News & Announcements Archives
December 2007
VPA’s legislative wish list includes expanded power for port police force
December 8, 2007 | Virginia News
Among its top requests is expanding the jurisdiction of the 87-officer police department that guards its terminals in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News and Front Royal, in the Shenandoah Valley.It wants its police force to have jurisdiction 300 yards beyond terminal boundaries, mirroring the reach of many city and county police forces past their own municipal lines. Also, if someone suspected of infractions inside a terminal leaves the property, the authority wants its officers to be able to pursue that person until local police catch up. Such an extension of powers could be refined through agreements negotiated with each locality.
Hostage Negotiations 101
December 7, 2007 | Virginia News
Seminar shows area police officers how to handle a crisisThe Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Winchester Police Department, Front Royal Police Department, and Loudoun County County Sheriff’s Office, as well as law enforcement officials from West Virginia, Maryland, and the ATF, participated in the training hosted by Hammer Consulting, a firm that specializes in dealing with crisis situations.
Retired Buena Vista Police Chief Erskin K. Campbell passes away
December 6, 2007 | VACP
The VACP is saddened to announce that Retired Buena Vista Police Chief Erskin K. Campbell, 72, passed away Wednesday, December 5 at 9:45 p.m. at Henrico Doctors Hospital, Richmond, VA. Chief Campbell served as Chief of Police for the City of Buena Vista for 18 years, retiring in 1990.EDITORIAL: Chief Bennett Was an Asset to Lynchburg
December 6, 2007 | Virginia News
Personable, accommodating and dedicated are three terms that come to mind when describing Lynchburg Police Chief Charles Bennett. He has combined those qualities with others during his tenure as police chief to provide effective law enforcement here for the past 13 years. The chief announced his retirement last week - a retirement that will become effective May 1.Bennett, 60, came to Lynchburg in 1994 after having served 26 years with the Richmond Police Department. He retired from there as one of the department’s deputy chiefs.
Study Questions Va. Driver Fees, Raising the Possibility of Repeal
December 6, 2007 | Virginia News
Virginia may have to issue more than 300,000 license suspensions to drivers over the next two years for failure to pay the state's abusive-driving fees, according to a government report that may hasten calls for the General Assembly and Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) to eliminate them.In the first broad review of the fees since they took effect July 1, state auditors found that they have not affected traffic safety and might not raise as much money as expected. The report describes confusion over which offenses can trigger the fees and indicates that some police officers are choosing not to write tickets for violations that carry the fees.
Report: Notification of suspected illegals increase, federal action decreases
December 4, 2007 | Virginia News
Virginia Beach Police and Sheriff’s Office are reporting suspected illegal immigrants to the federal government more than ever after the deaths of two Va. Beach teens.However, though ICE issued detainers for nearly every suspected illegal immigrant in the two months after the crash, the numbers dropped off dramatically. In October, ICE put detainers on only 26% of suspected illegals.
Panel OKs bill on gun permits
December 4, 2007 | Virginia News
RICHMOND -- The state police would withhold information about Virginians with permits to carry concealed handguns and allow no exceptions for political organizations and firearms advocates under legislation endorsed Monday by a state advisory council.The draft legislation would prohibit the state police from releasing its database containing the identities of state residents with concealed-carry permits. The information had been considered a public record until March, when a Roanoke Times editorial writer wrote a column encouraging readers to check the list and included a link to the database. The newspaper obtained the database under the Freedom of Information Act.
Prince William Co. official: localities can’t wait for state action on immigration
December 4, 2007 | Virginia News
A measure letting Prince William County document and report the immigration status of criminals has turned 242 illegally present inmates over to federal authorities since July, a county official said Tuesday.Officials there also expect to implement a measure denying some county services to illegal immigrants in early 2008, county board of supervisors chairman Corey Stewart told reporters Tuesday.
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine spoke at the gathering, which brought together experts to discuss gun safety, mental health and immigration.
Wise Co. mass drug arrest
December 3, 2007 | Virginia News
Operation Holiday Cheer is todayToday, Virginia State Police, Wise County Sheriff’s Office, Big Stone Gap Police Department, Coeburn Police Department, St. Paul Police Department, Town of Wise Police Department and City of Norton agencies will combine forces to conduct a mass arrest of 56 offenders who have been indicted by the multi-jurisdictional grand jury.
These arrests stem from an extensive investigation by the Southwest Virginia Regional Drug Task Force involving illegal drug activity in Wise County. The Wise County/City of Norton Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office will provide assistance during the mass arrest. Individuals targeted for arrest have all been recently indicted by the grand jury for drug-related offenses.
Former VACP President Richard Engels Dies
December 3, 2007 | VACP
The VACP is greatly saddened to report that Retired Henrico Police Chief Richard G. Engels, 73, passed away on December 1. Chief Engels, president of the VACP from 1995-1996, was born and raised in Petersburg, Virginia.
