2006 Code of Virginia § 52-7 - Bonds of police officers; liability insurance policies

52-7. Bonds of police officers; liability insurance policies.

All police officers appointed by the Superintendent of State Police, andengaged in the enforcement of criminal laws and the laws relating to theoperation of motor vehicles upon the roads and highways of this Commonwealth,shall, before entering upon or continuing in their duties, enter into bond,with some solvent guaranty company authorized to do business in thisCommonwealth, as surety, in the penalty of $75,000 and with condition for thefaithful and lawful performance of their duties. Such bonds shall be filed inthe office of the Department of State Police, and the premiums thereon shallbe paid out of the funds appropriated for the maintenance and operation ofthe Department of State Police. All persons injured or damaged in any mannerby the unlawful, negligent or improper conduct of any such officer while onduty may maintain an action upon such bond.

In lieu of posting bond as provided herein, any such police officer mayfurnish an adequate liability insurance policy as proof of his ability torespond in damages, which may be adjudged against him in favor of any personor persons injured or damaged in any manner resulting from his unlawful,negligent or improper conduct while on official duty, to the amount set forthabove. The premiums on any such insurance policy or policies shall be paidout of the funds appropriated for the maintenance and operation of theDepartment of State Police.

All such bonds and insurance policies shall be approved by the Superintendentof State Police.

(1926, p. 941; 1940, p. 473; Michie Code 1942, 2154(51a); R. P. 1948, 52-7; 1950, p. 150; 1966, c. 213; 1968, c. 492.)