2006 Code of Virginia § 10.1-115 - Appointment of conservation officers; qualifications; oath

10.1-115. Appointment of conservation officers; qualifications; oath.

A. The Director of the Department, when he deems it necessary, may requestthe Governor to commission individuals designated by the Director to act asconservation officers of the Commonwealth. Upon concurring with theDirector's request, the Governor shall direct the Secretary of theCommonwealth to issue a conservation officer commission to the designatedindividual. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall deliver a copy of thecommission to the Director. Any individual so commissioned shall hold hiscommission during his term of employment with the Department, subject to theprovisions of 10.1-118.

B. To be qualified to receive a conservation officer commission, a personshall (i) be at least twenty-one years of age and (ii) have graduated fromhigh school or obtained an equivalent diploma.

C. Each conservation officer shall qualify before the clerk of the circuitcourt of the city or county in which he resides, or in which he first isassigned duty, by taking the oaths prescribed by law.

D. The Director may designate certain conservation officers to be specialconservation officers. Special conservation officers shall have the sameauthority and power as sheriffs throughout the Commonwealth to enforce thelaws of the Commonwealth.

(1994, c. 205.)