Virginia Police Records

What are Virginia Police Records?

The Virginia State Police began in 1919, when the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles was given sheriff powers to enforce motor vehicle laws. In 1922, the state's legislature voted to pay eight inspectors for the purpose of enforcing these laws. Six more positions were added the following year.

Divisions of Virginia Police

The Virginia State Police offer a vast amount of services to the public and state's citizens. This force provides access to AMBER and Senior Alerts, as well as criminal record checks. Firearms licensing and handgun training are also available to the public. If a loved one is missing, the Virginia State Police is the agency which would provide guidance on filing reports and conducting an investigation.

Virginia's State Police also provides a free sex offender registry online, along with other public safety information, such as tips for Halloween safety. These officers also conduct vehicle safety inspections, car seat inspections and maintain a current list of Virginia's most wanted persons.

Law enforcement services provided by the police include the Criminal Justice Information Services Division, Drug Diversion Unit, STARS and D.A.R.E. D.A.R.E., or Drug Abuse Resistance Education, focuses on public education of the dangers of drug abuse. STARS, or Statewide Agencies Radio System, allows digital voice communication among all the state's law enforcement agencies.

The Criminal Justice Information Services Division provides public access to the Automated Fingerprint Identification System, Live Scan/Mugshots and Virginia's Missing and Exploited Children networks. Other services include criminal history record checks and the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry.

Requesting Virginia Police Records

In order to obtain police records from Virginia law enforcement, you must have a notarized and signed release form for submission with your request. The agency does offer a name-based search for the general public. Fees range from $12 to $25, and responses are typically sent within 72 hours.

Virginia Arrest Records by Type of Crime

The popular arrests for 2017 in Virginia was for All Other Offenses (except traffic) - 91,196, the same popularity of the arrest type was seen in Alabama, Alaska, and Arizona. The least popularity had Gambling arrests - with only 26 crimes a year.

VA Police Departments by Cities