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2005 SESSION

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CHAPTER 337 An Act to amend and reenact §§ 15.2-1610 and 15.2-1612 of the Code of Virginia, relating to uniform requirements for sheriffs and sheriff's deputies. [S 890] Approved March 21, 2005  

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That §§ 15.2-1610 and 15.2-1612 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 15.2-1610. Standard uniforms and motor vehicle markings to be adopted by sheriffs.

A. Except as provided in § 15.2-1611, all uniforms used by sheriffs and their deputies and police officers under the direct control of a sheriff while in the performance of their duties shall meet the standards designated in subsection B, except as provided in § 15.2-1611 (i) easily identify local law-enforcement officers to members of the public, (ii) be of a design and style approved by the sheriff of the locality, and (iii) be worn according to the policies established by the sheriff of the locality.

B. The specifications for a standard uniform are as follows:

1. Shirts - Shirts shall be dark brown. White shirts may be worn by supervisors at all times and by other personnel during the months of April through September. An American flag patch is optional.

2. Shoulder patches - Each sheriff may designate shoulder patches which need not be uniform.

3. Badges - Each sheriff shall designate badges which need not be uniform.

4. Trousers - Trousers shall be taupe with a dark brown stripe.

5. Hats - If used, hats shall be brown sheriff's style with a crease in the center of the crown.

6. Shoes - A black or brown military style shoe or boot shall be worn.

7. Leather accessories - All leather accessories shall be black or dark brown.

8. Ties - Ties shall be dark brown or taupe.

9. Blouses, jackets and coats - These items shall be dark brown with optional taupe trim as designated by the sheriff.

C. All marked motor vehicles used by sheriffs' offices shall be solid dark brown or, with the concurrence of the local governing body and the local sheriff, white, with a reflectorized gold, five-point star on each front side door. The lettering on such stars shall say "Sheriff's Office" in a half-circle above the Seal of the Commonwealth or the seal of the jurisdiction. The name of the county or city shall be placed in a half-circle below the Seal. The words "Sheriff's Office" shall be placed on the rear of the trunk.

D C. All sheriffs' offices shall be in full compliance with specifications for uniforms and motor vehicle markings, if the sheriff prescribes that uniforms be worn and marked motor vehicles be utilized.

§ 15.2-1612. Wearing of same or similar uniforms by unauthorized persons.

Any unauthorized person who wears a uniform identical to or substantially similar to the a standard uniform prescribed in used by an office of sheriff in accordance with § 15.2-1610 with the intent to deceive a casual observer or with the intent to impersonate the office of sheriff, shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. For purposes of this section, "substantially similar" means so similar in appearance as to be likely to deceive the casual observer.