Virginia State Police

Infobox Law enforcement agency
agencyname = Virginia State Police
nativename =
nativenamea =
nativenamer =
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formedyear = 1932
preceding1 = Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
preceding2 =
dissolved =
superseding =
legaljuris = Commonwealth of Virginia
headquarters = Richmond, Virginia Chesterfield County
employees = 2,603 (1,921 Sworn, 682 Civilian)
budget =
chief1name = W. Steven Flaherty
chief1position = Colonel, Superintendent
chief2name = Robert B. Northern
chief2position = Lieutenant Colonel, Deputy Superintendent
parentagency = Secretary of Public Safety
website = http://www.vsp.state.va.us/
footnotes =

The Virginia Department of State Police, established in 1932, is the state police force for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The agency originated out of the Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles as an vehicle inspection agency and an enforcer of highway laws. It is currently one of fourteen agencies within the Cabinet Secretariat of Public Safety, under the leadership of John W. Marshall, a former State Police trooper and U.S. Marshal. Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, with 31 years of lawenforcement experience, was appointed to lead the Virginia State Police by then-Governor Mark R.Warner in October of 2003.

Virginia State Police achieved its initial accreditation in 1986, and was the second state law-enforcement agency in the nation to receive such a prestigious recognition. Since then, the State Police has continually maintained its accredited status through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Inc. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/accreditation.shtm]

As of March 2008 the Virginia State Police has a total of 2,603 employees. There are 1,520 sworn members in the Field Operations and Administrative Support Services bureaus. The remaining 401 sworn members comprise the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. There are a total of 682 civilian employees working in all three bureaus.

According to the Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics Survey conducted in 2000, the Virginia State Police was the 30th largest police department and 9th largest state police/highway patrol in the nation with 1,883 sworn members. [http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/lemas00.pdf] In a more recent survey conducted in 2006 by the FBI the Virginia State Police was still ranked 9th in size among state police and highway patrols, with 2,610 employees(1,945 sworn & 665 civilian). [http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/cius2006/data/table_76.html]

The Virginia State Police is the largest police agency in the Commonwealth of Virginia. ----

Brief History

In 1919 the Virginia State Police was "conceived" with the passing of The Automobile Acts which stated that the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and his assistants were vested with the powers of sheriff for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this law. The Secretary of the Commonwealth continued to be responsible for this regulation. The burden of enforcement still remained with sheriffs and constables in counties and police officers in the cities and towns.

The Motor Vehicle Act was passed in 1919, creating the first title laws for Virginia motor vehicle owners.

In 1932 inspectors became "empowered" to enforce criminal codes, as well as motor vehicle codes. In doing so, legislators created a state enforcement group with the power of arrest anywhere in Virginia. A mobile enforcement agency was now ready for duty wherever civil strife or emergency conditions might exist that would warrant police personnel to ensure peace and security. It was at this time that inspectors began to be known as "troopers."

On November 3, 1938, an executive order from Majors Bishop and Nicholas officially adopted the title of "State Trooper." The purpose of this was to identify specific members of the Division of Motor Vehicles performing in the roles of inspector and motorcycle deputy.

On March 14, 1942, the General Assembly abolished the existing Division of Motor Vehicles and created two separate agencies: The Division of Motor Vehicles and The Department of State Police. The act called for the position of a superintendent for the State Police and a commissioner for the Division of Motor Vehicles. Major C. W. Woodson, Jr. was officially appointed as superintendent for the State Police. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/history.shtm]

Trooper's Pledge

"Humbly recognizing the responsibilitiesentrusted to me as a member of the Department of State Police,an organization dedicated to the preservation of human life and property,I pledge myself to perform my duties honestly and faithfullyto the best of my ability and without fear, favor or prejudice.

"I shall aid those in danger or distress,and shall strive always to make my State and Countrya safer place in which to live.I shall wage unceasing war against crime in all its forms,and shall consider no sacrifice too greatin the performance of my duty.

I shall obey the laws of the United States of Americaand of the Commonwealth of Virginia,and shall support and defend their constitutionsagainst all enemies whomsoever, foreign and domestic.I shall always be loyal to and upholdthe honor of my organization, my State and my Country." [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Trooper_Pledge_text.shtm]

Prior to graduation every trooper trainee dedicates the Troopers Pledge to memory, honoring those who have come before them, reciting it during the graduation ceremony.

[http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Employment_Trooper_Recruitment_Ranks.shtm Rank Structure]

Bureau of Field Operations (BFO)
*Colonel
*Lieutenant Colonel
*Major
*Captain
*Lieutenant
*First Sergeant
*Sergeant
*Master Trooper [not rank, (pay raise), based on length of service, 25+ years]
*Senior Trooper [not rank, (pay raise), based on length of service, 9+ years]
*Trooper II [not rank (pay raise), automatic after 1 year probationary period]
*Trooper I (probationary trooper)
*Trainee (during academy training)

"'Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI)
*Lieutenant Colonel
*Major
*Captain
*Lieutenant
*First Sergeant
*Senior Special Agent [not rank (pay raise)]
*Special Agent (pay raise)

Uniform and Equipment

In 1931 to honor the men who fought the bitter battles of the Civil War 70 years before, blue shirts were selected for the Union and gray pants for the Confederacy. The standard Class A Trooper uniform consists of a light blue colored button-up shirt, with long sleeves in winter and short sleeves in summer. A black tie is worn with the long-sleeve shirt. Patches are sewn to each sleeve. Gray pants with a Dark Blue stripe down the sides are worn year round. Black Clarino shoes and Sam Browne belt, without cross strap, gun belt are worn with the uniform.

Virginia State Police, along with the Maryland State Police, the West Virginia State Police, the Massachusetts State Police, the Virginia Capitol Police, and the Henrico County Police of Virginia, wear a badge directly over their shirt pocket. Virginia, Maryland and Michigan State Police all utilize the same style badge, however Maryland's is gold and the Virginia and Michigan state police badges are silver.

A black semi-gloss straw Campaign hat is worn year round. A modified winter fur cap can be worn in the colder months.

A dark blue dress blouse and standard black Clarino Sam Browne gun belt, without the cross strap, are worn for special occasions. Dark blue work jackets are utilized for colder months.

Sergeants and First Sergeant wear silver, out lined in blue, chevrons showing their rank on both sleeves.

Issued Weapons

Troopers are issued the Sig Sauer P229 .357 sig DAK pistol, the Remington 870 12 gauge shotgun, and a Colt M4 Carbine patrol rifle.

Previous Issued Weapons

Sig Sauer P229 DA/SA .357 sig Issued from 1997 to 2004

Sig Sauer P228 DA/SA 9mm Issued from 1993 to 1997.

Smith and Wesson S&W Model 1026 10mm DA/SA 5inch barrel stainless semi-auto pistol Issued from 1990 to 1993.

Smith and Wesson S&W Model 64 .38 caliber 4 inch barrel stainless steel revolver issued in mid 1970's to 1990.

Colt Officers Model .38 caliber 4 inch barrel revolver was used from 1967 until the mid 1970's.

Colt .38 caliber 6 inch barrel Official Police Special revolver was used up until 1967.

Thompson submachine gun .45 caliber Used from the 1930s until 1974.

Issued Vehicles

The state police has used many different makes and models since it's inception.

Motorcycles

In 1924 DMV created a motorcycle patrol force and all inspectors were issued one. Indian and Harley-Davidson motorcycles were used until 1954. In 1987 the Department re-instituted the use of motorcycles and purchased Harley-Davidson FXRP's. Kawasaki KZ1000's were purchased in 1992 and two BMW R1100RT-P's were purchased in 2001. Since 2002 only Harley-Davidsons have been used.

Patrol Cars

Prior to 1928 inspectors only used automobiles once they had seized a vehicle used to transport illegal whiskey and it had been released to the Division for enforcement purposes by the courts. Fords became the first issued patrol vehicles in 1928. In 1932 white Chevrolet roadsters and white motorcycles were purchased and became known as the "The Great White Fleet". Fords and Chevys were the main staple of the patrol force in the 1930s and early 1940s. In 1945 post-war acquisitions of police vehicles were rare and troopers made arrangements to purchase vehicles wherever they could. Buicks and Pontiacs supplemented the fleet until auto manufacturers resumed normal production.

In 1948 the Department adopted the distinctive blue and gray paint scheme for all vehiles. Later in 1952 reflective markings were adopted and used for all marked vehicles. Those same markings are still in use today.

During the 1940s, 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's the Department purchased Fords, Chevy's, Chryslers, and Plymouths for use as patrol cars. Ford's and Chevy's were used mainly used in the 90's and 2000's. Dodge Chargers were introduced into the fleet in 2006.

Red emergency lights had be in use until 1985 and then were replaced with blue emergency lights. Bar lights were phased onto vehicles in 1988 replacing the single "bubble gum" light. "TROOPER" decals were added to the front fenders of patrol cars in 1998. Also in 1998 the Department adopted Ford silver replacing the gray in the traditional paint scheme. Only the hood, ceiling and trunk were painted blue. This was due to budget constraints and that Ford stop using that particular gray paint. "Slicktop" Chevrolet Impalas were put into use beginning in 2001. Seven "slicktop" 2002 Chevrolet 9C1 Camaros were put into service in high traffic areas in 2002.

In 2006 the Department purchased 30+ Hemi V8 Dodge Chargers and for the first time since 1948 adopted new graphics for the marked and slicktop Chargers. Current budget restraints prohibit the new markings from being implemented onto the standard fleet.

Organizational Structure

The Department of State Police is primarily divided into three bureaus: Bureau of Field Operations (BFO), Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and Bureau of Administrative and Support Services (BASS). Each Bureau Director, who holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, reports directly to the Deputy Superintendent.Fact|date=August 2008

The Superintendent’s Office includes the Executive Protective Unit (EPU), Professional StandardsUnit, and the Public Relations Office (PRO). [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/downloads/Facts_and_Figures_2006.pdf] ----

uperintendent's Office

Public Relations Office

Regional Public Information Officers are located in Richmond, Culpeper, Appomattox, Wytheville, Chesapeake, Salem/Roanoke and Fairfax County.

The Public Relations Office serves as the primary contact for local, state, and national media through its response to incidents and dissemination of news releases about Department programs and activities. The office also maintains daily contact with the public through outreach and education. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Public_Relations.shtm]

Professional Standards Unit

The Professional Standards Unit is responsible for the internal affairs, internal audits and staff inspection functions within the Department of State Police.

The Internal Affairs Section conducts and coordinates the investigations of allegations ofmisconduct on the part of Department employees.

The Internal Audit Section provides the Department with independent and objective audits and reviews of Department operations. In addition, this section conducts special projects, including payroll tests and verification of cash balances of various funds.

The Staff Inspection Section conducts inspections of all organizational components within theDepartment, ensuring compliance with National Accreditation Standards, OSHA requirements,and Department policies and procedures. The Staff Inspection Section also manages all records retention and destruction within the Department. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Professional_Standards.shtm]

Office of Performance Management and Internal Controls (OPMIC)

The Office of Performance Management and Internal Controls (OPMIC) was created following the Governor’s implementation of a performance management program for all state agencies. OPMIC reviews tracks and monitors the objectives established in the Virginia Performs (www.vaperforms.Virginia.gov) performance management system, and ensures compliance with standards developed by central government oversight agencies. Additionally, the office is responsible for conducting internal audits, operational reviews, program evaluations and strengthening the Department’s system of internal controls. OPMIC also manages the Department’s accreditation and grants management programs. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/OPMIC.shtm] ----

Bureau of Field Operations (BFO)

The Bureau of Field Operations has as its primary responsibility the patrolling of over 64,000 miles of state roadways and interstate highways throughout Virginia. Personnel provide both traffic enforcement and criminal law enforcement.

The Bureau also is responsible for managing the Aviation Unit, Crime Prevention Office, Drug Abuse Resistance Education Office (D.A.R.E.), Counter-Terrorism & Criminal Interdiction Unit (CCI), the Safety Division, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, the Executive Protective Unit (EPU) and the 48 BFO Area Offices.

The Commonwealth's geography and size dictate the need to decentralize uniformed police services into seven field divisions. These divisions are further subdivided into 48 State Police areas that consist of one or more cities and/or counties. Manpower is allocated based upon workload demands at the city and county level. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BFO.shtm]

Field Offices

Division One - Richmond

Area 1 Office (Counties of Hanover and Henrico, primarily Interstates 95 and 295)

Area 2 Office (Counties of Essex, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond and Westmoreland)

Area 3 Office (Counties of Charles City, King and Queen, King William and New Kent)

Area 4 Office (Counties of Goochland and Louisa)

Area 6 Office (Counties of Chesterfield (primarily Interstate 95, Chippenham Parkway,:::: Powhite Parkway and Rt 288) Powhatan and Amelia)

Area 7 Office (Counties of Dinwiddie, Nottoway and Prince George)

Area 8 Office (City of Richmond and Henrico County, primarily Interstates 95, 64 and 895)

Area 44 Office (Counties of Caroline and King George)

Division Two - Culpeper

Area 5 Office (Counties of Spotsylvania and Stafford, as well as the City of Fredericksburg)

Area 12 Office (Counties of Fauquier and Rappahannock)

Area 13 Office (Counties of Clarke, Frederick and Warren)

Area 14 Office (Counties of Page and Shenandoah)

Area 15 Office (Counties of Culpeper, Madison and Orange)

Area 16 Office (County of Rockingham)

Division Three - Appomattox

Area 17 Office (County of Augusta)

Area 18 Office (Counties of Albemarle, Greene, and Nelson)

Area 19 Office (Counties of Buckingham, Cumberland, and Fluvanna)

Area 20 Office (Counties of Amherst and Campbell)

Area 21 Office (Counties of Appomattox and Prince Edward)

Area 22 Office (Counties of Lunenburg and Mecklenburg)

Area 23 Office (Counties of Halifax and Charlotte)

Division Four - Wytheville

Area 24 Office (Counties of Giles and Pulaski)

Area 25 Office (Counties of Carroll and Grayson)

Area 26 Office (Counties of Bland, Smyth, and Wythe)

Area 27 Office (Counties of Scott and Washington)

Area 28 Office (Counties of Russell and Tazewell)

Area 29 Office (Counties of Buchanan and Dickenson)

Area 30 Office (Counties of Lee and Wise)

Division Five - Chesapeake

Area 31 Office (Counties of Accomack and Northampton)

Area 32 Office (Cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Primarily Interstates 64, 264 and 564)

Area 33 Office (Counties of Gloucester, Mathews and Middlesex)

Area 34 Office (Counties of Isle of Wight and Southampton)

Area 35 Office (Counties of Brunswick and Greensville)

Area 36 Office (Counties of Surry and Sussex)

Area 37 Office (Counties of James City and York)

Area 46 Office (Cities of Hampton, Newport News, and Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel :::: (including the approach roads thereto. Primarily Interstates 64, 264, 664)

Area 47 Office (Cities of Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. Primarily Interstates 64, :::: 464, 564)

Division Six - Salem

Area 38 Office (Counties of Alleghany, Bath, and Highland)

Area 39 Office (Counties of Botetourt and Rockbridge)

Area 40 Office (Counties of Craig, Montgomery, Roanoke and Floyd)

Area 41 Office (Counties of Bedford and Franklin)

Area 42 Office (Counties of Henry and Patrick)

Area 43 Office (County of Pittsylvania)

Division Seven - Fairfax

Area 9 Office (Fairfax County: Patrol responsibility for I-66 from its intersection with:::: I-495 to the Fairfax/Prince William County line. Patrol responsibility for :::: I-495 from its intersection with I-95 to the Maryland State line.)

Area 10 Office (Loudoun County)

Area 11 Office (Prince William County, primarily I-95)

Area 45 Office (Arlington County, Fairfax County, Cities of Alexandria and Falls Church: :::: Patrol responsibility for I-395 inside the Capital Beltway to the Washington,:::: D.C. city line. Patrol responsibility for I-66 from its intersection with I-495:::: to the Washington, D.C. city line. Patrol responsibility for the Dulles Toll:::: Road from its intersection with I-66 to the Fairfax/Loudoun County line.)

Area 48 Office (Fairfax County, City of Alexandria: Patrol responsibility for I-95 from the:::: Prince William/Fairfax County line to the Maryland State line.) [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Office_Locations.shtm]

Aviation Unit

The Virginia State Police Aviation Unit was formed on January 1, 1984, to provide for theadministration and coordination of the department’s aviation resources. During its 23 year existence, the Aviation Unit has recorded 87,496 flight hours responding to58,618 flight requests.

The Virginia State Police has four aviation bases. They are located in Chesterfield (central VA), Abingdon (south west VA), Manassas (northern VA), and in Lynchburg (western VA).The unit operates seven helicopters and four airplanes across Virginia.::4 Cessna 182 airplanes::4 Bell 407 helicopters::1 American Eurocopter BK117 helicopter::2 American Eurocopter B0-105 helicoptersThe BK117 and BO-105’s are primarily used for medical evacuation operation.

The Unit’s primary mission is to provide aircraft for:::Medical Evacuation ::Search & Rescue ::Law Enforcement

Medical Evacuation

The Department operates three helicopter medical evacuation programs that serve Central and Southwest Virginia. These programs provide rapid response, advanced medical procedures, and transport for critically injured patients to level one trauma centers. Combined, these programs serve 43 hospitals and the citizens residing in 59 counties and 34 cities.

Med-Flight I began operations on April 1, 1984, and responds to calls for assistance in a 60 mile radius of Richmond.

Med-Flight II began operations on January 1, 1987 and responds to calls for assistance in a 60 mile radius of Abingdon.

Med-Flight III began operations on September 1, 2000, and responds to calls for assistance predominately along the Lynchburg-Route 29 corridor to Danville and in a 60 mile radius of Lynchburg.

From April 1, 1984 to December 21, 2005, the Med-Flight programs have responded to 17,627 calls and transported 12,306 patients.

Search and Rescue

Utilizing a Forward Looking Infra-Red system on one helicopter and a 30 million candlepower searchlight on the other helicopters, the Unit has been successful in locating fugitives, missing persons, and lost children.

Surveillance

The Aviation Unit also utilizes aircraft to conduct surveillances, and in 2005 received the following requests:

81 for drug or narcotic surveillance 81 for other criminal surveillance matters 28 miscellaneous assistance surveillance As a result, 20 arrests were made and 1,865 marijuana plants were located at a value of $1,865,000.00.

Other Law Enforcement Duties

The Aviation Unit provides aerial support to any federal, state, or municipal agency whereby the solution of a police problem or mission may be obtained.

The requests included photographing crime scenes, providing support for presidential motorcades, participating in multi-agency task force efforts, and demonstrations of the capabilities of the Aviation Unit’s aircraft. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BFO_Aviation.shtm]

Executive Protective Unit (EPU)

The primary responsibilities of the Executive Protective Unit are to provide security and transportation for the Governor and immediate family members. The most capable personnel from the Department are selected for this assignment to maintain a high level of loyalty, trust, and respect between the Governor and each trooper. In addition to providing security, this unit must coordinate with the Governor's staff regarding the Governor's scheduling, travel arrangements, lodging, and other necessary commitments to ensure cohesive and orderly activity.

There are times when out-of-state governors and other dignitaries visit the Commonwealth, and this unit coordinates their security needs and itineraries to ensure travel requirements and appointments are synchronized with those of the Governor. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/EPU.shtm]

D.A.R.E. Office

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) is a validated, copyrighted, comprehensive drug and violence prevention education program for children in kindergarten through 12th grade. D.A.R.E. represents a collaborative effort between school and law enforcement personnel.

D.A.R.E. is a cooperative program by the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Education and local law enforcement agencies and school divisions.

The primary goals of D.A.R.E. are to prevent substance abuse among school children (juveniles) and help them develop effective violence resistance techniques. The core curriculum targets young children to prepare them to avoid substance abuse and violence as they enter adolescence.

The Department of State Police through the Virginia State D.A.R.E. Training Center is dedicated to the D.A.R.E. Program perpetuation and expansion in Virginia. The agency as a whole supports the mission of D.A.R.E.

In addition to the various D.A.R.E. Curricula, D.A.R.E. Officers have delivered presentations covering various topics to 495,265 citizens throughout the Commonwealth. These topics have included crime prevention topics such as Halloween safety tips, seat belts, child seats, Class Action, and many other related subjects. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/DARE.shtm]

afety Division

The VSP Safety Division consists of two sections; the Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Program and the Motor Carrier Safety Unit. There are seven area offices, one located in each field Division.

Area 61 - Richmond Area 62 - Culpeper Area 63 - Appomattox Area 64 - Wytheville Area 65 - Chesapeake Area 66 - Salem Area 67 - Fairfax Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Program

The purpose of the program and the inspection itself is so that vehicles operating on the highways of Virginia meet minimum safety requirements, thus reducing crashes due to defective equipment. This section investigates inspection complaints, monitors all inspection stations, conducts examinations for inspectors and provides inspection materials (manuals / stickers) for the licensed stations.

As of December 31, 2006, there were 4,235 active inspection stations located throughout theCommonwealth of Virginia. There were 14,308 licensed safety inspectors who performedapproximately 7,792,000 inspections at appointed stations during 2006. Approximately 24%(1,910,000 vehicles) of all vehicles submitted for inspection were rejected for unsafecomponents.

Motor Carrier Safety Unit

The motor carrier safety and hazardous materials units were created in 1982. In 1995 the Motor Carrier Safety Unit was made a part of the Safety Division.

The department's Motor Carrier Safety teams ensure that trucks and buses meet safetyrequirements on Virginia highways. Troopers assigned to the Motor Carrier Safety programregularly present lectures to the public and other interested groups on motor carrier safety andhazardous materials regulations. They also serve as instructors in criminal justice trainingseminars.

Motor Carrier Safety teams respond to hazardous material spills or incidents andconduct post-crash investigations of heavy commercial vehicles involved in accidents.

Data indicates that during 2006, Troopers conducted 40,730 in-depth inspections on heavycommercial vehicles and 9,588 of these, or 23.5 percent, were placed out of service forviolations of regulations governing safety equipment and transportation of hazardousmaterials. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/downloads/Facts_and_Figures_2006.pdf]

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement

In 1982 Inspectors from the Department of Motor Vehicles were transferred to the Department of State Police and received training at the State Police Academy. After 12 weeks of instruction and graduation, Weight Enforcement Officers (WEO) were assigned to the 11 weigh stations across the state for the purpose of enforcing commercial vehicle laws. These WEO's were the precursor positions to CVEO's.

The Department has 55 Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers (CVEO) whose primary responsibilities include the inspection and measurement of commercial vehicles that utilize the highways of the Commonwealth. During 2004, approximately 16.2 million commercial vehicles passed through Virginia's 13 permanent weigh stations for inspection. Through the inspection of these vehicles and through other enforcement initiatives, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers issued 73,038 summonses and made 303 criminal arrests. This program is vital to Virginia's overall highway safety program through the protection of roadways from overweight and oversized vehicles; through assurances that commercial vehicles are mechanically safe to operate on the highways; and through the validation of all commercial vehicle operators to ensure they are properly licensed to operate a commercial vehicles in the Commonwealth. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BFO_CVE.shtm]

Crime Prevention

THe VSP provides specialized training to selected troopers throughout the State in crime prevention and personal safety. Participating troopers receive training in "Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design" (CPTED), business security and techniques to promote personal safety. All training is part of an intensified crime prevention curriculum that enables troopers to achieve certification through the Department of Criminal Justice Services as crime prevention specialists. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BFO_CrimePrevention.shtm]

Motorist Assistance Program

The Motorist Assistance Program operated by the VSP currently operates in the four largest metropolitan areas in Virginia with operations in Chesapeake, Fairfax, Richmond and in the Roanoke/Salem areas.

State Police motorist assistance aides provide services such as fixing flat tires, providing gasoline, jump-starting vehicles, traffic control, and making cellular phone calls for additional assistance or to notify family members of a stranded motorist's situation. Motorist Assistance Aides also were instrumental in the arrest of drunk drivers and aggressive drivers by reporting erratic driving behavior to troopers who subsequently made the apprehension. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BFO_MotoristAssistance.shtm]

Specialty Teams

Each of the seven field divisions deploys tactical teams, canine teams and SCUBA teams. These teams are available 24 hours a day to assist local law enforcement agencies or State Police personnel. Tactical teams assist in the execution of high-risk search or arrest warrants and in dealing with hostage situations. Canine teams are available to track lost persons or fugitives, search for suspects of crimes, and detect illegal drugs, explosives, or accelerants used in arsons. SCUBA teams are used to recover drowning victims, conduct swift water rescues, or search for evidence of criminal activity. Troopers apply for specialties and are selected by supervisors in those programs. Troopers who are selected for specialties receive no extra compensation.

Canine Program

In 1961 the canine program was instituted to afford the State Police and all enforcement agencies the tracking abilities of German shepherd dogs. One trooper and canine were assigned to each State Police division. In 1988 the Department initiated narcotic canine and handler training for Department personnel and local police agencies.

Canine Teams are available to track lost persons or fugitives, search for suspects, and detectillegal drugs, explosives or accelerants used in arsons. At the present time, there are twocanine training facilities operated by the Department. The first is located at the TrainingAcademy in Richmond and the second is located at the Abingdon Regional Jail in WashingtonCounty.

The VSP trains selected troopers to become Canine Handlers in one of five areas.
* Patrol and Apprehension (As of 2006 there are 13 Patrol Canine Teams)
* Narcotics Detection (As of 2006 there are 19 Narcotics Canine Teams)
* Explosive and Weapons Detection (As of 2006 there are 19 Explosives Canine Teams)
* Accelerant Detection (As of 2006 there are 2 Accelerant Canine Teams)
* Search and Rescue (The VSP currently has 1 Bloodhound located centrally in the state)

Throughout the programs history several types of canines have been utilized. Rottweiler's, German Shepherd's, Labrador Retriever's, Belgian Malinois's and the recent addition of a Bloodhound have been used for specific duties. The VSP trains their canines in one area and does not cross train.

Tactical Team Program

Within each of the seven State Police field divisions, a Tactical Operation Team is maintained. These teams are available to assist local agencies and other State Police members in the arrest and apprehension of individuals known to pose a threat to law enforcement officials and in other situations where there is a risk to police officer safety.

SCUBA Program

In 1962 the State Police began training and equipping troopers with SCUBA equipment. Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus SCUBA allowed troopers to search for victims of drowning or homicide, discarded firearms or evidence.

The department’s Search and Recovery Team (SART) conducts search andrecovery and rescue operations throughout Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, andKentucky, assisting both state and local agencies.

The department’s SAR Team continues to expand its capabilities through a proactive approachin recoveries as well as our rescue missions. This approach includes, but is not limited to,liaison with other departments, proactively searching believed criminal dump sites andmaintaining professional performance through innovative training and equipment acquisition. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BFO_Specialty.shtm] ----

Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI)

The Virginia State Police provides a thorough and comprehensive investigation of all criminal matters mandated by statute and established Department policy through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).

The Bureau is mandated to investigate any matter referred by the Governor.

The Attorney General, commonwealth's attorneys, chiefs of police, sheriffs and grand juries may request the Department to investigate matters that constitute Class 1, 2 or 3 felonies.

The Bureau also conducts investigations of elected officials when directed by the Governor, Attorney General or grand juries.

The Bureau consists of the Criminal Intelligence Division, Support Services Division, General Investigation Section, and Drug Enforcement Section. Seven field offices, located around Virginia, investigate crimes and provide specialized technical and forensic support. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BCI.shtm]

Criminal Intelligence Division

The primary purpose of the Criminal Intelligence Division (CID) is to provide criminal intelligence and technical support to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies on matters pertaining to the Commonwealth of Virginia. A major goal of CID is to identify, document, and disseminate criminal intelligence concerning persons involved in organized crime, terrorist groups, and those crimes involving multi-jurisdictional or serial crimes.

The Division is composed of six sections - the Research Unit, the Analytical Unit of the Virginia Criminal Intelligence Center (VCIC), the Field Intelligence Unit, the Technical Support Unit, and the Virginia Fusion Center.

Research and Analytical

CID operates the VCIC, which is a repository of intelligence information that is available to all Virginia law enforcement personnel. VCIC personnel provide research and analytical support to criminal justice agencies. Seven analysts process and disseminate information related to crime trends, possible solutions, and potential criminal activity. One special agent in the research unit interacts with investigators and task forces to coordinate the violent crimes database, and handle INTERPOL requests.

Field Intelligence

The unit operates to improve intelligence collection and dissemination, to gather tactical intelligence in support of criminal investigations, and to use intelligence in support of strategic planning. Intelligence agents will coordinate the intelligence gathering and information dissemination as well as coordinating the functions of the Criminal Intelligence Division and the Virginia Criminal Intelligence Center and the Virginia Fusion Center at the field office level. This will be accomplished through strong liaison and interaction with department personnel and local law enforcement counterparts.

VCIC is also responsible for:

Virginia Narcotics Pointer Index system Drug Information Hotline: [phone]-DOPE The Department participates in the Virginia Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Documentation (VALID) and publishes a monthly intelligence bulletin. The VALIDATOR is disseminated throughout the intelligence community and is produced by CID analysts.

Virginia Fusion Center

The VFC is the Information Classification Unit (ICU) that will act as the information management mechanism for all incoming information to the VFC. The ICU will classify, prioritize, and determine initial dissemination of the information. The Virginia Counter-Terrorism Unit (VCTU) will review, correlate, analyze, disseminate, and file the information received from the ICU. In addition, the VCTU will prepare reports, provide in-depth analysis, and support directed intelligence operations related to terrorism in the Commonwealth of Virginia and in conjunction with the Department of Emergency Management.

Computer Evidence Recovery Unit (CERU)

The primary purpose of the Computer Evidence Recovery Unit is to provide computer evidence recovery services, forensic examination services, and expert testimony for law enforcement agencies through in-depth examinations of computer data stored or seized during the course of a criminal investigation.

Technical Support Unit

In 2004 the Technical Support Unit received 759 requests for service. Of those requests, 299 were in support of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Each request was directly related to ongoing criminal investigations, which were supported with the installation of technical equipment. The unit continues to support significant investigations and uses sophisticated methods and technologies to assist any requesting law enforcement agency.

The unit continues to provide audio enhancement services to all law enforcement agencies as well as supporting the courts and Commonwealth’s attorneys’ offices through installation and operation of closed circuit television systems for victims of child abuse cases.

The Hostage/Barricade Response Program was developed in 1997 to support federal, state and local law enforcement through the deployment of technical equipment and personnel resources. The Unit responded to 7 Hostage/Barricade incident requests in 2004.

Closed Circuit Television Testimony Program

::Virginia law (§18.2-67.9) permits the use of closed-circuit television in any criminal ::proceeding, including preliminary hearings, involving an alleged offense against a child ::fourteen years of age or under relating to a violation of laws pertaining to kidnapping, ::criminal sexual assault or certain family offenses. A 2001 amendment allows for closed-::circuit television in cases involving murder of a person of any age. Civil proceedings::involving abuse or neglect of a child (63.2-1521 or 16.1-252) also permit the use of closed-::circuit testimony. A child witness who is fourteen years of age or under at the time of::testimony may also qualify for the use of closed-circuit testimony.

::The prosecution, guardian ad litem, or defense must ask the court for an order allowing for::the use of closed-circuit television; and the requesting party should contact the State::Police in writing to request the service. The statute requires that the party seeking the::order from the court allowing the use of closed-circuit television apply for it at least::seven days in advance for a criminal hearing and two days in advance for a civil hearing.

::This service is provided by BCI's Technical Support Unit at no cost to a local court on a::first-come first-served basis. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BCI_CID.shtm]

upport Services Division

The Support Services Division (SSD) was established in 2004. The SSD is responsible for the law enforcement training, public awareness campaigns and insurance industry outreach programs for both the Insurance Fraud Program (IFP) and Help Eliminate Auto Theft (H.E.A.T.). The Bomb, Arson and Drug Diversion units also make up the SSD as well as the Counter-Terrorism & Criminal Interdiction Unit (CCI). The SSD provides technical, training and financial management support for these units. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BCI_SSD.shtm]

The H.E.A.T. and Insurance Fraud toll-free telephone hotlines are administered and maintained by the SSD. Initial notifications of suspected insurance fraud and auto theft activities are received via the SSD hotlines, Web sites, e-mails, faxes and phone calls. The notifications are reviewed and distributed to the appropriate local law enforcement agencies or to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s field offices where investigations are conducted by the Department’s special agents on a case-by-case basis.

General Investigation Section

The General Investigation Section (GIS) is served by seven Field Offices, commanded by a Captain, two Lieutenants and four to six First Sergeants. Each Field Office employs from 10 to 25 Special Agents.

Special Agents investigate the following types of crimes and/or participate in the following activities:

*Class 1, 2 & 3 Felony Crimes
*Arson
*Bomb and Explosive-related matters
*Auto theft
*Fugitive apprehension
*Economic/Cybercrimes
*Violent and serial crimes
*Crisis Negotiation
*Crime Scene Examination
*Polygraph
*Environmental crimes
*National White-Collar Crime Center
*Insurance Fraud
*Organized crime
*Requests for investigations from the Governor, Attorney General, Commonwealth’s Attorney,:Grand Juries, Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs throughout the Commonwealth
*Investigation of other classes of crimes is discretionary
*In addition to conducting investigations initiated by the Virginia State Police, a major:priority of BCI is to provide specialized assistance to local law enforcement agencies.

Special agents regularly assist local law enforcement agencies as needed for major crime investigations.

Auto Theft / H.E.A.T.

In December 1990, the Attorney General, with the full support of the insurance industry, made a recommendation to the Joint Legislative Subcommittee studying motor vehicle insurance, that Virginia implement a Help Eliminate Auto Theft (H.E.A.T.) program and establish an auto theft tip line. The program was established with the passage of Senate Bill 870 in the 1991 General Assembly session and the law went into effect in March 1992. [http://www.heatreward.com]

Insurance Fraud

The Insurance Fraud Program of the Virginia State Police was established January 1, 1999, through legislation approved by the General Assembly. The program’s mission is to address the growing crime of insurance fraud in Virginia;::By conducting thorough professional insurance fraud investigations ::By providing insurance fraud training for law enforcement personnel ::By increasing citizen awareness and cooperation through educational and rewards programs [http://www.stampoutfraud.com]

Counter-Terrorism and Criminal Interdiction Unit (CCI)

The CCI unit is composed of troopers and special agents working collectively on the criminal interdiction of narcotics and illegal currency. Members of this unit are also certified in Hazmat response. All of the department's narcotics canines are assigned to this unit. There are seven highway teams throughout the state, one in each division. In addition to the highway teams, there is also a Public Transportation Team. The PTT focuses there efforts on commercial vehicles, trains, buses, and packages that are sent via commercial logistics companies.

Drug Enforcement Section

The Drug Enforcement Section (DES) was established to provide full-time attention to the enforcement of drug laws in Virginia, and is committed to supporting local law enforcement agencies in their efforts. DES has in excess of 100 special agents across the Commonwealth responsible for performing operational narcotics enforcement investigations, including special undercover, wire intercept and marijuana eradication efforts. DES also routinely assists with federal and local law enforcement narcotics investigations.

Marijuana Eradication/Operation Grand Slam

The Commonwealth remains a prime location for the cultivation of the marijuana plant. Virginia’s domestically grown marijuana has the potential for being a major cash crop. With DEA funding, the Department of State Police, along with the assistance of other state and local law enforcement agencies and the Virginia Army National Guard, Reconnaissance Air Interdiction Detachment (RAID), operates year-round eradiation initiatives to eliminate domestically-grown marijuana and growers.

Governor’s Initiative Against Narcotics Trafficking (G.I.A.N.T.)

The G.I.A.N.T. mission is to facilitate and assure coordination and cooperation among member agencies. Six special agents are assigned to G.I.A.N.T. The five facets of the G.I.A.N.T. mission are:

*Developing intelligence pertaining to domestically grown marijuana, both indoor and outdoor,:with the eradication of this marijuana and successful prosecution of the growers as a primary:goal of G.I.A.N.T.;
*Developing intelligence concerning air smuggling into Virginia by the use of contacts to:monitor suspicious activities of all known airports in the Commonwealth, and by locating:clandestine airstrips and identifying users;
*Reducing the supply of illegal drugs entering and being transported within the Commonwealth by:interdicting drug shipments via land, air, and waterway;
*Developing procedures that eliminate duplication of activities and breakdowns in communication:among the various state agencies and law enforcement authorities, and;
*Utilizing the resources of county and city law enforcement agencies to the maximum extent:possible.

Pharmaceutical Drug Diversion Program

The diversion of legitimate pharmaceuticals to illicit purposes continues to be a severe problem in Virginia. In fact, drug diversion predates the massive abuse of other drugs we know so well today. The Pharmaceutical Drug Diversion Program works with the DEA, the Department of Health Professions, and the Department of Medical Assistance Services, plus local law enforcement agencies, to eliminate the diversion of prescription drugs to illicit purposes.

A major educational role of the program is teaching local law enforcement officials about the extent of the drug diversion problem in their own jurisdictions and what they can do to end it. This program also includes the education of health care professionals, both physicians and pharmacists, about the magnitude of the problem and the importance of self-policing and ensuring the integrity of their individual health care delivery systems.

Asset Forfeiture

Asset forfeiture occurs under Code of Virginia Section 19.2-386.22, and various state and federal statutes. Cash and proceeds derived from the sale of forfeited assets are placed in the Drug Investigation Special Trust Account and the Asset Forfeiture Account and drawn from as the need arises. In 1991, the Asset Forfeiture Unit was formed to identify and seize assets that could be traced to the sale and/or manufacture of illicit narcotics. So as to more efficiently and effectively serve the Department with financial investigations, the unit was decentralized in 1995. Currently, special agents operate out of the field offices across Virginia.

This unit also assists local and other state asset forfeiture units by providing investigative support, technical training and development program techniques.

Multi-Jurisdictional Task Forces

DES participates in 22 multi-jurisdictional task forces throughout the state. These task forces consist of state and local investigators pooling resources and personnel to combat illicit narcotics manufacturing, trafficking and usage in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Joint VSP/Federal Task Forces

Federal agencies and DES personnel have combined their resources to reduce criminal activity and to enforce state and federal narcotic laws. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BCI_DES.shtm] ----

Bureau of Administrative and Support Services (BASS)

The Bureau of Administrative and Support Servicescomprises most of the Department’s civilian personnelas well as some sworn employees.

The Bureau includes these Divisions:

Communications Division

Responsibility for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of telephone, land mobile radio, and microwave radios is assigned to the Communications Division.

Under the command of the Communications Officer, the division designs, installs, operates, and maintains land mobile radios, microwave radios, and private telephone networks.

The system includes 84 microwave radio sites, 45 of which also have land mobile radio base stations. This responsibility includes compliance with requirements of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as other environmental and safety agencies.

Work on the Communications System Upgrade continues. Of the 23 sites considered to be the backbone of the microwave system, 19 have been converted to digital service. The FCC has assigned 2 GHz microwave frequencies that the Department had been using to companies providing Personal Communications Services (PCS). The PCS providers were required to relocate incumbent microwave users at no expense. Work is underway to relocate the last of the microwave stations affected by this change. Cooperative development or collocation agreements continue to fund equipment upgrades from analog to digital microwave system. Five additional sections of the system are presently planned for upgrade.

The division supports all field efforts of the consultant selected to design and engineer the upgraded State Police land mobile radio network which will serve all of the Commonwealth’s state level public safety agencies. Licenses have been obtained from the FCC for the necessary frequencies, and planning continues.

Virginia State Police Mobile Computer Project

The Virginia State Police formed a committee in 1996 to study the possibility of connecting patrol vehicles by use of wireless technology to several criminal information systems. Equipment and software packages were evaluated. Both Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) and Circuit Switched CDPD wireless technologies were available in certain areas statewide. On May 16, 1997 the National Institute of Justice awarded the State Police a grant in the amount of $348,392 to initiate a pilot MCT project. The department deployed 31 units throughout the state of Virginia for testing to include “seamless connectivity” using both wireless technologies. By the end of the projects two-year cycle enough information was collected through user questionnaires and lessons learned to plan for the next level, the Upgrade.

The primary scope of the new upgrade project would be the expansion of mobile data into key areas of the State through the procurement and implementation of 487 new mobile laptop terminals. With the basic infrastructure already in place, a committee was selected to research and recommend new mobile hardware and software that would increase the Troopers effectiveness in performance of certain duties. The additional mobile computers were targeted for a phased purchase and installation to begin in June 2001. To further enhance the mobile computer system features a “Mobile Flash server” would be included in the project for system wide dissemination of important information, and updates to software over the wireless network. Wireless service would be continued through the CDPD commercial network, and transition to Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology in early 2005. This is the latest commercial wireless technology providing a maximum data transition speed of 115kbit/s.

More Virginia State Troopers are now patrolling the highways with a powerful information tool once limited to a handful of select officers. Since June of 2001 the phased process of procuring and installing 487 new mobile computer terminals (MCT’s) is now complete. The upgrade project has placed new Panasonic models CF-28 and CF-29 into vehicles patrolling Central, Northern, Southeastern, and the Interstate 81 corridor of Virginia. Features like mobile messaging allow for “car to car” communication and information exchange, devoid of typical two- way radio range limits. The interfacing of computer aided dispatch (CAD) with the MCT ’s now allows for silent dispatch. Most importantly the Troopers are able to query the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN). In addition to VCIN Troopers can access the Division of Motor Vehicles database, National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and the National Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (NLETS). Mobile access to these resources has proven to cut two- way radio traffic by up to 25% or more, helping to alleviate congestion on a heavily loaded communications system now 25 plus years old. Access to these resources along with the addition of map/location software, and vehicle identification number software expedites the Troopers “information gathering” prior to making traffic stops on the Interstate.

The current MCT upgrade project ended in December 2004 at a projected cost of $ 3.7 million. The 487 new MCT units equipped roughly 25% of the Departments current fleet of patrol cars in the more heavily populated areas of the State. The next phase for expansion of mobile data throughout the State will come through integration into a new Statewide Voice and Data Communications System currently under construction. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Communications.shtm]

Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS)

The Criminal Justice Information Services Division (CJIS) oversees State operations involving:
* [http://www.nlets.org/ National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS)]
* [http://www.fas.org/irp/agency/doj/fbi/is/ncic.htm National Crime Information Center (NCIC)]
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/CJIS_VCIN.shtm Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN)]

::These systems provide criminal justice agencies throughout Virginia with rapid access to::local, state and national files related to::::*wanted or missing persons :::*stolen property including motor vehicles :::*escapees :::*hazardous material spills :::*severe weather conditions :::*airplane crashes

CJIS also operates:
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/CJIS_AFIS.shtm Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)]
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/CJIS_CCRE.shtm Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE)]
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/CJIS_Criminal_Record_Check.shtm Criminal History Record Check]
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/CJIS_NCJI.shtm Non-Criminal Justice Interface (NCJI)]
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms.shtm Firearms Transaction Center (FTC)]
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/CJIS_LiveScan.shtm Live Scan]
* [http://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/index.htm Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry]
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/CJIS_VMEC.shtm Virginia's Missing and Exploited Children] [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/CJIS.shtm]

Finance Division

The Finance Division is responsible for the receipt, disbursement, reporting and budgeting of Department monies in accordance with state and federal guidelines. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Finance.shtm]

Information Technology Division (IT)

The Information Technology Division (IT) provides the computer infrastructure in support of Virginia State Police's public safety mission and services to the citizens of the Commonwealth. The IT Division is responsible for many mission critical systems and applications which support local, state, and federal law enforcement efforts.

IT comprises the following sections:
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/CJIS_AFIS.shtm Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)]
*Computer Operations
*Systems Development
*Systems Engineering IT Support Systems:
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/CJIS_AFIS.shtm Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)] Computer Aided Dispatch - (CAD)
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/CJIS_Criminal_Record_Check.shtm Computerized Criminal History]
*Election Board System
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms_VFTP.shtm Firearms Transaction Center (FTC)]
*Incident Based Reporting - (IBR) Also referred to as UCR (Uniform Crime Reporting)
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/CJIS_LiveScan.shtm Live Scan]
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BFO_MotorCarrier.shtm Motor Carrier Safety]
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms_MachineGun.shtm Machine Gun Registry System]
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Safety.shtm Motor Vehicle Inspection Program]
* [http://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/index.htm Sex Offender Registry (SOR)]
*Sex Offender Verification (SOV)
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/CJIS_VCIN.shtm Virginia Criminal Identification Network (VCIN)]
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/WantedPersons.shtm WANTED Criminals] [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/IT.shtm]

Personnel Division

The mission of the Personnel Division is to provide effective human resource management with continued emphasis on attracting qualified personnel and diversifying the work force.

The Personnel Division provides all employees with a comprehensive centralized human resource program that ensures best practices and supports the Department's changing environments. The Personnel Division has five sections covering employment practices, benefits, compensation, background investigations, and the office of the nurse practitioner. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Personnel.shtm]
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Employment_Trooper_Recruitment.shtm Sworn Recruitment]
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Employment_General.shtm Civilian Employment Opportunities]
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Employment_Volunteers.shtm Volunteer Opportunities]
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/FormsPublications.shtm State Application Form]
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Employment_Trooper_Recruitment_Benefits.shtm Benefits]
* [http://www.dhrm.state.va.us/compensation/salarystructure.html Pay Bands]

Property and Logistics Division

The Property and Logistics Division encompasses the management and maintenance of more than 110 buildings and property across the Commonwealth, as well as Department supplies, vehicle fleet, warehousing, procurement, distribution and printing functions. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/PropertyLogistics.shtm]

Training Division

Located in the Richmond metropolitan area, the Virginia State Police Academy trains over 8,000 people per year in a multitude of subjects.

The VSP's mission is to ensure that all employees receive and meet mandated training requirements. In doing this, the Training Division manages the Department's professional development programs, oversees the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (DARE), and operates the State Police Academy. The Training Division provides instruction in the handling of patrol and narcotic and explosives detection canines for the State Police and local police agencies. As space and activity schedules permit, academy facilities are shared with other state, federal and local agencies for training purposes.

State Police Academy amenities

*two large auditorium-type classrooms
*three large classrooms
*conference rooms
*computer lab
*research-based library
*lodging facilities for up to 150 people
*nursing/first aid office
*cafeteria
*staff offices
*gymnasium equipped with weightlifting equipment, swimming pool, locker/shower rooms,:basketball court, outdoor fitness trails, and a challenge course

Colonel C. W. Woodson, Jr. Memorial Gallery

The State Police Academy houses the Colonel C. W. Woodson, Jr. Memorial Gallery. Portraits of members of the Virginia State Police and their predecessors, the inspectors of the Division of Motor Vehicles, who have lost their lives in the line of duty are on display in the gallery.

Total Line of Duty Deaths: 50

:Aircraft accident: 2 :Automobile accident: 13 :Duty related illness: 1 :Gunfire: 15 :Motorcycle accident: 4 :Stabbed: 1 :Struck by train: 1 :Struck by vehicle: 8 :Vehicle pursuit: 3 :Vehicular assault: 2 [http://odmp.org/agency/4055-virginia-state-police-virginia]

Fallen Officers

Virginia State Police Museum

The Virginia State Police Colonel Denny M. Slane Museum and History Center opened in December 2000. The museum is housed at the State Police Academy located at the State Police Administrative Headquarters complex, 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond.

The museum is named in honor of Colonel Slane, who served as State Police Superintendent from 1977 to 1984.

The museum contains uniforms, badges, license plates, weapons, emergency lights from old patrol cars, motorcycles, photos, and other state police memorabilia. State police saved and stored many of the artifacts in anticipation of a museum and current employees and retirees also contributed items. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Training.shtm]

[http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Training_Basic.shtm Basic Training]

One of the Academy's chief functions is to conduct training for the Department's new Trooper Trainees. Each basic session consists of 33 weeks of training, to include:

*Fourteen weeks of basic classroom instruction
*Four weeks of field training in their home county with an experienced Field Training Officer (FTO)
*An additional 15 weeks of classroom instruction
*Six to eight weeks of post-academy field training

The curriculum includes 123 subject areas and over 1,536 hours of instruction. Classroom subjects include laws of arrests, search and seizure procedures, and testifying in court. [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Training_Basic.shtm ]

[http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Training_Pics.shtm Training Division Pictures]

Learning Management System (LMS)

LMS is a web based technology used to aid in the off-site education of employees.

Virginia State Police Virtual University (LMS)

The Knowledge Center is a web site with access to training, resources, and expertise from peers and other professionals. [https://covkc.virginia.gov/kc/main/pop_up_frm.asp?loc=/kc/tour/tour_intro.asp%3Fkc%3Dkc0001&strFunction=undefined&strTable=undefined&strContentID=undefined]

ee also

* Virginia Capitol Police
* List of law enforcement agencies in Virginia
* State police
* State patrol
* Highway patrol

References

http://www.vsp.state.va.us

# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/accreditation.shtm
# http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/lemas00.pdf LEMAS Survey Pg 13
# http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/cius2006/data/table_76.html
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/history.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Trooper_Pledge_text.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/downloads/Facts_and_Figures_2006.pdf Agency Overview Pg 1
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Public_Relations.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Professional_Standards.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/OPMIC.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BFO.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Office_Locations.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BFO_Aviation.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/EPU.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/DARE.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/downloads/Facts_and_Figures_2006.pdf Motor Carrier Unit Pg 43
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BFO_CVE.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BFO_CrimePrevention.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BFO_MotoristAssistance.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BFO_Specialty.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BCI.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BCI_CID.shtm
# http://www.heatreward.com/ HEAT Program
# http://www.stampoutfraud.com/ Insurance Fraud Program
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BCI_SSD.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/BCI_DES.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Communications.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/CJIS.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Finance.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/IT.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Personnel.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/PropertyLogistics.shtm
# http://odmp.org/agency/4055-virginia-state-police-virginia ODMP
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Training.shtm
# http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Training_Basic.shtm
# [https://covkc.virginia.gov/kc/main/pop_up_frm.asp?loc=/kc/tour/tour_intro.asp%3Fkc%3Dkc0001&strFunction=undefined&strTable=undefined&strContentID=undefined LMS]

External links

* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/ Official Website for the Virginia State Police]
* [http://www.vsp.state.va.us/history.shtm Chronological History of the Virginia State Police]