2006 Code of Virginia § 15.2-1704 - Powers and duties of police force

15.2-1704. Powers and duties of police force.

A. The police force of a locality is hereby invested with all the power andauthority which formerly belonged to the office of constable at common lawand is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime, theapprehension of criminals, the safeguard of life and property, thepreservation of peace and the enforcement of state and local laws,regulations, and ordinances.

B. A police officer has no authority in civil matters, except (i) to executeand serve temporary detention and emergency custody orders and any otherpowers granted to law-enforcement officers in 37.2-808 or 37.2-809, (ii)to serve an order of protection pursuant to 16.1-253.1, 16.1-253.4 and16.1-279.1, or (iii) to execute all warrants or summons as may be placed inhis hands by any magistrate for the locality and to make due return thereof.A town police officer, after receiving training under subdivision 8 of 9.1-102, may, with the concurrence of the local sheriff, also serve civilpapers, and make return thereof, only when the town is the plaintiff and thedefendant can be found within the corporate limits of the town.

(Code 1950, 15-557; 1960, c. 167; 1962, c. 623, 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.)