A fake twitter account, which impersonated Senator Janet Howell and falsely attributed comments to her regarding removal of law enforcement benefits, has been shut down. Unfortunately, this toxic atmosphere continues as Breitbart published a story today, which accuses Senator Janet Howell of pre-filing legislation for next year. Not only has the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association (VSA)…
The Virginia Sheriffs’ Association sent a letter presented to the House Budget Conferees addressing pay increases. A similar letter will be presented to the Senate budged conferees when they are appointed. Included in the letter is also a copy of the resolution passed by the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association Board of Directors, emphasizing sheriffs’ obligation to…
Senate Bill 149 (Howell) relating to courthouse and courtroom security fees passed the Virginia General Assembly today. The bill is a top priority of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association, raising courthouse and courtroom security fees from $10.00 to $20.00 and generating up to $13.1 million for sheriffs. The fee increase is a local option. The vote…
Virginia Deputy Sheriffs and Sheriffs gathered in Richmond on Tuesday, February 18 and Wednesday, February 19, for the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association Sheriffs to meet and discuss issues with their legislators. From across the Commonwealth, deputy sheriffs and sheriffs took time to meet with their legislators and discuss critical criminal justice issues impacting the work of sheriffs and deputy sheriffs…
For the month of February, we are excited to introduce to you Lunenburg County Sheriff Arthur Townsend. Sheriff Townsend has served as the sheriff of Lunenburg County since 2006, and has been working in law enforcement for the county since 1985. When asked what superpower he would love to have if he could, Sheriff Townsend…
In response to the need for improved, widespread public safety awareness and to assist local sheriffs in protecting the lives and property of citizens throughout Virginia, the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute (VSI) has announced a campaign that encourages Commonwealth of Virginia residents to become ‘Associate’ and ‘Business’ members of the VSI. Membership appeals will be mailed the…
Unawareness and misinformation regarding the new U.S. Supreme Court and Section 1983 federal social media laws and policy standards are costing law enforcement big legal damages that destroy careers, budgets, and the public trust. See Liverman v. City of Petersburg, 844 F. 3d 400 (2016), 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as an analysis of the Liverman…
The Virginia Sheriffs’ Association is deeply saddened to announce that Major Angelanette Moore, Director of Security of Operations, Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail, lost her life while on duty the evening of Thursday, January 23. While details have not been been released regarding the circumstances, Superintendent of the VPRJ Colonel Roy Witham provided the following statement:…
A Newport News Police Officer gave her life yesterday evening while on duty during a traffic stop. According to the Department, it seems that the driver at some point sped up during the traffic stop, and the officer was dragged and suffered multiple injuries. The officer, who has not been identified, was taken to a…
The Virginia Sheriffs’ Association is now accepting nominations for the ‘Deputy Sheriff of the Year Award’ and the ‘Deputy Sheriff Valor Award’ for 2020. The awards will be presented during the annual conference, being held September 15-17, 2020 at the Renaissance Portsmouth Waterfront Hotel. These awards provide an excellent way for the Association to recognize…
For the month of January, we are excited to introduce to you City of Hampton Sheriff B.J. Roberts. As of the start of 2020, Sheriff B.J. Roberts is now the most senior sheriff in Virginia, having served since November 1992. We asked him to give us insight into his career as well as what inspires…