{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-1704.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-1704.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-1704.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-1704.html"}],"law_id":74490,"edition_id":1,"section_id":74490,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1704","catch_line":"Powers and duties of police force","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 15-557; 1960, c. 167; 1962, c. 623, \u00a7 15.1-138; 1982, c. 38; 1984, c. 661; 1992, cc. 729, 742; 1995, c. 844; 1997, c. 587; 1998, c. 425; 1999, c. 495; 2007, c. 724; 2008, cc. 551, 691; 2010, cc. 778, 825.","full_text":"A\n\nThe police force of a locality is hereby invested with all the power and authority which formerly belonged to the office of constable at common law and is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of criminals, the safeguard of life and property, the preservation of peace and the enforcement of state and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.B\n\nA police officer has no authority in civil matters, except (i) to execute and serve temporary detention and emergency custody orders and any other powers granted to law-enforcement officers in &#xA7; 16.1-340, 16.1-340.1, 37.2-808, or 37.2-809, (ii) to serve an order of protection pursuant to &#xA7;&#xA7; 16.1-253.1, 16.1-253.4, and 16.1-279.1, (iii) to execute all warrants or summons as may be placed in his hands by any magistrate serving the locality and to make due return thereof, and (iv) to deliver, serve, execute, and enforce orders of isolation and quarantine issued pursuant to &#xA7;&#xA7; 32.1-48.09, 32.1-48.012, and 32.1-48.014 and to deliver, serve, execute, and enforce an emergency custody order issued pursuant to &#xA7; 32.1-48.02. A town police officer, after receiving training under subdivision 8 of &#xA7; 9.1-102, may, with the concurrence of the local sheriff, also serve civil papers, and make return thereof, only when the town is the plaintiff and the defendant can be found within the corporate limits of the town.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":267699,"text":"The police force of a locality is hereby invested with all the power and authority which formerly belonged to the office of constable at common law and is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of criminals, the safeguard of life and property, the preservation of peace and the enforcement of state and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":267700,"text":"A police officer has no authority in civil matters, except (i) to execute and serve temporary detention and emergency custody orders and any other powers granted to law-enforcement officers in &#xA7; 16.1-340, 16.1-340.1, 37.2-808, or 37.2-809, (ii) to serve an order of protection pursuant to &#xA7;&#xA7; 16.1-253.1, 16.1-253.4, and 16.1-279.1, (iii) to execute all warrants or summons as may be placed in his hands by any magistrate serving the locality and to make due return thereof, and (iv) to deliver, serve, execute, and enforce orders of isolation and quarantine issued pursuant to &#xA7;&#xA7; 32.1-48.09, 32.1-48.012, and 32.1-48.014 and to deliver, serve, execute, and enforce an emergency custody order issued pursuant to &#xA7; 32.1-48.02. A town police officer, after receiving training under subdivision 8 of &#xA7; 9.1-102, may, with the concurrence of the local sheriff, also serve civil papers, and make return thereof, only when the town is the plaintiff and the defendant can be found within the corporate limits of the town.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13483,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13482,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:59","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:59","permalink":{"id":153749,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13483,"identifier":"1","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1","url":"\/15.2\/II\/17\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13482,"edition_id":1,"name":"Police and Public Order","identifier":"17","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12733,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:59","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:59","permalink":{"id":153747,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13482,"identifier":"17","token":"15.2\/II\/17","url":"\/15.2\/II\/17\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12733,"edition_id":1,"name":"Powers of Local Government","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12720,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","permalink":{"id":152369,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12733,"identifier":"II","token":"15.2\/II","url":"\/15.2\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12720,"edition_id":1,"name":"Counties, Cities and Towns","identifier":"15.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":151279,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12720,"identifier":"15.2","token":"15.2","url":"\/15.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":59436,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1700","catch_line":"Preservation of peace and good order","url":"\/15.2-1700\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1700","metadata":false},{"id":82838,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1701","catch_line":"Organization of police forces","url":"\/15.2-1701\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1701","metadata":false},{"id":73443,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1702","catch_line":"Referendum required prior to establishment of county police force","url":"\/15.2-1702\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1702","metadata":false},{"id":81008,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1703","catch_line":"Referendum to abolish county police force","url":"\/15.2-1703\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1703","metadata":false},{"id":74490,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1704","catch_line":"Powers and duties of police force","url":"\/15.2-1704\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1704","metadata":false},{"id":78495,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1705","catch_line":"Minimum qualifications; waiver","url":"\/15.2-1705\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1705","metadata":false},{"id":85175,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1706","catch_line":"Certification through training required for all law-enforcement officers; waiver of requirements","url":"\/15.2-1706\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1706","metadata":false},{"id":65694,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1707","catch_line":"Decertification of law-enforcement officers and jail officers","url":"\/15.2-1707\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1707","metadata":false},{"id":69038,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1708","catch_line":"Notice of decertification; decertification review process","url":"\/15.2-1708\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1708","metadata":false},{"id":71374,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1709","catch_line":"Employer immunity from liability; disclosure of information regarding former deputy sheriffs and law-enforcement officers","url":"\/15.2-1709\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1709","metadata":false},{"id":59628,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1710","catch_line":"Fees and other compensation","url":"\/15.2-1710\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1710","metadata":false},{"id":86731,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1710.1","catch_line":"Arrest or summons quota prohibited","url":"\/15.2-1710.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1710.1","metadata":false},{"id":63376,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1711","catch_line":"Providing legal fees and expenses for law-enforcement officers; repayment to locality of two-thirds of amount by Compensation Board","url":"\/15.2-1711\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1711","metadata":false},{"id":63610,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1712","catch_line":"Employment of off-duty officers","url":"\/15.2-1712\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1712","metadata":false},{"id":77061,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1713","catch_line":"Localities authorized to offer and pay rewards in felony and misdemeanor cases","url":"\/15.2-1713\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1713","metadata":false},{"id":87347,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1713.1","catch_line":"Local \"Crime Stoppers\" programs; confidentiality","url":"\/15.2-1713.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1713.1","metadata":false},{"id":60435,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1714","catch_line":"Establishing police lines, perimeters, or barricades","url":"\/15.2-1714\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1714","metadata":false},{"id":81983,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1715","catch_line":"Authority to declare Intensified Drug Enforcement Jurisdictions; expenditure of funds","url":"\/15.2-1715\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1715","metadata":false},{"id":73688,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1716","catch_line":"Reimbursement of expenses incurred in responding to DUI and related incidents","url":"\/15.2-1716\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1716","metadata":false},{"id":54447,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1716.1","catch_line":"Reimbursement of expenses incurred in responding to terrorism hoax incident, bomb threat, or malicious activation of fire alarm","url":"\/15.2-1716.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1716.1","metadata":false},{"id":61242,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1716.2","catch_line":"Methamphetamine lab cleanup costs; localities may charge for reimbursement","url":"\/15.2-1716.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1716.2","metadata":false},{"id":63062,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1717","catch_line":"Preventing interference with pupils at schools","url":"\/15.2-1717\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1717","metadata":false},{"id":75499,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1717.1","catch_line":"Designation of police to enforce trespass violations","url":"\/15.2-1717.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1717.1","metadata":false},{"id":86283,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1718","catch_line":"Receipt of missing child reports","url":"\/15.2-1718\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1718","metadata":false},{"id":82937,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1718.1","catch_line":"Receipt of missing senior adult reports","url":"\/15.2-1718.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1718.1","metadata":false},{"id":68631,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1718.2","catch_line":"Receipt of critically missing adult reports","url":"\/15.2-1718.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1718.2","metadata":false},{"id":85242,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1719","catch_line":"Disposal of unclaimed property in possession of sheriff or police","url":"\/15.2-1719\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1719","metadata":false},{"id":81997,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1720","catch_line":"Localities authorized to license bicycles, electric power-assisted bicycles, mopeds, and electric personal assistive mobility devices; disposition of unclaimed bicycles, electric power-assisted bicycles, mopeds, and electric personal assistive mobility devices","url":"\/15.2-1720\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1720","metadata":false},{"id":77275,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1721","catch_line":"Disposal of unclaimed firearms or other weapons in possession of sheriff or police","url":"\/15.2-1721\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1721","metadata":false},{"id":61487,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1721.1","catch_line":"Acquisition of military property by localities","url":"\/15.2-1721.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1721.1","metadata":false},{"id":59331,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1722","catch_line":"Certain records to be kept by sheriffs and chiefs of police","url":"\/15.2-1722\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1722","metadata":false},{"id":67755,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1722.1","catch_line":"Prohibited practices; collection of data","url":"\/15.2-1722.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1722.1","metadata":false},{"id":70576,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1723","catch_line":"Validation of certain police forces","url":"\/15.2-1723\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1723","metadata":false},{"id":60551,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1723.1","catch_line":"Body-worn camera system","url":"\/15.2-1723.1\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1723.1","metadata":false},{"id":78195,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1723.2","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Facial recognition technology; approval","url":"\/15.2-1723.2\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1723.2","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":81008,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1703","catch_line":"Referendum to abolish county police force","url":"\/15.2-1703\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1703","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":78495,"structure_id":13483,"section_number":"15.2-1705","catch_line":"Minimum qualifications; waiver","url":"\/15.2-1705\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1705","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-1704\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 12 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1960, chapter 167; in 1962, chapter 623; in 1982, chapter 38; in 1984, chapter 661; in 1992, chapters 729 and 742; in 1995, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?951+ful+CHAP0844\">844<\/a>; in 1997, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?971+ful+CHAP0587\">587<\/a>; in 1998, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?981+ful+CHAP0425\">425<\/a>; in 1999, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?991+ful+CHAP0495\">495<\/a>; in 2007, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?071+ful+CHAP0724\">724<\/a>; in 2008, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?081+ful+CHAP0551\">551<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?081+ful+CHAP0691\">691<\/a>; in 2010, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?101+ful+CHAP0778\">778<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?101+ful+CHAP0825\">825<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":65104,"section_number":"15.2-1123.1","catch_line":"Lynchburg Regional Airport police department","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1123.1\/"},{"id":55300,"section_number":"33.2-2205","catch_line":"Regulations of the Commission; enforcement","order_by":null,"url":"\/33.2-2205\/"},{"id":58810,"section_number":"62.1-132.12","catch_line":"Employment, jurisdiction, and power of special police officers","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-132.12\/"},{"id":73488,"section_number":"9.1-101","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-101\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":61705,"section_number":"16.1-253.1","catch_line":"Preliminary protective orders in cases of family abuse; confidentiality","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-253.1\/"},{"id":60177,"section_number":"16.1-253.4","catch_line":"Emergency protective orders authorized in certain cases; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-253.4\/"},{"id":62456,"section_number":"16.1-279.1","catch_line":"Protective order in cases of family abuse","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-279.1\/"},{"id":75459,"section_number":"16.1-340","catch_line":"Emergency custody; issuance and execution of order","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-340\/"},{"id":68740,"section_number":"16.1-340.1","catch_line":"Involuntary temporary detention; issuance and execution of order","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-340.1\/"},{"id":68450,"section_number":"32.1-48.012","catch_line":"Isolation order","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-48.012\/"},{"id":63430,"section_number":"32.1-48.014","catch_line":"Enforcement of orders of quarantine or isolation; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-48.014\/"},{"id":61048,"section_number":"32.1-48.02","catch_line":"Investigations of verified reports or medical evidence; counseling; outpatient and emergency treatment orders; custody upon emergency order; application of article","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-48.02\/"},{"id":73650,"section_number":"32.1-48.09","catch_line":"Order of quarantine","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-48.09\/"},{"id":61742,"section_number":"37.2-808","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Emergency custody; issuance and execution of order","order_by":null,"url":"\/37.2-808\/"},{"id":70156,"section_number":"37.2-809","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Involuntary temporary detention; issuance and execution of order","order_by":null,"url":"\/37.2-809\/"},{"id":54198,"section_number":"9.1-102","catch_line":"Powers and duties of the Board and the Department","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-102\/"}],"permalink":{"id":153767,"object_type":"law","relational_id":74490,"identifier":"15.2-1704","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1704","url":"\/15.2-1704\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-1704\/","token":"15.2\/II\/17\/1\/15.2-1704","dublin_core":{"Title":"Powers and duties of police force","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-1704","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> The police force of a <span class=\"dictionary\">locality<\/span> is hereby invested with all the power and authority which formerly belonged to the office of constable at <span class=\"dictionary\">common law<\/span> and is responsible for the prevention and detection of <span class=\"dictionary\">crime<\/span>, the apprehension of criminals, the safeguard of life and property, the preservation of peace and the enforcement of state and local <span class=\"dictionary\">laws<\/span>, regulations, and <span class=\"dictionary\">ordinances<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-267699\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/15.2-1704\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> A police officer has no authority in civil matters, except (i) to execute and serve temporary detention and emergency <span class=\"dictionary\">custody<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">orders<\/span> and any other powers granted to law-enforcement officers in &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Emergency custody; issuance and execution of order\" href=\"\/16.1-340\/\">16.1-340<\/a>, <a class=\"law\" title=\"Involuntary temporary detention; issuance and execution of order\" href=\"\/16.1-340.1\/\">16.1-340.1<\/a>, <a class=\"law\" title=\"(Effective July 1, 2026) Emergency custody; issuance and execution of order\" href=\"\/37.2-808\/\">37.2-808<\/a>, or <a class=\"law\" title=\"(Effective July 1, 2026) Involuntary temporary detention; issuance and execution of order\" href=\"\/37.2-809\/\">37.2-809<\/a>, (ii) to serve an <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span> of protection pursuant to &#xA7;&#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Preliminary protective orders in cases of family abuse; confidentiality\" href=\"\/16.1-253.1\/\">16.1-253.1<\/a>, <a class=\"law\" title=\"Emergency protective orders authorized in certain cases; penalty\" href=\"\/16.1-253.4\/\">16.1-253.4<\/a>, and <a class=\"law\" title=\"Protective order in cases of family abuse\" href=\"\/16.1-279.1\/\">16.1-279.1<\/a>, (iii) to execute all warrants or <span class=\"dictionary\">summons<\/span> as may be placed in his hands by any <span class=\"dictionary\">magistrate<\/span> serving the <span class=\"dictionary\">locality<\/span> and to make due return thereof, and (iv) to deliver, serve, execute, and enforce <span class=\"dictionary\">orders<\/span> of isolation and quarantine issued pursuant to &#xA7;&#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Order of quarantine\" href=\"\/32.1-48.09\/\">32.1-48.09<\/a>, <a class=\"law\" title=\"Isolation order\" href=\"\/32.1-48.012\/\">32.1-48.012<\/a>, and <a class=\"law\" title=\"Enforcement of orders of quarantine or isolation; penalties\" href=\"\/32.1-48.014\/\">32.1-48.014<\/a> and to deliver, serve, execute, and enforce an emergency <span class=\"dictionary\">custody<\/span> <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span> issued pursuant to &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Investigations of verified reports or medical evidence; counseling; outpatient and emergency treatment orders; custody upon emergency order; application of article\" href=\"\/32.1-48.02\/\">32.1-48.02<\/a>. A <span class=\"dictionary\">town<\/span> police officer, after receiving training under subdivision 8 of &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Powers and duties of the Board and the Department\" href=\"\/9.1-102\/\">9.1-102<\/a>, may, with the concurrence of the local sheriff, also serve civil papers, and make return thereof, only when the <span class=\"dictionary\">town<\/span> is the <span class=\"dictionary\">plaintiff<\/span> and the <span class=\"dictionary\">defendant<\/span> can be found within the corporate limits of the <span class=\"dictionary\">town<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-267700\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/15.2-1704\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPOWERS AND DUTIES OF POLICE FORCE (\u00a7 15.2-1704)\n\nA. The police force of a locality is hereby invested with all the power and\nauthority which formerly belonged to the office of constable at common law and\nis responsible for the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of\ncriminals, the safeguard of life and property, the preservation of peace and the\nenforcement of state and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.\n\nB. A police officer has no authority in civil matters, except (i) to execute and\nserve temporary detention and emergency custody orders and any other powers\ngranted to law-enforcement officers in &#xA7; 16.1-340, 16.1-340.1, 37.2-808, or\n37.2-809, (ii) to serve an order of protection pursuant to &#xA7;&#xA7;\n16.1-253.1, 16.1-253.4, and 16.1-279.1, (iii) to execute all warrants or summons\nas may be placed in his hands by any magistrate serving the locality and to make\ndue return thereof, and (iv) to deliver, serve, execute, and enforce orders of\nisolation and quarantine issued pursuant to &#xA7;&#xA7; 32.1-48.09,\n32.1-48.012, and 32.1-48.014 and to deliver, serve, execute, and enforce an\nemergency custody order issued pursuant to &#xA7; 32.1-48.02. A town police\nofficer, after receiving training under subdivision 8 of &#xA7; 9.1-102, may,\nwith the concurrence of the local sheriff, also serve civil papers, and make\nreturn thereof, only when the town is the plaintiff and the defendant can be\nfound within the corporate limits of the town.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 15-557; 1960, c. 167; 1962, c. 623, \u00a7 15.1-138; 1982, c.\n38; 1984, c. 661; 1992, cc. 729, 742; 1995, c. 844; 1997, c. 587; 1998, c. 425;\n1999, c. 495; 2007, c. 724; 2008, cc. 551, 691; 2010, cc. 778, 825.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}