Virginia News & Announcements
Tasers give police a shocking new tool
The Smithfield Police Department will be the latest in Hampton Roads to start carrying Tasers, which immobilize a person using an electric jolt. Other departments that own or plan to buy Tasers include Newport News, Hampton and James City County, as well as Hampton University and the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.
OPINION: Can Virginia Afford to Cut Police More?
September 30, 2008 | Virginia News
Every state agency will have to share the pain of cuts throughout the revenue-starved state budget. One agency, however, is considering cuts in the wake of a study that says it needs more personnel.And these are not just everyday personnel. They are trained law enforcement officers.
Hopewell police: Weapons, $20,000 still missing
September 26, 2008 | Virginia News
Three firearms and nearly $20,000 in cash that had been stored in the Hopewell police property and evidence room still cannot be accounted for, according to results of an internal police investigation announced today .The probe also found that 87 drug cases had been compromised or affected as a result of narcotics that have turned up missing or can't be accounted for.
Virginia State Police Unveil Second “Move Over” Public Service Announcement at State Fair
September 26, 2008 | Virginia News
PSA Recorded By First Trooper Injured In 2008The radio PSA was recorded this summer by Trooper Kris S. Chapman who was severely injured by a drunk driver Feb. 1, 2008. After stopping a vehicle off the southbound lanes of I-81 in Smyth County, Trooper Chapman was sitting in his patrol car finishing up the traffic stop when a pick-up truck crashed into his marked cruiser. Seven months later, the 30-year-old trooper is still recuperating from his injuries. He was the first of eight troopers struck statewide this year while working on the side of an interstate.
Lynchburg taps new police chief
September 26, 2008 | Virginia News
Lynchburg’s new police chief is Parks Snead.Snead joined the Lynchburg Police Department in August 1984 and was promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief in 2005. He has been acting police chief since Charles Bennett retired from the job in March.
Portsmouth’s Interim Chief resigns, again
September 25, 2008 | Virginia News
Interim chief William Corvello submitted his resignation to the city manager in August, effective September 1. The chief then changed his mind and agreed to stay on the force until January.Now, we've gotten word the chief plans to resign October 8.
There's no word on why Corvello changed his mind.
Alexandria Officer In Stable Condition After Shooting
September 24, 2008 | Virginia News
Suspect Found Dead in Vehicle; Wife Found Dead in ApartmentARLINGTON, Va. - The Arlington County Police Department's Homicide/Robbery Unit is investigating a homicide and attempted murder that occurred in Arlington on September 22, 2008. An Arlington resident shot an Alexandria police officer before turning a weapon on himself. The suspect's wife was later found dead in their apartment.
State Police reviewing its method of transporting criminal suspects
September 23, 2008 | Virginia News
Winchester — State police are reviewing their procedures for transporting criminal suspects after a city man died when he escaped from a trooper’s custody.First Sgt. Steve Hawkins of the Kernstown Barracks said Monday that he could not comment on the fatal escape attempt or the investigation. “It’s an ongoing criminal investigation.”
He said all suspects taken into custody by state troopers are handcuffed with their hands behind their back and transported in the front passenger’s seat of troopers’ vehicles.
Keeping kids safe
September 22, 2008 | Virginia News
Since he took a job as an Internet Crimes Against Children investigator, Christiansburg police Officer Phil Townley has helped launch 41 child pornography investigations throughout the state.Virginia State Police stretched thin
September 22, 2008 | Virginia News
But staffing relief may fall victim to Va.'s budget woesThe Virginia State Police needs 600 more troopers, investigators and supervisors to meet the expanding demands of its mission, a department manpower study has found.
There are "critical issues in public safety that the department must have adequate staffing to address," states the internal report, a copy of which was obtained by the Richmond Times-Dispatch under a Freedom of Information Act request.
