grant Guidelines Posted
October 22, 2009 | Virginia News
The Department of Criminal Justice Services has posted guidelines on its website (http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov) for people interested in submitting grant applications for funding new projects through our Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG).On the main page of the DCJS website, click on Whats New, then click on Announcing 2010 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Funds. That will get you to the announcement, which contains a link to the guidelines themselves.
Sullivan Steps Down After 37 Years As Timberville’s Top Cop
October 20, 2009 | Virginia News
TIMBERVILLE - Retired Timberville Police Chief Richard Sullivan had his work cut out for him when he took the job in 1972.Known then as the town sergeant, Sullivan worked 15 to 20 hours a day breaking up drunken brawls and chasing belligerent lushes out of parking lots late at night. For the roughly two decades, Sullivan was the lone cop in Timberville and was essentially on duty 24 hours a day.
Sullivan's last day as chief was Saturday after 37 years on duty. He plans to spend his time working in his garage and around his house.
Elkton Chief To Step Down
October 20, 2009 | Virginia News
Town Council bid adieu Monday to one-third of the Elkton Police Department. Two employees, including the chief, are leaving the six-man department.Council "reluctantly" voted to accept Police Chief Jim Morris' resignation, with Councilman Lee Dearing casting the lone "no" vote and shooting a smile to Morris.
Morris, 35, had been with the department for nearly a decade. Hs is stepping down as chief to work for a private company that does "police advising."
Lt. Rodney Hensley will be the interim chief.
Lynchburg Police Capt. Brandon Zuidema leaving for N.C. chief’s job
October 20, 2009 | Virginia News
A 15-year veteran of the Lynchburg Police Department is leaving the city to take on a new challenge as the police chief in a North Carolina town.Capt. Brandon Zuidema, who currently serves as the public information officer and the chief’s staff officer, accepted a position as the town of Garner’s police chief effective Dec. 1. The town announced his hire Monday.
“It’s a neat opportunity for me and my family,” Zuidema said. His wife, Spring, is a high school teacher and the couple has two daughters.
Ashland Police recognized by VML for reducing crime, calls for service in troubled neighborhood
October 15, 2009 | VACP
In Ashland, police were confronted with a substantial spike in crime concentrated in a single neighborhood. From 2005-2007 the corridor encompassing South Taylor, Arlington and Randolph streets (S.T.A.R.) averaged 4.1 police calls for service per residence compared to the average volume in comparable neighborhoods of 1.8 calls per residence.Residents living in the S.T.A.R. corridor began voicing concerns about their safety and the department responded beginning in January 2008 with a comprehensive strategy designed to increase its presence in the neighborhood and decrease crime. The result was a 50 percent reduction in crime and calls for police service in the targeted area.
The 2009 VML Achievement Awards will be presented October 20 during the VML Annual Conference in Roanoke, VA.
Newport News 6-year-old collects cans, sells toys to protect police dogs
October 14, 2009 | Virginia News
NEWPORT NEWS – Kayleigh Crimmins and Vader seem like old friends: comfortable with each other, affectionate. Their meeting at City Hall Tuesday night is only their second, though. With it, comes a gift that six-year-old Crimmins hopes will keep her four-legged buddy safe."My dogs protect me,” says Crimmins, “so we want to protect Vader.”
Nixle to grant $10,000 to top 3 agencies that register most users
October 12, 2009 | VACP
Nixle, a Community Information Service providing one source for access to credible real-time community information, is encouraging the use of its system by local law enforcement agencies and their communities by offering $10,000 to the top three agencies who register the most users per capita over the next 90 days.Nixle provides proprietary technology to local police departments, city and municipal governments, and their local agencies and community groups enabling the immediate delivery of geographically relevant information to residents and community visitors, through SMS, web, and email distribution.
Local law enforcement agencies team up with LINX
October 12, 2009 | Virginia News
Local law enforcement agencies are tuning in to some new technology.The Law Enforcement Information Exchange, or LINX, allows agencies to share criminal data. Now, 85 percent of Virginia's agencies use it. A federal grant helped 12 in the Blue Ridge area, from Botetourt County to Highland County, to sign up. The system consolidates more than 150 law enforcement agencies in the state.
