Virginia legal term
Chief police officer in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “Chief police officer” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Virginia criminal code.
What does “Chief police officer” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Chief police officer" means the sheriff in any county not having a chief of police, the chief of police of any county having a chief of police, the chief of police of the city, or the sergeant or chief of police of the town in which the charge will be heard, or their authorized representatives. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-268.1)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.