Man in custody in University of Richmond case
May 7, 2008 | Virginia News
According to the CBS 6 Newsroom, 19 year old Seth A. Newman from Henrico County has been arrested and charged in connection with Wednesday's UR scare.
Corvello named new interim police chief in Portsmouth
May 7, 2008 | Virginia News
City Manager Kenneth L. Chandler today introduced Portsmouth’s new interim police chief, William F. Corvello.
Corvello, a retired state trooper, served in 2002 as the city’s interim police chief.
He is a former Virginia State Police superintendent. He was appointed by Gov. L. Douglas Wilder in 1990 and he retired in 1992 from the state police.
Record number of entries received for 2007 Challenge
May 7, 2008 | VACP
Judging of the entries has not yet begun, but Virginia is already a winner!! For the first time ever, we have received more than 50 entries in the Law Enforcement Challenge!
Click here for a list of entering agencies
NOTE: Please let us know if you believe you submitted an entry and your agency is NOT listed!!Portsmouth police chief resigns
May 7, 2008 | Virginia News
Chief Edward Long, who headed the police department since September 2006, resigned effective immediately, the city manager’s office announced Tuesday evening.
Cops to ride for those killed on duty
May 3, 2008 | Virginia News
Each bicyclist will make the 250-mile trek in the memory of a specific officer.
JAMES CITY - Since January, James City County Police Officer Hal Diggs has been preparing himself to bike 250 miles. He knows it won't be easy.
Even in training, his body tires after a while. His legs get sore. That's when he starts thinking of Mark Bedard. Just repeating the name of the Minnesota officer who was killed last year during a car pursuit helps him keep going, he said.
ABC board can now close gang ‘hangouts’
May 3, 2008 | Virginia News
Officials working to curb gang activity in Virginia have a new tool at their disposal – a law that lets them strip alcohol licenses from businesses that permit criminal gangs to use their property as hangouts.
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine signed a bill that gives the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control that power during a Friday meeting of a state anti-gang panel he created nearly two-years ago.
VSP First Sergeant Haygood passes away
May 2, 2008 | Virginia News
First Sergeant Mark A. Haygood, 44, of Midlothian, Va., passed away peacefully Thursday, May 1, 2008 at St. Mary's Hospital. He is survived by his devoted wife, Terri K. Haygood; loving children, Rebecca, Riley, Peyton, and Jacob; his parents, Charles H. and Catherine I. Haygood; one sister, Cindy L. Horne; also two nieces and five nephews.
First Sergeant Mark A. Haygood was employed with the Virginia State Police on January 1, 1989. He probated in Division 5, Area 37 (Williamsburg). He attended the 84th Basic Trooper Session on February 27, 1989, and graduated from the State Police Academy on July 28, 1989. Subsequent to graduating from the Academy, First Sergeant Haygood was assigned to Division 5, Area 32 (Norfolk). He was promoted to Trooper II on January 28, 1990. First Sergeant Haygood was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on April 16, 1997, and transferred to Division 5, Area 36 (Waverly). He transferred to Division 1, Area 6 (Powhatan) on September 10, 2000, and became the Tactical Team Leader for Division 1.
First Sergeant Haygood was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant on April 25, 2003, and assigned to the Personnel Division. On August 25, 2004, he transferred to the Training Academy where he supervised the Tactical Operations Unit. As the First Sergeant of the Tactical Operations Unit, he supervised the Firearms Section, Officer Survival Section, Canine Unit, Safety Compliance Officer, and Department Armorer. First Sergeant Haygood, during his tenure with the Department, achieved the following specialties: General Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Driving Instructor, and Tactical Team Leader.
Mark was a kind, sincere and devoted man, whose smiling face brought joy to those touched.
Visitation
The family will receive friends Sunday, May 4 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m., at the Huguenot Chapel of Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Road, Midlothian, Virginia. (Phone: 804-794-1000)
Funeral Services & Interment
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Monday, May 5th in Bon Air Baptist Church, 2531 Buford Road, Bon Air, Virginia. (Phone: 804-647-2449) Interment will be at Westhampton Memorial Park, 10000 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, Virginia.
Reception
A reception will be held at the Bon Air Baptist Church following the interment.
Contributions
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
National Brain Tumor Foundation
22 Battery St., Suite 612
San Francisco, Calif. 94111.
Additionally, contributions for the Haygood family can be made to the Virginia State Police Association Emergency Relief Fund. You can mail your contributions to:
Virginia State Police Association
6944 Forest Hill Avenue
Richmond, Virginia 23225.
Please annotate on the check "Contribution for the Haygood Family."
Lynchburg Officer Branham loses brief battle with cancer
May 1, 2008 | Virginia News
It is with great sadness that the Lynchburg Police Department announces the death of Police Officer William C. Branham.
Officer Branham, age 26, passed away the morning of April 30 after a brief battle with cancer. Officer Branham was a seven year veteran with the department having served as a cadet, patrol officer and traffic safety officer. He is survived by his wife, April, and two daughters ages 2 years and 8 months.
Visitation for family, friends, and law enforcement personnel will be held on Saturday, May 3 from 1800-2100 hrs at Whitten's Funeral Home (Monelison Chapel) located at 3966 South Amherst Highway (Business 29) in Madison Heights (Amherst County).
The funeral service will be held at 1400 hrs on Sunday, May 4 also at Whitten's Monelison Chapel. Law enforcement officers attending the service and participating in the funeral procession to the burial site are asked to meet no later than 1200 hrs in the parking lot at Genworth Financial located at 3100 Albert Lankford Drive in Lynchburg in order to form a procession to the funeral. Any agency intending to send police motorcycles is asked to contact Lt. R.M. Zuidema at (434) 942-2439 in advance.
Directions to the Genworth Parking Lot:
- From Route 29 North / Route 460 East — Take Route 460 East at the Lynchburg city limits to the second Candler's Mountain Rd. exit (a left exit). Go right at the first traffic light onto Mayflower Dr.; continue to the first traffic light and go left on Oddfellows Rd. Turn right onto Albert Lankford Dr and then right into the parking lot.
- From Route 29 South / Route 460 West — Take Route 460 West to the first Candler's Mountain Rd. exit. Go right at the first traffic light onto Mayflower Dr.; continue to the first traffic light and go left on Oddfellows Rd. Turn right onto Albert Lankford Dr and then right into the parking lot.
Trust funds are being established for the Branham family through the Lynchburg Police Helping Hands Foundation; donations may be sent to L.P.H.H.F. at P.O. Box 85 Lynchburg, VA 24504 in the name of Will Branham.
‘Click it’ success nets $5 million for W.Va.
May 1, 2008 | National News
In 1993, West Virginia became one of the last states to mandate wearing seat belts. Drivers still can't be stopped just for not wearing their seat belts. Despite that, more drivers buckle up in West Virginia than in just about any other state, federal officials said Wednesday.
The designation gives West Virginia a $5 million federal grant, which the state plans to use to help pay for laptop computers in police cars.
West Virginia had to have at least an 85 percent seat-belt usage for two consecutive years to qualify for the U.S. Department of Transportation grant. The state achieved an 88.5 percent rating in 2006 and 89.5 percent in 2007.
Prince William Votes To Change Immigration Enforcement
April 30, 2008 | Virginia News
MANASSAS, Va. -- The Prince William County Board of Supervisors voted late Tuesday to make a change to its controversial immigration policy.
Under the county's crackdown on illegal immigrants, police could check the immigration status of anyone they stopped. Supervisors voted Tuesday that the immigration status of anyone who is arrested should be checked before the person gets a bond hearing. The checks will no longer be done simply because of probable cause, officials said.
External Link to ArticleCrime Commission Won’t Offer Advice After Gun Show Study
April 29, 2008 | Virginia News
The Virginia State Crime Commission has agreed to study private sales at gun shows, which are made without background checks. But members have already made clear that they don't plan to do anything about the issue.
The 13-member panel said it will not make a recommendation for legislation to the General Assembly on the contentious issue after the commission meets to receive a draft of the report in September.
Ashland’s new police chief is ready to serve
April 27, 2008 | Virginia News
As Ashland's new police chief, Doug Goodman plans to continue proactive traffic enforcement, bear down on drug crimes and keep plans for more youth activities in motion.
Town Manager Charles Hartgrove chose Goodman, who joined the department as a captain in August, to replace Tom Clark, who came out of retirement with the Henrico County Division of Police to serve as interim chief after Frederick Pleasants Jr. resigned in 2006. Clark will return to retirement June 30. Goodman takes the reins the next day.
Goodman, 36, came to the department from the Hanover County Sheriff's Office, where he worked for 14 years.
Police staffing, funding lag in Blacksburg
April 24, 2008 | Virginia News
Town council approved four new officers and a dispatcher, but a study shows the town needs 11 new officers and four dispatchers.
As state and local law enforcement funding tightens and recruitment of officers becomes more difficult, Blacksburg police struggle to deal with rising rates of drug crime and violence that follow with the rapid urbanization of Virginia's largest town.
States make room for DNA samples
April 24, 2008 | National News
Five states are slated to begin new sampling of suspects arrested for felony offenses between July and January 2009. Of those, North Dakota, California, Maryland and Kansas are spending millions of dollars to prepare for the additional testing. South Dakota, which will begin additional sampling in July, built a new lab in 2006.
Marone, who also is director of Virginia's Department of Forensic Science, said Virginia expanded its sampling in 2003 from convicted felons to include suspects arrested, but not tried, for seven felony offenses.
RELATED: U.S. to Expand Collection of Crime Suspects' DNA
U.S. Supreme Court allows search and seizure in Virginia case
April 23, 2008 | Virginia News
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that police can conduct searches and seize evidence after arrests that sometimes violate state law.
The unanimous decision comes in a case from Portsmouth, Va., where city detectives seized crack cocaine from a motorist after arresting him for a traffic ticket offense.
Copy of Supreme Court Decision
Video cameras in Prince William Co. police cars might not be funded
April 23, 2008 | Virginia News
MANASSAS, Va. - Prince William County supervisors have tentatively decided against installing video cameras in county police cars, which would slash funding for illegal-immigration enforcement.
Panels select Winchester police chief candidate
April 23, 2008 | Virginia News
Winchester — After a series of interviews this month, officials have chosen a lead candidate for the city’s vacant police chief position.
Three semifinalists for the job, selected from an initial applicant pool of 75 candidates, were interviewed on April 11 by four panels: Winchester residents and City Council members; city managers from Harrisonburg, Portsmouth, and Manassas Park; police chiefs from Leesburg, Fredericksburg, and Culpeper; and Winchester Police Department personnel.
Congressman Wolf: information key to tackling gang problem
April 21, 2008 | Virginia News
WINCHESTER — The growing number of gang members in the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia will likely mean the need for newer databases and information to help law enforcement officers combat the problem.
U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf, R-10th, said the information collected by the Northwest Virginia Regional Gang Task Force, which oversees the Winchester area, underscores how the gang issue is spreading throughout the country, creating dangerous situations for citizens.
Culpeper PD achieves second national accreditation
April 21, 2008 | Virginia News
For the second time in three years, the Culpeper PD has earned national/international accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement or CALEA, a Fairfax-based nonprofit regulatory group made up of chiefs, sheriffs, elected officials and other law enforcement representatives from across the country.
Culpeper is one of only 15 CALEA-accredited programs in Virginia and has met the same standards of much larger forces, including the Virginia Beach, Alexandria, Hampton and Lynchburg police departments.
Charlottesville Police Memorial Unveiled
April 21, 2008 | Virginia News
A physical reminder of police who have died in the line of duty now sits outside of Charlottesville's police department. This morning the community paused to honor the memory of the names etched in stone.
Man surrenders in deputy dragging
April 19, 2008 | Virginia News
A man wanted by Hanover County authorities -- for allegedly driving off Thursday and dragging a deputy sheriff who had pulled him over on a routine car stop -- surrendered yesterday.
Toledo O. Hayes faces a charge of attempted capital murder stemming from the incident. He turned himself in yesterday afternoon at the Pamunkey Regional Jail and was being held without bond. He will have a preliminary hearing Monday in Hanover General District Court.
The dragging incident occurred in the 8000 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike. Hayes, 33, of King William County, was also charged with eluding police, resisting arrest and obstruction of justice.
The deputy was not injured.
-- Jim Nolan
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Court reins in police searches
April 18, 2008 | Virginia News
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- A divided Virginia Supreme Court has issued two decisions reining in police searches.
The court split 4-3 in Friday's opinions, which reversed a pair of drug convictions.
In one case, the justices ruled that a Henrico County police officer lacked probable cause to search a vehicle after observing what appeared to be hand-rolled cigarettes in the interior door handle. According to the court, that alone was not enough to establish a reasonable suspicion of marijuana possession.
The second case involved a pat-down search during a traffic stop in a high-crime area of Danville. The court said the character of the neighborhood was an insufficient basis for frisking a man without his consent.
U.S. attorney to resign
April 18, 2008 | Virginia News
Brownlee, prosecutor in western Va., may run for attorney general
Brownlee, a 43-year-old Republican, said his last day in the prosecutor's job will be May 16, adding that he and his wife haven't yet firmed up their plans for the future. If Brownlee does run, his only certain opponent so far for the Republican nomination is state Sen. Ken Cuccinelli of Fairfax County.
Report says police officers need raises
April 17, 2008 | Virginia News
Without $3.7 million, audit says, Chestefield County will continue losing officers
Chesterfield County would need to spend $3.7 million to bring its police department in line with area localities in officer pay and compensation, according to an internal report released yesterday.
If the problem isn't fixed soon, the report says, the department will continue to lose officers to other law-enforcement agencies and the private sector.
The department has hired 289 officers since 2001 but lost 215 officers, during that same period -- with a large majority leaving voluntarily for reasons other than retirement, the report says.
Hanover deputy dragged by car
April 17, 2008 | Virginia News
Hanover County authorities are looking for a 33-year-old man accused of dragging a deputy with a car during a traffic stop today.
Authorities identified the suspect as Toledo Ortez Hayes of King William County. The deputy was not seriously injured.
U.S. to Expand Collection Of Crime Suspects’ DNA
April 17, 2008 | National News
Policy Adds People Arrested but Not Convicted
The U.S. government will soon begin collecting DNA samples from all citizens arrested in connection with any federal crime and from many immigrants detained by federal authorities, adding genetic identifiers from more than 1 million individuals a year to the swiftly growing federal law enforcement DNA database.
The policy will substantially expand the current practice of routinely collecting DNA samples from only those convicted of federal crimes, and it will build on a growing policy among states to collect DNA from many people who are arrested. Thirteen states do so now and turn their data over to the federal government.
Goodman to head Ashland Police
April 17, 2008 | VACP
The Ashland Police Department has announced that Captain Doug Goodman will take over as Chief of Police July 1. Ashland Interim Police Chief, Tom Clark will retire on that date as well.
Goodman was appointed to the Ashland Police Department as a captain on Aug. 1, 2007 following 14 years of service for the Hanover County Sheriff's Office. As a lieutenant with the Sheriff's Office, he was responsible for the state and national accreditation process, as well as managing the financial, purchasing and budget functions.
Goodman recently completed the requirements for a Master's degree in Public Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
Goodman and his wife, Shelly and their children Caleb and Hanna live in Hanover County.
Clark joined the department Dec. 4, 2006 after 30 years with the Henrico Police Department. His original term was to expire December 2007, but he stayed on until a replacement could be named.
Clark joined the Henrico Police Department as a full-time dispatcher until he was appointed a police officer. While with the Henrico Police, Clark was promoted to Lieutenant and eventually Captain before retiring. He attended VCU and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Clark graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation for Police at Quantico in 1982 and he attended the Senior Management Institute for Police at Harvard University in 1995.
Following his career with Henrico, Clark worked for the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police managing their traffic safety program. He lives in Hanover County with his wife Linda.
Supreme Court OK’s lethal injections, executions back on
April 16, 2008 | National News
Justices clear way for states to resume executions on hold for 7 months
Virginia immediately lifted its moratorium, Oklahoma said it would seek execution dates for two convicted murderers, and other states were ready to follow.
Senior assistant chief named for Norfolk Police Department
April 15, 2008 | Virginia News
Assistant Chief Sharon Chamberlin of the Norfolk Police Department will be promoted to senior assistant chief. Capt. Jayward Hanna will be promoted to assistant chief.
Chief Bruce P. Marquis is pleased to announce the advancement of eleven (11) Norfolk Police Department (NPD) members to positions of higher rank and responsibility within the department. First, Assistant Chief Sharon Chamberlin, a 33 year veteran of the NPD and most recently the Assistant Chief responsible for all investigative services, has been designated as the Senior Assistant Chief. This marks the first time a female has held the second highest position of authority in the department. During her career, Chief Chamberlin has held positions of ever increasing responsibility within the department including command of Training, the Second Patrol Division, and the Criminal Intelligence Unit. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Public Administration degree and a PhD in Education. Her academic background and professional experience make her uniquely qualified to handle her new assignment.
The promotion of Captain Jayward Hanna to the position of Assistant Chief is also notable in that it marks only the second time in the history of the department that an African American officer has held the position of Assistant Chief. A member of the NPD since 1978, Chief Hanna has most recently been in charge of the NPD’s First Patrol Division which generally serves the Southside and downtown areas of the city. His extensive experience in the patrol divisions will stand him in good stead for his new responsibilities as the Assistant Chief responsible for all the uniformed patrol services including over half of the department’s members.
In addition to the two promotions at the NPD’s highest levels, Lieutenant Aaron Pomeranz was promoted to Captain and will assume responsibility for the Strategic Management Division and Sergeant Robert Pavese was promoted to Lieutenant and will be assigned in the NPD’s Third Patrol Division. Being promoted to Sergeant are: Corporal J. A. Diener and Officers C. S. Brinkley, D. N. Howard, E. Morris, R. J. Quick, T. L. Stott and G. C. Wall.
The oath of office will be administered to these personnel at a swearing in ceremony to be held on April 15, 2008 at 6:30 P.M. in the Circuit Court Building at 100 St. Paul’s Blvd., Norfolk, VA.
Fire strikes Colonial Heights police department
April 15, 2008 | Virginia News
COLONIAL HEIGHTS - An early morning fire pushed workers out of an unlikely place - the city's police department.
Colonial Heights Fire and EMS, which is located in the same building, responded quickly.
Workers smelled smoke about an hour following their 6 a.m. shift change at the Public Safety Building.
Cell phone alert system proposed
April 11, 2008 | National News
FCC set to propose system to alert cell phone, mobile users of emergencies.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A nationwide alert system will use cell phones or other mobile devices to send text messages to Americans when an emergency occurs, the Federal Communications Commission will announce Wednesday, according to an FCC representative.
The representative said cell phone companies that voluntarily opt into the system would send text-based alert messages to subscribers in response to three types of events:
A disaster that could jeopardize the health and safety of Americans, such as a terrorist attack; these would trigger a national alert from the president of the United States.
Imminent or ongoing threats such as hurricanes, tornadoes or earthquakes.
Child abductions or Amber alerts.
Detainee Program Strains Va. Jail
April 8, 2008 | National News
Pr. William Cites Delays by ICE
A highly touted partnership between the Prince William County jail and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is showing signs of strain, as crowding at the facility has hit an all-time high and federal agents are taking weeks -- not the agreed-upon 72 hours -- to pick up illegal immigrant suspects, jail officials said.
Longtime Hopewell law officer to retire
April 4, 2008 | Virginia News
He worked his way up in 31 years from street to major, deputy chief
HOPEWELL -- Thirty-one years ago, Ray Baxley entered the Hopewell Bureau of Police building on Main Street interested in a career in law enforcement.
Today, he will leave the same building after working his way from patrolman to deputy chief and twice serving as interim chief of police.
"This has been my life," Baxley, 53, said. "This has been almost my top priority."
Baxley is credited with leading several initiatives in the city, including pushing for more community policing and pushing strategies to combat drug crimes. Some of his colleagues see him as a role model and say he has the characteristics of a chief.
32nd Law Enforcement Information Management (LEIM) Training Conference and Exhibition
April 4, 2008 | National News
May 6-10, 2008 • Nashville, Tennessee
Delegate Registration extended until April 11, 2008... Register Today!
This is the only international law enforcement technology professional conference in the United States that is designed for practitioners by practitioners. The objectivity, quality and quantity of the information exchanged through LEIM are unparalleled. Your attendance, participation, and support play a critical role in LEIM’s mission to advance the law enforcement through technology.
Draft Agenda now available! LEIM Conference information can be found at: www.IACPtechnology.org
Traffic Safety Toolkit: “Traffic Safety is Everyone’s Business”
April 4, 2008 | National News
The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) is offering a limited number of FREE Traffic Safety Toolkits that contain resources intended to help law enforcement, civic leaders, transportation officials, and lawmakers work together to address traffic safety concerns in their community.
The Toolkit contains guidebooks that address issues such as speeding in residential communities, traffic congestion around schools, street racing, drunk driving, cruising, pedestrian injuries and fatalities, and establishing successful publicity and public education campaigns. The guidebooks will help you asses your local problem and develop effective responses. They also highlight successful strategies that have been implemented in other parts of the country to address similar problems
To order a free Traffic Safety Toolkit, call the COPS Office Response Center at 800-421-6770.
State police plan triple force on I-95
April 3, 2008 | Virginia News
Virginia State Police plan to triple the number of troopers today along a 13-mile stretch of Interstate 95 between Bells Road in South Richmond and Parham Road north of the city.
Troopers will be conducting "saturation" patrols in the so-called Highway Safety Corridor to promote traffic safety through stringent enforcement and increased visibility in an area that has a high volume of traffic and numerous interchanges.
State police said 696 crashes occurred along that stretch of interstate in 2006. Of those, 175 resulted in injuries and two in deaths. In 2007, there were 759 wrecks, of which 196 resulted in injuries and four in deaths.
During a one-day enforcement project in the corridor in November 2007, troopers issued more than 150 summonses for traffic violations.
More shots investigated in sniper shootings
April 3, 2008 | Virginia News
CHARLOTTESVILLE -- Police are investigating at least five additional shootings in western Albemarle County to determine if they may be related to last week's incidents that included shots fired at, and striking, five vehicles on Interstate 64.
Governor Kaine postpones Bell execution
April 2, 2008 | Virginia News
Executions will be stayed till U.S. high court rules in lethal-injection case
Kaine said he would also grant similar reprieves to any other inmates scheduled for execution before the high court rules on the death penalty method, expected by July, unless the justices otherwise allow executions to resume.
Chesapeake names Wright new police chief
March 31, 2008 | Virginia News
The formal announcement came Monday afternoon during a news conference in City Council chambers. Major Kelvin Wright, a 26-year Chesapeake police veteran, replaces Richard Justice, who retires today after more than four decades in the department.
Chesapeake’s police chief is moving on
March 31, 2008 | Virginia News
Richard Justice does not know how retirement will suit him. He does not know what it will be like to go to sleep and wake up without the career that has largely defined him for 42 years.
Policing has been with Justice since the evening of April 1, 1966, when a senior officer picked up the newlywed for his first shift.
He does not feel like 42 years have gone by. He never planned to stay for so long. He did not plan on becoming a police officer in the first place.
Manhunt Ongoing in Two States for Virginia Fugitive
March 29, 2008 | Virginia News
Man Wanted for Shooting Virginia State Trooper
WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Virginia and West Virginia authorities are still searching for a 32-year-old Wythe County man wanted for shooting a Virginia State Police trooper Friday (March 28, 2008) afternoon. Steven Dale Branscome of Barren Springs, Va., is described as 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 185 pounds. He has blue eyes and brown hair, and is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information related to Branscome or Friday’s shooting is encouraged to call the Virginia State Police at (276) 228-3131 or, if calling in Virginia, toll-free at 1-800-542-8716; or to call the West Virginia State Police at (304) 425-2101 or (304) 256-6700.
Friday’s incident began at approximately 3:39 p.m., when Virginia State Police Trooper Richard W. Hughes and Trooper Stephen M. Barton arrived at a Glen Lyn, Va., residence in Giles County near the West Virginia line. They went to the residence to serve two arrest warrants on a William Pennington. However, upon arrival the troopers saw a man sitting inside a black Ford Tempo that was parked outside the residence. As they drove up to the vehicle, the Ford Tempo sped off and a pursuit was initiated.
The vehicle pursuit continued up a dirt mountain-road where the suspect vehicle struck a rock and wrecked. The suspect, later identified as Branscome, fled on foot into the woods and across the West Virginia line. Trooper Hughes continued after Branscome on foot. Branscome sprang from behind a tree and fired multiple rounds at the trooper. Trooper Hughes was struck in the neck as he took cover from the gunfire. Branscome then fled on foot and has remained at-large ever since.
Through the course of the investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle Branscome was driving had been stolen from the Floyd County School Board. The vehicle had been spray-painted black and Branscome had put his license plate on the vehicle.
Shortly after 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2008, a dark-blue 1988 Ford F-150 pickup truck was reported stolen in Mercer County, W.Va. The vehicle has damage to its front and rear bumpers, and driver-side door. The pickup’s West Virginia license plate is 5CW327. Police have not linked Branscome to this vehicle, but are still asking for the public’s help in locating it.
For Friday’s shooting of Trooper Hughes, West Virginia State Police have secured warrants for Branscome’s arrest for malicious wounding and wanton endangerment. He was previously wanted on warrants in Wythe County for grand larceny and breaking-and-entering.
The search is continuing through the weekend for Branscome. Personnel from the Virginia and West Virginia state police; the Giles County and Montgomery County sheriff’s offices; the Pulaski, Doveland and Glen Lyn police departments; ATF and U.S. Marshal’s Service are involved in the ongoing search and investigation.
Trooper Hughes was treated at Giles Memorial Hospital and released Friday evening. He joined the Virginia State Police in 2003. In October 2007 he transferred from Pittsylvania County to Giles County, which is part of the Area 24 Office within the Wytheville Division.
William Pennington turned himself in to police late Friday and was arrested on felony charges of credit card fraud. Saturday he was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and is now being held without bond.
Ballistic Analysis Links Shootings on I-64 in Charlottesville Region
March 29, 2008 | Virginia News
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Early Saturday morning, March 29, 2008, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) notified the Virginia State Police of its findings in regards to the analysis of ballistic evidence recovered from six shootings on and near Interstate 64 in the Charlottesville region, from the suspect vehicle and a recovered firearm.
The ATF lab positively matched the shell casings recovered from each of the scenes along I-64 to those found in a 1974 AMC Gremlin, a vehicle similar to the one captured in surveillance video at a Waynesboro bank that was shot several times. The Gremlin seized by authorities belongs to Slade Allen Woodson, 19, of Afton, Va., one of two individuals charged Friday in the I-64 shootings that took place in the overnight hours of Thursday, March 27, 2008.
The ATF lab also matched the casings to a Ruger .22-caliber magnum rifle that was recovered by investigators Friday on the property of Yonder Hill Farm in Crozet, Va.
Additional testing and analysis is still being conducted by the ATF lab in relation to these incidents.
Investigators charged Woodson and a 16-year-old Crozet, Va., male each with 10 felony counts of malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, shooting at an occupied vehicle and destruction of property. Woodson also faces two additional felony counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling and destruction of property for his role in two shootings that took place in the city of Waynesboro that same night.
“Based on the evidence collected at this stage of the investigation, we do not anticipate any additional arrests related to these crimes,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent.
Woodson is being held at the Middle River Regional Jail in Verona. The juvenile is being held at the Blue Ridge Detention Center in Albemarle County.
Investigators from Virginia State Police, Albemarle County Police, Waynesboro Police, ATF, FBI, Staunton Police, University of Virginia Police and Augusta County Sheriff’s Office are still actively pursuing the investigation this weekend. They are working in conjunction with Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney Denise Lunsford.
Police arrest 1, shoot 1 during sniper probe
March 28, 2008 | Virginia News
CHARLOTTESVILLE - One person was arrested today and another was shot as police searched an Albemarle County house during their investigation of Thursday’s Interstate 64 shootings.
Authorities said Slade Woodson, 19, of Afton was taken into custody this morning as police executed a search warrant just west of Crozet. Woodson was charged with two felonies related to shootings Thursday in Waynesboro but was not charged in relation to the I-64 shootings that injured two motorists.
Arrest made, 1 sought in sniper shootings
March 28, 2008 | Virginia News
CHARLOTTESVILLE — At least one person has been arrested and another is being sought in connection with the Interstate 64 shootings that injured two motorists yesterday morning, a police source told Media General News Service today.
Police also executed a search warrant at a house in western Albemarle County earlier this morning, according to Corinne Geller, a spokeswoman for the state police.
State police are planning a news conference late this morning to discuss the new developments in the I-64 shootings, said Virginia State Police Sgt. Dave Cooper, who refused to release any further details about the person arrested or other details of the case. The news conference was originally scheduled for 10 a.m. but was moved back to 11 a.m.
Police hunt for I-64 snipers
March 28, 2008 | Virginia News
Motorists urged to remain vigilant driving in Albemarle region 2 hurt, 6 vehicles struck; at least 2 shooters sought
CHARLOTTESVILLE -- Police will be out in force today along the Interstate 64 corridor, where at least two shooters fired bullets randomly at passing cars early yesterday morning.
Police believe more than one person was involved in the random firing, based on what witnesses saw at the site of one shooting, Flaherty said. At least one shooter was male. They have no suspects, however, or reason for the shootings.
Is Car Link Between Bank, I - 64 Shootings?
March 27, 2008 | Virginia News
Waynesboro police are working with state investigators to determine the cause of shots fired at a Dupont Community Credit Union early Thursday morning. They're investigating connections with the Interstate 64 shootings between Waynesboro and Charlottesville.
The shootings happened between the hours of 12 a.m. and 2 a.m. Bullets hit the window and part of the bank's building on Lucy Lane as well as a white van parked in the lot. No one was injured.
Police are looking for an older model, light colored AMC Gremlin with a dark stripe running down its side. Surveillance video revealed that vehicle at the scene.
VSP Investigating Shootings On and Near I-64 in Charlottesville Region
March 27, 2008 | Virginia News
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – State and local police are actively following leads related to a series of overnight shootings along and near Interstate 64 in Albemarle County and a neighboring jurisdiction. At least six vehicles were struck during the overnight hours of Thursday, March 27, 2008. More than 50 leads have already been called in this morning and early afternoon.
Investigators encourage anyone with information to contact either the Virginia State Police at (434) 293-3223 or the Albemarle-Charlottesville CrimeStoppers Tip Line at (434) 977-4000.
At 12:10 a.m. Thursday, March 27, 2008, the Virginia State Police Appomattox Division Communications Center received a call about a vehicle being struck by gunfire from the Route 690 overpass as the vehicle was traveling westbound on Interstate 64 near the 106 mile marker. Virginia State Police immediately dispatched troopers to the caller’s location. Additional troopers and local police were then dispatched to other overpasses along the I-64 corridor.
During the next 20 minutes, additional calls came in concerning vehicles being struck by bullets along I-64. One incident was reported at the Exit 114 ramp leading to westbound I-64. At least three vehicles were shot in the westbound lanes of I-64 near the Route 690 overpass at the 106 mile marker. All four vehicles were occupied at the time of the shootings.
Two of the drivers traveling near the Route 690 overpass suffered minor injuries as a result of the shootings. The two individuals were treated at the Augusta Medical Center in Fishersville and released. One of the individuals was driving a minivan and the second individual was driving a sedan.
At 1:43 a.m. Thursday, Virginia State Police were notified of a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) vehicle parked in the parking lot of the Yancey Mills VDOT maintenance facility. The dump truck, which had been shot several times, was unoccupied. The parking lot is located near I-64 at Exit 107 for Crozet.
State police are in the process of following on a recent report of a sixth vehicle having been possibly shot overnight.
Based on witness accounts, State Police suspect at least two individuals were involved in the shootings. No additional suspect or a vehicle description is available at this time.
State and local police are interviewing witnesses and victims, running down the various leads still coming in and analyzing evidence collected from the scenes and vehicles. State police are working with the ATF in the analysis of ballistic evidence also collected from the scenes and vehicles.
State police and Waynesboro Police are working together to determine if there is any link to the Interstate shootings and a reported shooting in the City of Waynesboro. (Contact the Waynesboro Police Department for additional information on their shooting investigation http://www.waynesboro.va.us/policeindex.html ).
The investigation into these incidents involves Virginia State Police, Albemarle County Police, Charlottesville Police, Waynesboro Police, Staunton Police, University of Virginia Police, Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, ATF, US Marshal’s Service and the Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney.
“State and local police are taking the necessary steps to make the immediate area and I-64 corridor safer for motorists and local residents,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent.
“As investigators pursue the suspects involved in these incidents, motorists are advised to be vigilant and alert when traveling through the Albemarle County and Charlottesville area of I-64 and to report any suspicious activity to local or state police.”
• RELATED LINK: Police search for shooting suspects on I-64; Drivers express worry
I-64 gunman shoots at cars, injuring 2; interstate reopens
March 27, 2008 | Virginia News
At least four motorists on Interstate 64 were shot at overnight along an 11-mile stretch near the western part of Albemarle County, leaving two people with non-life threatening injuries, Virginia State Police said.
Interstate 64 was shut down between Waynesboro and Charlottesville for several hours, the Virginia Department of Transportation said. At 6:37 a.m., state police said I-64 had reopened.
Safety concerns in Petersburg
March 27, 2008 | Virginia News
City leads area crime statistics, but police have begun initiatives
Hopewell police want more money for officers, dispatchers
March 27, 2008 | Virginia News
Hopewell Police are asking the city for more money in the fight against crime.
Compared to last year, aggravated assaults are up 131 percent, breaking and entering is up 51 percent, and robberies are up 47 percent.
Four Town of Vienna Police Officers Honored
March 26, 2008 | Virginia News
On March 13, 2008 the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce held the 30th Annual Valor Awards ceremony. The event was held at the Hilton McLean in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Attendees and recipients of awards from various area departments attended the ceremony. The Town of Vienna Police Department, Town of Herndon Police Department, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, Fairfax County Police Department and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department all had honorees awarded at the event.
Individuals that become Firefighters, Paramedics, Police Officers, and Deputy Sherriff’s do not embark upon those careers seeking recognition. They choose these paths because of their desire to help others, maintain order in society, save lives, and protect property. The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce chooses to honor these employees for their efforts and sacrifices on behalf of the residents and businesses in the community. The emcee for the 2008 Valor Awards Ceremony was Award winning journalist Leon Harris from ABC7/ WJLA- TV.
This year the Town of Vienna Police Department had four of their own recognized and receive awards for their efforts. They are (above from left to right) Master Police Officer Jarod Evans, Master Police Officer H. Trent Nelson, Master Police Officer J. Michael Oliver, and Sergeant Anthony Clingerman. A brief summary of the events which lead to these officers receiving their awards is written below.
Master Police Officer Jarod Evans – Lifesaving Award
In December 2006 responded for a reported drug overdose. When MPO Evans arrived, he found a young man lying on the floor surrounded by syringes, spoons, a smoking device, and white powder. MPO Evans ascertained that he was not breathing but did have a very shallow pulse. MPO Evans began administering rescue breaths until the subject was able to
breath on his own.
Sergeant Anthony Clingerman – Lifesaving Award
A Fairfax County Police Officer received information that an elderly man was missing and was possibly suicidal. Further investigation revealed that the man was staying at a hotel within the Town of Vienna. Sergeant Clingerman obtained a key to the room in which the man was registered. After knocking and receiving no answer, Sergeant Clingerman and the other officer entered the room and found the gentleman slumping forward with a rope around his neck. The Fairfax County Officer, PFC Brooks Gillingham cut the rope from around the man’s neck and he and Sergeant Clingerman began performing CPR. When rescue units arrived, the man had a shallow pulse and was breathing.
Master Police Officer J. Michael Oliver, Master Police Officer H. Trent Nelson – Lifesaving Award; Sergeant Anthony Clingerman – Silver Medal of Valor
In January of 2007 a citizen reported a vehicle parked along a roadway with a female subject inside and no engine running. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue units arrived and found an unresponsive woman sitting in the vehicle. MPO Oliver and MPO Nelson arrived soon after along with Sergeant Clingerman. Sergeant Clingerman decided to force entry in to the vehicle. As the officers began to attempt to gain entry, the woman produced a large knife and moved it around her face and neck area.
As the other officers distracted the woman, MPO Oliver got a Halligan Bar from the fire apparatus and broke out the passenger window. Sergeant Clingerman then opened the door and started to reach for the woman. The woman swung the knife at him and narrowly missed his face. A discharge from a Taser conductive energy device was ineffective. Sergeant Clingerman was then able to secure the knife as other personnel handcuffed her. The woman was then transported to the hospital for observation.
This is MPO H. Trent Nelson and MPO Jarod Evans’ 2nd Lifesaving Award. The Town of Vienna Police Department has been participating in the Valor Awards Ceremony since 2005. During those three years, Vienna Officers have been honored 10 times for various valorous and lifesaving events.
Please contact MPO Bill Murray for further information at 703.255.6396 or
The Ten Deadly Errors of Leadership
March 21, 2008 | VACP
By Chief Scott Barlow, Culpeper Police Department
Many officers, looking back several years to their basic academy days, can still remember officer survival classes that highlighted the “10 deadly errors” an officer can make. Any of these errors can lead to the death, or serious injury, of law enforcement officers or their partners. Regardless of how they were presented, these errors are clearly based on the model established originally by Pierce Brooks.
Many young police officers took his writings to heart. Brooks’s list better prepared them to perform their jobs as street beat cops. As a result of the influence of this list, over the years, various agencies and academies have presented these errors in many ways to reemphasize their importance. By adapting Brooks’s 10 deadly errors to a leadership model, police leaders can benefit from the list as well.
As police officers progress through the ranks of leadership positions, they can find themselves behind a desk far more often than the wheel of a patrol car. This can hold true for many different positions of leadership, from field training officer, first-line supervisor, narcotics commander, tactical team commander, or precinct commander all the way to chief of police. Many leaders have found themselves in positions of disadvantage while still learning the “leadership trade.”
It is the nature of many leaders to share what they have learned in their career path through various leadership positions. These lessons learned, while sometimes painful, make for stronger leaders. The lessons included in this article are not only the result of the author’s personal experience but are also shared by a variety of leaders in the law enforcement and military communities.
Lack of seat belt use taking deadly toll in Virginia
March 20, 2008 | Virginia News
Police agencies will start enforcing a zero-tolerance policy Sunday
About 20 percent of Virginians don't wear seat belts when they're driving or riding in a motor vehicle, according to state police.
New statistics also show that people who weren't using their seat belts account for about 40 percent of all fatalities on area highways.
Beginning Sunday, state police teamed up with local police and sheriffs departments in a zero-tolerance campaign aimed at drivers who don't buckle up.
The "Click It or Ticket" campaign will last until March 23.
New Highway Signs Remind Motorists to Move Over or Slow Down When Passing Emergency Personnel
March 19, 2008 | Virginia News
RICHMOND – On Wednesday, March 19, dozens of troopers, police officers, deputy sheriffs, fire and emergency services personnel joined Virginia’s Secretary of Public Safety, John W. Marshall, and Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Superintendent of Virginia State Police, to unveil Virginia’s new Move Over highway signs during a press conference in Bristol, Va.
Southwest Virginia is first to receive the 12 feet by 4 feet signs which will be positioned along I-81 and I-77 to welcome drivers as they enter the Commonwealth from Tennessee, West Virginia, and North Carolina. After the unveiling, the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Bristol District will set the three signs in the ground later in the week.
“These signs mark a major step forward in the on-going efforts to alert the public about Virginia’s Move Over law,” said the Honorable John W. Marshall. “This is another tool to educate the community, caution drivers about the law, and to try and keep our law enforcement and emergency personnel safe.”
Virginia is one of 40 states with a Move Over law requiring drivers to change to another travel lane or, when not able to, to slow down when passing emergency personnel stopped out on the road. Violation of the law carries a punishment of up to a $2,500 fine and/or 12 months in jail.
Nationwide, in the last two years, 15 law enforcement personnel were hit and killed while standing outside of their vehicles.* Last February, Trooper K.S. Chapman was severely injured in Smyth County after a drunk driver smashed into his patrol car, while it was parked on the side of the road. Trooper Chapman was inside his car finishing up a traffic stop on southbound I-81 when the crash occurred. In 2007, three Virginia State troopers were struck within a month of each other by a passing car while working an incident. Thankfully, none of them was seriously hurt.
“This law is intended to save lives,” says Colonel Flaherty. “We can’t stress enough how important it is for drivers to pay attention and to move over or slow down for all emergency personnel stopped on the side of the road.”
For more information regarding the Move Over law, brochures and public service announcements, visit the Virginia State Police Website at http://www.vsp.virginia.gov.
Location of Virginia Move Over Highway Signs:
- I-77, SB – Mile marker 66.3
(South of the East River Tunnel) - I-77, NB – Mile marker 1.4
- I-81, NB – Mile marker 1.05
**Source: National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
Anti-Gang Program Gets Permanent Funds
March 18, 2008 | Virginia News
Attorney General Bob McDonnell says he's determined to stop gangs, and that means a temporary effort is now going to be permanent.
McDonnell unveiled an anti-gang initiative back in August 2006. A key part of the plan was to create a multi-jurisdiction grand jury. Phil Figura was sworn in as special counsel to lead the grand jury and prosecute gang-related crimes. But the federal grant to support the initiative was set to expire in July. Now the Attorney General's Office has found a way to make the initiative permanent.
Dash Cam Captures Cop Being Hit by Car
March 18, 2008 | National News
PORTLAND, Oregon, March 18, 2008 (NBC) -- Move over! That's the message Hillsboro, Oregon police hope to convey to drivers by releasing dramatic dash-camera video of an officer getting hit at high speed during a traffic stop.
The video, released Friday, first shows Hillsboro police officer Clint Chrz asking a driver questions during a traffic stop on the shoulder of Pacific Highway.
Seconds later, a careless driver rams into Chrz's police motorcycle. The motorcycle slams into the stopped car and Chrz is knocked over.
Profiles in opening government
March 17, 2008 | Virginia News
Sunshine Week emphasizes the importance of open government and freedom of information. Participants include print, broadcast and online news media, civic groups, libraries, nonprofits, schools and others interested in the public's right to know.
Roanoke County justice academy holds graduation for first class
March 15, 2008 | Virginia News
Ten recruits were part of the first class.
After 21 weeks of grueling training and class work, the 10 recruits from the Roanoke County Criminal Justice Academy were finally sworn in Friday night as Roanoke County police officers.
They signed off as a class for the last time, shouting their motto: "As One."
To the Roanoke County officials who won the battle last year to form the new academy, the class will always be "the one" -- the first to graduate.
For years, county officers had trained at the Roanoke police academy in the Jefferson Center. But when the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office pulled out of the regional Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy last year, they and the county police formed the new academy.
While the county police department's split from the city academy was amicable, the departure of the sheriff's office from Cardinal was not.
Experts share tips on interviewing and interrogating
March 15, 2008 | Virginia News
Jay Koerner, a retired Federal Bureau of Investigation agent, told a group of more than 100 law enforcement officials gathered at the Frederick County Public Safety Building on Friday that no matter what interrogation tactics are used, some suspects will not confess their crimes to the police.
Koerner addressed tips for preparing and conducting interviews and interrogations to 119 local, state, and federal law enforcement officials who met at the Public Safety Building for a day-long seminar with representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the State and Local Anti-Terrorism Training program (SLATT), and the Regional Organized Crime Information Center.
Meth Jr.?
March 14, 2008 | Virginia News
Harrisonburg Police say area parents and teachers should be on the lookout for "Strawberry Quick," a designer form of methamphetamine.
The colored meth, which can come in different flavors and colors, is meant to appeal to children, said Special Agent Tom Murphy of the Virginia State Police, who coordinates the local RUSH Drug Task Force.
"It's just another trend of the distributors to try to attract the young crowds and get kids hooked on the drug," Murphy said.
House, Senate pass new budget-- House argues over transportation
March 13, 2008 | Virginia News
The General Assembly passed its $77 billion state government spending plan for the next two years Thursday night, then adjourned five days late.
The austere new budget, tempered by a projected $2 billion revenue shortfall through mid-2010, contains cuts both to state operations and state support for local government, particularly law enforcement.
Police budget proposal in Chesterfield
March 13, 2008 | Virginia News
Chesterfield's police chief believes the Board of Supervisors will do the right thing when comes to funding his department.
Right now, it needs more officers and is on the verge of losing current ones due to low pay and benefits.
Governor Kaine Announces Legislative and Budget Successes
March 13, 2008 | Virginia News
Highlights initiatives in mental health laws, education at all levels, campaign and election reform, public safety, sexual and domestic violence, workforce development, and natural resources
Hundreds of Virginia bills languish in committees
March 13, 2008 | Virginia News
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's legislative priorities that perished on unrecorded votes in House of Delegates subcommittees didn't die alone.
As of the middle of last week, 611 House bills had been killed in subcommittee or neglected to death in a full committee.
Of the 1,917 measures sent to House committees this General Assembly session, 905 did not make it out for a variety of reasons, including being killed in subcommittee or stricken, tabled or incorporated into another bill.
Investigator Exclusive: Secret weapon poses ‘clear and present danger’
March 12, 2008 | National News
AKRON -- An Akron man is peddling plastic knuckles which are just as strong as brass knuckles but can't set off metal detectors in schools, government buildings and airports.
Eight charged in ring selling IDs to illegal immigrants
March 12, 2008 | Virginia News
Eight people have been charged with operating a ring that sold fraudulently obtained identity documents to illegal immigrants who lived mostly in the Harrisonburg area.
Police Furious Over New Web Site RateMyCop.com
March 12, 2008 | National News
Police agencies from coast to coast are furious with a new Web site. RateMyCop.com has the names of thousands of officers, and many believe it is putting them in danger.
The site helps people rate more than 130,000 officers by rating them on authority, fairness and satisfaction, site cofounder Rebecca Costell said in a statement.
Rural Retreat police chief retires
March 11, 2008 | Virginia News
Rural Retreat Police Chief Bob Lewis has helped solve multiple cases of stabbings and assaults during his nearly 24 years on the job. He’s also solved the case of too few television channels.
As the sole member of the Rural Retreat Police Department, Lewis carries the title of chief, but also plays the role of deputy, lieutenant, sergeant, patrol officer and investigator – not to mention counselor, spiritual adviser and, on occasion, TV repairman.
Operation Air, Land & Speed Yields Record Totals on Interstates 81 and 95
March 11, 2008 | Virginia News
16 DUI Arrests – 91 Drug/Felony Arrests – 0 Traffic Fatalities
RICHMOND – The latest traffic safety effort by Virginia State Police on Interstates 81 and 95 yielded 8,844 summonses and arrests. The record totals exceed previous two-day Operation Air, Land & Speed campaigns on the two north-south interstate corridors. There were also, once again, no reported fatalities on either interstate during the course of the operation, which took place Sunday, March 9, and Monday, March 10, 2008.
From the Tennessee border to West Virginia, 3,746 violations were cited by Virginia State Police on I-81. The enhanced enforcement stopped 2,282 speeders on I-81 and cited 223 reckless drivers. Seven drunk drivers were arrested and 17 drug/felony arrests were made by state police. In addition, 142 safety belt violations were cited.
From the North Carolina border to Maryland, state police cited 5,098 violations on I-95. State police cited 2,223 drivers for speeding and issued summonses to 712 individuals for reckless driving. Nine drunk drivers were arrested and 74 drug/felony arrests were made. State police also cited 239 safety belt violations on I-95.
On Sunday during the operation, Virginia State Police Sgt. J.D. Tudor stopped a speeding vehicle on I-95 in Caroline County. The traffic stop resulted in the arrest of two North Carolina juveniles and the recovery of a stolen vehicle, stolen handgun, six stolen credit cards and six stolen cell phones.
“Operation Air, Land & Speed is primarily about saving lives, preventing crashes and changing driving behaviors for the better,” said Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent. “However, these initiatives also demonstrate how effective aggressive traffic enforcement can be when it comes to solving other crimes.”
Since 2006 this has been the eleventh Operation Air, Land & Speed to be conducted on Virginia interstates and brings total summonses and arrests to 60,007. In May, the twelfth operation will concentrate on Northern Virginia’s interstate system.
St. Patrick’s Day – No Luck for Drunk Drivers
Virginia State Police are also participating in the Checkpoint Strikeforce’s annual St. Patrick’s Day enforcement effort that began Monday, March 10, and continues through St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. The weeklong, multi-state, zero-tolerance initiative is designed to get impaired drivers off Virginia’s roads through the use of law enforcement sobriety checkpoints and patrols when and where drunk driving is most likely to occur. The anti-DUI program also works to educate the public about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving.
For more information on Checkpoint Strikeforce and its St. Patrick’s Day SoberRide ® Campaign in Northern Virginia, click on http://www.checkpointstrikeforce.net.
“There is nothing wrong with having a good time celebrating a holiday,” said Colonel Flaherty. “Just make sure you are doing it responsibly and not at the expense of your life or someone else’s life. Drive drug and alcohol free, always buckle up, avoid distractions, share the road and obey speed limits.”
Assembly adds 3 days to session
March 10, 2008 | Virginia News
A bitterly divided General Assembly voted last night to extend the 2008 session by three days in another effort to reach an agreement on the state's $77 billion budget.
At 10:31 p.m., the Virginia Senate voted to concur with the House on the extension. Budget negotiators, who return to work at 1 p.m. today, will have two days to reach a compromise. The assembly is now scheduled to return Tuesday to adopt the budget.
Portsmouth police officer shot during confrontation
March 9, 2008 | Virginia News
A Portsmouth police officer is recovering after being shot in the head during a standoff.
Detective Jan Westerbeck says dispatchers received a call Sunday morning that an armed man was standing outside a residence. Westerbeck says officers arrived, saw a man with a shotgun and asked him to put down his weapon. But Westerbeck says the man began firing. Police returned fire and one officer was shot in the forehead with pellets from the shotgun. The man eventually put down his gun and surrendered.
The officer was treated and released from the hospital. His identity hasn't been released.
Bobbitt Jermal Gladney was charged with attempted capital murder and using a gun during a felony. Westerbeck says Gladney was not injured.
The shooting is under investigation.
Law Enforcement ‘Brotherhood’ Is Challenged To Help Big Stone Gap Detective
March 7, 2008 | Virginia News
BIG STONE GAP, Va. – Police officers from Wise County and the surrounding areas dropped everything Tuesday night and drove with sirens blaring to this Southwest Virginia town after a twister roared through it.
Even the most seasoned officers were shocked at the debris field and the one-mile long, 330-yards-wide path of destruction that an EF-1 tornado cut through the Poplar Hills section of town.
Their hearts sank even more when they learned that one of their own – Big Stone Gap Police Detective Turk Hollinger – lost his home and nearly all of his belongings as he directed traffic in the storm.
Stricter Penalties Approved for Teen Drinking, Driving
March 7, 2008 | Virginia News
The legislature voted this week to impose stiffer fines or more community service on underage drivers who drink, even if their blood alcohol level is below the legal limit. The measure also doubles, to one year, the amount of time a teen driver's license would be suspended.
Police departments could lose funds
March 6, 2008 | Virginia News
Area police departments might suffer funding cuts, after the Virginia House of Delegates passed its version of the state budget on Feb. 21.
The House budget would cut funding for the state's 599 program by $14.9 million during the next two fiscal years.
Senate upholds Kaine’s vetoes
March 5, 2008 | Virginia News
RICHMOND – The Virginia Senate voted this afternoon to uphold Gov. Tim Kaine’s vetoes of two bills to expand the right to carry concealed guns in cars and restaurants.
One bill would have allowed concealed handguns in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol. The Senate voted 22-18 in favor of the bill but fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to override Kaine’s veto.
The second bill would have allowed gun owners without concealed-carry permits to store firearms in locked vehicle compartments. The Senate had passed it 31-9 earlier this session, but six senators changed their votes. The bill therefore passed 25-15 but also fell short of the two-thirds majority.
Kaine said Tuesday that he vetoed the bills based largely on concerns raised by public safety officials. He said objections from the restaurant industry also factored into his decision to veto the bill allowing guns in places that serve alcohol.
Kaine vetoes 2 gun-rights measures
March 5, 2008 | Virginia News
The first was on guns in restaurants; the second on keeping firearms in vehicle compartments.
RICHMOND -- Gov. Tim Kaine on Tuesday vetoed legislation that would allow concealed handguns in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, saying the proposal would put patrons, employees and law enforcement officers at risk.
The governor also vetoed a measure that would allow gun owners without concealed-carry permits to store firearms in locked vehicle compartments, despite the fact that the measure had broad support in both chambers of the General Assembly.
Kaine vetoes expansion of death penalty
March 5, 2008 | Virginia News
RICHMOND – Gov. Tim Kaine vetoed a pair of bills today to broaden the death penalty by eliminating the state’s “triggerman rule."
Senate Bill 560 and House Bill 933, which are identical, would extend that eligibility for capital punishment to certain accomplices who share “the same intent” as the actual killer.
Despite arguments from the bill’s supporters, Kaine sees the bill as an expansion of the death penalty, which he opposes on moral grounds.
FOIA Restrictions Considered by General Assembly
March 5, 2008 | Virginia News
Defenders of open government battled legislation to restrict the public’s right to know this past week as both General Assembly chambers discussed a number of restrictions and amendments to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Rockingham County Turns Over ‘Criminal Aliens’
March 5, 2008 | Virginia News
72 Designated For Deportation In Seven-Month Span
HARRISONBURG - In the last seven months, county officials say, 72 "criminal aliens" in the Rockingham County Jail have been turned over to federal immigration authorities for deportation.
Federal officials use the term "criminal alien" to refer to noncitizens - illegal immigrants or aliens authorized to be in the U.S. through a green card or other documentation - who have been detained on a criminal matter.
Some, but not all, of those six dozen immigrants have been deported, and 22 others remain in the county jail for further criminal proceedings.
Once those proceedings are over and any sentences served, the remaining 22 will be turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation. The deportations are the result of county deputies scrutinizing the citizenship status of 191 defendants.
The intense scrutiny is part of a recent partnership with immigration officials known as the 287G program, which confers federal immigration powers on local agencies, said Cpl. D.E. Lester, one of the deputies. In the past, ICE had one person representing 52 counties, including Rockingham.
Lynchburg appoints acting police chief
March 5, 2008 | Virginia News
Major Parks Snead will take over March 10
By Carrie J. Sidener
Lynchburg News & Advance
An acting chief has been named for the Lynchburg Police Department.
Major Parks Snead has been appointed to fill in until a replacement for Chief Charles Bennett is hired.
Snead takes over the position on March 10. He joined the department in 1984 and has served as commander of the Field Operation Bureau since August 2007.
Bennett’s final day is March 14. He decided to retire last year and take a position as a senior law enforcement advisor for the U.S. government in Iraq.
Assembly Update: Del. Wants Interrogations To Be On The Record
March 4, 2008 | Virginia News
FOR DEL. Al Eisenberg (D-47), it’s crucially important that the interrogations of juveniles who have been accused of a crime be documented on video and audio.
He said that, according to research he uncovered, juveniles give false information in almost three fourths of their confessions. “We were blown away by those statistics,” Eisenberg said.
VPA Police Captain Earns US Coast Guard Reserve’s Highest Annual Honor
March 4, 2008 | VACP
VACP member Capt. Monty Willaford of the Virginia Port Authority Police named Outstanding Junior Officer for 2007.
NORFOLK, VA – The U.S. Coast Guard Reserve this month announced that Virginia Port Authority Police Capt. Monty Willaford has been named as the Outstanding Junior Officer for 2007.
The annual award recognizes an individual for notable contributions to the Coast Guard, demonstrated leadership ability, exemplary performance of Coast Guard duties and significant civic accomplishments.
“I am not surprised by this at all; Capt. Willaford is one the hardest-working individuals I have ever known,” said Andrew Engemann, chief of the VPA Police Department. “We have an outstanding relationship with the USCG as a direct result of Capt. Willaford’s involvement in both domains. During his two years here Capt. Willaford has made dramatic improvements in our physical security. His attention to every detail in the regulations has resulted in the USCG finding that we are in full compliance during routine and unannounced inspections.”
Willaford has completed the Unified Command Course at Texas A&M University and is qualified to serve in any position in the National Incident Management System Incident Command Structure. He serves on the Hampton Roads Maritime Security Committee; is a volunteer firefighter; and is a sector captain of a Clean the Bay work crew -- his work has earned him the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
Moreover, Willaford is the shore-side security division chief at Port Security Unit 305 [Ft. Eustis], a position normally held by a more senior officer.
“His leadership of the security division was instrumental to his unit [PSU 305] achieving a score of 97.25 percent at its most recent tailored unit training activity final exercise,” said USCG Capt. D.J. McClellan, acting director of reserve and training.
The formal announcement of the award was made in Washington, D.C., in February at the annual Reserve Officer Association Conference.
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The Virginia Port Authority (VPA) is an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, reporting to the state Secretary of Transportation. The VPA owns and operates four general cargo facilities on behalf of the state: Norfolk International Terminals, Portsmouth Marine Terminal, Newport News Marine Terminal and the Virginia Inland Port in Warren County. The terminals are operated by Virginia International Terminals, Inc. (VIT) the non-stock, non-profit operating company. The VPA, through terminal earnings generated by VIT, is operationally self-sufficient. The VPA and correlating maritime industry is responsible for 343,000 jobs and $41 billion in total revenue.
Contact:
Joe Harris, Media Relations Manager
Tel: (757) 683-2137 / (800) 446-8098
Cell: (757) 617-0006
Fax: (757) 683-2897
Deadly drivers: Urge to drive makes solutions tough
March 3, 2008 | Virginia News
Drivers in Virginia can have their license taken away for a variety of reasons - the most common include failing to pay fines and court costs, convictions for offenses like drunk driving and drug possession and failure to maintain insurance.
Statewide, roughly one in seven drivers had a suspended license in 2007, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
While the state doesn’t track how many drivers get behind the wheel without a valid license, police and court officials say many get caught again and again.
Combi USA Recalling 67,000 Child Safety Seats
March 3, 2008 | National News
Combi USA, Inc. (Combi) is announcing a voluntary safety recall of the Centre, Centre ARB, and Shuttle Rear Facing Infant Restraints.
The Centre and Shuttle were manufactured from October 19, 2005 to December 15, 2007. No other models are affected by this recall. Combi USA, Inc., the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada conducted numerous in-vehicle laboratory tests to analyze the overall effectiveness of the Centre and Shuttle in motor vehicle frontal crashes. In some cases these tests exceeded the requirements of the current US standard. The test data revealed that the seat of the restraint could potentially separate from its base, when tested under these conditions.
All Centre and Shuttle restraints have consistently met existing government safety standards. While Combi has not received any owner reports of these seats separating from the base in real-world crashes, Combi is initiating this voluntary safety recall to address the potential for seat separation as demonstrated in testing of the seat in motor vehicles. Combi will conduct a voluntary recall campaign with the intent of providing car seats with enhanced protection under these in-vehicle test conditions.
Number of Units Affected: approximately 67,000 Date Produced: October 19, 2005 to December 15, 2007
Model numbers affected are: 8065, 8074, 8086, 8087 and 8520 and associated Travel systems containing the Centre and Shuttle (Model #4400, 4515, 4520)
The model number and date of manufacture may be found on a sticker located on the underside of the car seat.
Combi will mail all registered owners a notification letter describing how to obtain a free retrofit kit. Those consumers who have not registered their product should immediately visit our website at www.combi-intl.com or call Combi Consumer Relations Department at 1-800-543-7734 Monday through Thursday between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to place an order for your free retrofit kit. You will not incur any shipping costs and your order will arrive within 6-8 weeks. Until you receive and install your retrofit kit, Combi recommends that consumers use the Combi Centre and Shuttle without the base. Please refer to your instruction manual for proper installation without the base. These seats are designed for and safe to use without the base. There is no need to return the affected seats to the retailer.
Our first priority at Combi is to provide the highest level of safety and quality to the children we protect. We are taking this action in the interest of children who use our products and to ensure the public’s trust in our products.
Virginia takes center stage in gun debate
March 3, 2008 | Virginia News
Even with fresh memories of the Virginia Tech shootings, residents are divided about whether to restrict guns.
It's a simple device, really. By modern standards, downright basic. A metal tube. A tiny explosion. A bit of lead that zips through the air at up to 4,000 feet per second and rips a hole in nearly anything in its path.
After that, nothing about guns is simple. The stakes are just too high. When the squeeze of a finger can end a life -- or save one -- people tend to line up at the extremes. They hate guns, or they love them.
Americans clash over guns now more than ever. And nowhere is that conflict at a higher pitch than in Virginia -- where the specter of the worst shooting in modern U.S. history hangs over Virginia Tech's campus.
The killings in April in Blacksburg thrust a stunned Virginia into headlines around the world. They also galvanized both sides of the gun debate: Clearly, one side says, the country has too many guns. Clearly, says the other, it doesn't have enough.
This year, the pendulum is swinging toward more.
Deadly drivers: Police, courts can’t keep up with illegal drivers
March 2, 2008 | Virginia News
It starts with the "suspended shuffle."
The driver pats jacket and pants pockets when asked by a police officer to produce a license.
"That's when I ask, 'Are you suspended?' and they say, 'I shouldn't be,'" said Trooper M.D. Okuley of the Virginia State Police. "That's not the answer a valid driver usually gives."
It's a frustrating situation for law enforcement. Some say as many as two out of every 10 drivers they stop are not validly licensed. Many drivers have been caught two, three, even 10 or more times on a suspended or revoked license.
Pr. William Immingration Crackdown To Cost More Than Planned
March 2, 2008 | Virginia News
First-Year Estimate Rises to $6.4 Million
Prince William County's much-publicized plan to curb illegal immigration goes into effect tomorrow, facing new questions about whether it will bring the "big bang for the buck" that Board of County Supervisors Chairman Corey A. Stewart predicts.
Nearly four months after the board approved the plan, the supervisors now realize it is going to cost more than expected without a clear way to measure its impact.
The policy requires Prince William police to check a suspect's citizenship, even in minor offenses, if they think the person might be in the country illegally. It also denies some county services to illegal immigrants.
The board learned Tuesday that it will cost Prince William $6.4 million to enforce the policy in the first year, more than twice as much as estimated. The five-year price tag is about $26 million.
New D.A.R.E. School Curriculum Addresses Rx and OTC Drug Abuse
March 2, 2008 | National News
(December 12, 2007) A new school curriculum that counters abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs was the topic of conversation at a press conference today in Washington, D.C.
The curriculum is comprised of components for students as well as presentations for parents. This curriculum was created by D.A.R.E. America (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), with the support and expertise of law enforcement officials; the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA); Abbott; the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA); and a number of other organizations, including the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations' Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (SAMHSA/CSAT) and the Partnership for a Drug-Free America (the Partnership).
According to the 2005 Partnership Attitude Tracking Survey conducted by the Partnership, while the abuse of illegal drugs is on the decline, statistics on teen abuse of legal drugs show a disturbing trend: -- One in three teens reports having a close friend who abuses prescription pain relievers to get high. -- One in four has a close friend who abuses over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine to get