The Virginia Division of Capitol Police is

America The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...

's oldest

police The police are a constituted body of persons empowered by a state, with the aim to enforce the law, to ensure the safety, health and possessions of citizens, and to prevent crime and civil disorder. Their lawful powers include arrest and t ...

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 Department. :*Protective services for the

Governor A governor is an administrative leader and head of a polity or political region, ranking under the head of state and in some cases, such as governors-general, as the head of state's official representative. Depending on the type of political ...

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 Jamestown settlement in the Colony of Virginia was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. It was located on the northeast bank of the James (Powhatan) River about southwest of the center of modern Williamsburg. It was ...

. 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 Williamsburg is an Independent city (United States), independent city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it had a population of 15,425. Located on the Virginia Peninsula ...

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 * Honor Guard

Administrative Operations

''Emergency Preparedness Section and Administrative Section'' *Crime Prevention *Accreditation *Communications *Information Technology *Training *Quartermaster *Security Clearance Office The Virginia State Police Executive Protective Division is the primary security for the Governor.

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