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2018 SESSION

18105260D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 133
Offered January 16, 2018
Commending sheriffs' deputies in Virginia.
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Patrons-- Ransone, Adams, L.R., Austin, Bell, Richard P., Bell, Robert B., Brewer, Byron, Campbell, Cline, Cole, Cox, Edmunds, Fariss, Fowler, Freitas, Garrett, Gilbert, Habeeb, Head, Helsel, Hodges, Hugo, Ingram, Jones, S.C., Kilgore, Knight, Landes, LaRock, Leftwich, McGuire, Miyares, Morefield, O'Quinn, Pillion, Pogge, Poindexter, Robinson, Rush, Stolle, Thomas, Ware, Webert, Wright and Yancey
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WHEREAS, sheriffs’ deputies in Virginia ably carry out an ever-expanding range of duties as they seek to enforce the law, support an elected sheriff, and keep the peace in communities throughout the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, maintaining the highest levels of physical endurance and technical training, sheriffs’ deputies possess the ability to rapidly assess complex situations, make sound decisions to ensure the safety of the public, and react quickly and decisively in the event of a crisis; and

WHEREAS, sheriffs’ deputies demonstrate a wide variety of specialized skills in the performance of their duties, from writing detailed reports to operating patrol vehicles at high speeds in inclement weather and maintaining firearms proficiency; and

WHEREAS, sheriffs’ deputies respond to calls for suspicious activity or disturbances of law and order; interview suspects and handle evidence; conduct criminal investigations, including crime scene work; and serve arrest warrants and carry out on-sight arrests; and

WHEREAS, in addition to willingly placing themselves in harm’s way to fulfill their duties, sheriffs’ deputies work long hours and holidays and devote their time to professional advancement and cutting-edge training; and

WHEREAS, the duties of sheriffs’ deputies include implementing the DARE program, responding to animal-related complaints, directing traffic, performing rescue functions in an emergency, and carrying out any other special assignments from the sheriff; and

WHEREAS, sheriffs’ deputies support their own departments by ensuring the maintenance and cleanliness of vehicles, weapons, and equipment and by supervising, advising, and mentoring subordinate personnel; and

WHEREAS, sheriffs’ deputies may issue warrants and summonses, prepare cases and testify in local courts, or be called upon to represent the department in a professional manner while testifying before state and local courts; and

WHEREAS, unlike other police officers, sheriffs’ deputies may be dual certified in civil process and court procedures as well as basic law enforcement; sheriffs’ deputies assist court services officers and are prepared to take command of an emergency situation involving the court; and

WHEREAS, sheriffs’ deputies often respond to calls for service at schools, including investigations and arrests of juveniles, and cultivate effective working relationships with school administrators and faculty, parents, and students through the School Resource Officer program; and

WHEREAS, sheriffs’ deputies play an important role in corrections, including the transportation of prisoners and the apprehension of fugitives, and they adhere to the high certification standards of the Virginia Department of Corrections; and

WHEREAS, sheriffs’ deputies are prepared to respond to community members with mental health issues and are equipped with the techniques to defuse tense and stressful situations calmly, bringing potentially dangerous encounters to a positive outcome for everyone involved; and

WHEREAS, sheriffs’ deputies prioritize effective communication and work to build strong bonds with members of the community that are based on trust, understanding, and mutual respect; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend sheriffs’ deputies in Virginia for their exceptional contributions to the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the dedication, integrity, and hard work of all sheriffs’ deputies in Virginia.