Virginia Capitol Police

The Virginia State Capitol Police is America's oldest police department, originating in 1618.

A legislative agency, today the Division of Capitol Police is responsible for:

• General Law Enforcement for the Capitol Complex and properties assigned to the agency. They also share concurrent jurisdiction with the Richmond City Police (anywhere north of the James River water line)
• Protective services for the Governor and Virginia's First Family while they are in-residence at the Executive Mansion.
• Protective services and details for the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, the Justices of Virginia's Supreme Court, and members of the Virginia Legislature.
• Special event assignments and security details throughout the Commonwealth

History

The capitol police was established in 1618 at Jamestown, Virginia. The Guard, consisting of 10 men was formed to protect the Governor from the hostile Indian population. By 1663, the force was expanded to a force of 20 men and assigned to protect the Governor, the Council, and the Colonial Assembly. The Capitol was moved to Williamsburg, Virginia in 1699 where the Guard remained an important part of the executive and legislative process. In 1780, the Capitol of Virginia was again relocated to a safer location, its present home in Richmond. In 1801, the General Assembly enacted legislation creating The Public Guard, which was responsible for protecting public property in Richmond. This military force remained active until 1869.

The term "Capitol Police" was first used in an act of the Virginia General Assembly passed on January 28, 1884. This act provided "for the appointment of Capitol Police certain other employees about the Public Buildings and Grounds." The Capitol Police have steadily expanded in size and remain in service to this day.

Operations

Uniformed Operations

Uniformed Patrol, Homeland Security, Special Operations and Investigations

• Uniformed Patrol
• K-9
• Emergency Medical Technicians
• Investigations
• Executive Protection
• Security Clearances

Administrative Operations

Emergency Preparedness Section and Administrative Section

• Crime Prevention
• Communications
• Information Technology
• Continuity of Operation Plan
• Training
• Quartermaster
• Agency Assets

The Virginia State Police Executive Protection Unit also provides security for the Governor.

See also

• List of law enforcement agencies in Virginia

References

• "The Great Charter of 1618"
• "The Capitol Police" by Walter Griggs of Virginia Commonwealth University - Monograph 1981
• "Acts of Assembly" by the Clerk of the Virginia House of Delegates

External links

• Virginia Capitol Police
• Virginia State Police EPU

State agencies of Virginia
Boards	Commonwealth Transportation Board Virginia Board of Game and Inland Fisheries Virginia State Board of Education
Commissions	Virginia Employment Commission Marine Resources Commission State Corporation Commission Workers' Compensation Commission
Departments	Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Department of Conservation and Recreation Department of Corrections Department of Education Department of Forestry Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Department of Health Department of Historic Resources Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Department of Motor Vehicles Department of Rail and Public Transportation Department of Transportation
Law Enforcement	Virginia Capitol Police Virginia Marine Police Virginia Port Authority Police Virginia State Police
Other	Library of Virginia Virginia Information Technologies Agency Virginia State Lottery Virginia Retirement System Virginia Port Authority