News & Announcements Archives
January 2008
Chesapeake police officer killed in shooting
January 18, 2008 | Virginia News
Detective Jarrod Shivers, 34, was shot and killed Thursday while executing a narcotics search warrant at the home of Ryan David Frederick.Shivers was an eight-year veteran with the Chesapeake Police Department and had been working in the Special Investigations Section (Narcotics) for two and a half years. He is survived by his wife and three children.
The VACP requests that Virginia law enforcement officers shroud their badges through Tuesday, January 22, the day of funeral services for Detective Shivers.
Tougher seatbelt law passes Virginia Senate committee
January 17, 2008 | Virginia News
The Senate Transportation Committee on Thursday approved, 8-4, a bill sponsored by Sen. Patricia Ticer, D-Alexandria, that would make the violation of the state's seat belt law a primary offense, meaning an officer could stop and ticket you solely for not buckling up.The current law specifies that not wearing a seat belt is a secondary offense, and violators can only be cited if they were stopped for another suspected infraction.
The proposal, SB649, came weeks after the deadliest year on Virginia roads since 1981. Virginia State Police announced earlier this month that 1,012 people were killed in traffic wrecks in 2007.
Immigration bills flood assembly
January 13, 2008 | Virginia News
But Kaine cautions Va. against appearing to be hostile to newcomersAs of Friday, four dozen bills referring specifically to illegal immigration had been filed, and the deadline to submit proposed legislation is still five days away. Dozens of other bills would affect illegal immigrants, such as measures to crack down on overcrowded dwellings.
Roanoke Co. Police Chief Ray Lavinder to retire
January 11, 2008 | VACP
The current VACP President has announced that he will retire September 1, at the completion of his year as president of the association. After about 28 years in Roanoke County law enforcement and a decade as chief, Lavinder says he's ready to trade his badge for a life of travel and leisure.Former Newport News Police Chief dies
January 10, 2008 | Virginia News
Newport News Police released, Thursday, that their former Chief of Police, George C. Austin, died overnight at the age of 86.Austin joined the Newport News Police Department in June of 1947 and progressed through the ranks before being appointed Chief of Police in July of 1975. He was Chief of Police until his retirement in February of 1983. Austin was the first African-American officer in the history of the department to progress to the rank of Chief of Police.
Old-fashioned sheriff: George Bailey rides into the sunset
January 10, 2008 | Virginia News
Former Albemarle County Sheriff George Bailey's favorite movie was A Wonderful Life-- and not just because he shared the same name as the lead character played by Jimmy Stewart. Albemarle's George Bailey made no bones about it: He lived a wonderful life that ended January 4, when he died at age 80.Bailey epitomized law enforcement in the county's recent, rural past when there could be two deputies responsible for covering the entire county. "George was a straight shooter," says former Charlottesville Police chief John deK. Bowen. "He was the picture of the old-time sheriff-- a strong leader, respected, without the technology police have today."
Governor Delivers State of the Commonwealth Address
January 9, 2008 | Virginia News
Governor Kaine delivered his State of the Commonwealth Address to a joint session of the General Assembly. He highlighted the return of the Assembly to the State Capitol as well as his 2008 legislative proposals which include improvements to the mental health system, increased state support of Pre-K, and new investments in higher education.2008 VACP Legislative Priorities
January 9, 2008 | VACP
The VACP's Legislative Priorities for the 2008 Session of the Virginia General Assembly are now available:State lawmakers lining up on immigration bills
January 7, 2008 | Virginia News
With the 2008 General Assembly session opening Wednesday, some advocates seeking a crackdown on illegal immigrants say enough with the studying. It’s time, they say, to pass meaningful laws combating the problem.Kaine vies to refine sex-crime response
January 3, 2008 | Virginia News
The governor proposed measures that address sexual and domestic violence and the victims.RICHMOND -- Victims of sexual violence would not be forced to submit to lie detector tests and could be reimbursed for forensic exams without cooperating with law enforcement under proposals advanced Wednesday by Gov. Tim Kaine.
Kaine announced a series of measures aimed at preventing sexual and domestic violence and improving the state's response to such crimes, acting on recommendations made last year by a commission he appointed to study the issue. Kaine said two of the measures are needed to comply with the federal Violence Against Women Act of 2005 and to keep the state and several localities eligible for up to $7 million in federal funds.
