Virginia’s 11th-largest jurisdiction, Henrico, near Richmond, will limit the types of calls to which its police are dispatched.
Henrico County police modified its response to specific service calls and how they are dispatched.
“In the past, our patrol officers have routinely been put in positions or responded to calls for service where they have no legal authority. At times, this has prevented our officers from responding to other priority calls in a timely and efficient manner while also leading to a lack of units available to respond to any given call,” said Henrico Police Chief Eric English in a YouTube video.
Call types where you will see changes include:
- Animal calls (all animal calls placed overnight will be handled the next morning)
- Loud parties or noise complaints (only calls that appear to be violating the county’s noise ordinance will be dispatched)
- Medical emergencies (only if police are needed)
- Service calls (calls about people standing in a street median or homeless people who “appear to be OK”).
- Shoplifting (past-occurred crimes or reports with no evidence to support the allegation)
- Abandoned vehicles
- Marijuana use (calls for marijuana use inside someone’s home)
- Juvenile problems (not crime-related, such as calling a police officer to scold a child)
- Panhandling
The changes have come as police departments across the U.S. have struggled to fill vacant police officer positions since 2020. We asked police agencies in our area if they anticipate making similar changes.
“We offer residents an online or telephone option to file a report, which we can refer people to if needed,” said Prince William police 1st Sgt. Jonathan Perok. The agency patrols Virginia’s second-largest county. He declined to comment on Henrico County’s new policy.
“Rest assured, we do not anticipate changing how we respond to calls anytime soon,” added Fredericksburg Police spokeswoman Sarah Morris. The agency services the independent city of nearly 28,000 people between Stafford and Spotsylvania counties.
Recent Stories
At the November 6, 2024, Prince William County School Board meeting, multiple parents addressed the board with concerns and feedback about the district’s pilot cell phone policy, which restricts student phone use during school hours.
Performers from the ARTfactory’s production of ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show.’ [Photo courtesy of the ARTfactory]ARTfactory’s community theatre, Rooftop Productions, will be functioning under a new name, ARTfactory Actors Theatre,…
At the November 7, 2024, Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting, county officials unveiled a proposal to build a five-story, 196,000-square-foot courthouse across from the government center, a project estimated at $209 million.
In a rare move, following Donald Trump’s re-election to the presidency, the Virginia House of Delegates Privileges and Elections Committee has scheduled a surprise meeting to review three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by current events, family responsibilities, or the demands of work? If stress, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion are weighing you down, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face it alone. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that life’s challenges can sometimes feel insurmountable, and we’re here to help.
We offer in person and virtual appointments. Our in person office is located in Kingstowne Virginia.
Our team offers compassionate support and practical tools tailored to help you navigate life’s complexities with greater ease and confidence. Whether you’re struggling with personal issues, managing family stress, or dealing with professional pressures, we are committed to helping you find peace and clarity.
Established transportation company has immediate part-time position open as a back-up driver transporting military personnel from the Woodbridge area to Baltimore and Richmond. No CDL required but must be able to pass DOT physical and drug test. Must good driving record and pass criminal background check. Send resume with references to [email protected] or call 606-594-7018
Job details
Employer: Bfs Transportation
Position: 15 Passenger Van Driver
Employment type: Part-time
Workplace type: Fully in-person (in Woodbridge)
Compensation: Not specified
Application deadline: Not specified
Contact for application questions: Not specified
Sing a Song of Christmas!!!
Join the New Dominion Choraliers for an impressive and exciting concert celebrating the Brightest and Best of the season. Along with the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, the chorus opens the program opens with Vivaldi’s Gloria, a joyful hymn of praise
Sell Your Home the Modern Way. Sell for More.
Bob Mathew, founder of Snapdoor, will show you how to sell your home the modern way and make more. Snapdoor’s platform incorporates top agent best practices and lets you sell your home directly to home buyers through an online, transparent, step-by-step