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2020 SESSION

20105856D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 162
Offered January 21, 2020
Commending the Division of Capitol Police.
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Patrons-- LaRock, Adams, D.M., Adams, L.R., Aird, Askew, Austin, Avoli, Ayala, Bagby, Batten, Bell, Bloxom, Bourne, Brewer, Bulova, Byron, Campbell, J.L., Campbell, R.R., Carr, Carroll Foy, Cole, J.G., Cole, M.L., Collins, Convirs-Fowler, Cox, Coyner, Davis, Delaney, Edmunds, Fariss, Filler-Corn, Fowler, Freitas, Gilbert, Gooditis, Guy, Guzman, Hayes, Head, Helmer, Heretick, Herring, Hodges, Hope, Hudson, Hurst, Jenkins, Jones, Keam, Kilgore, Knight, Kory, Krizek, Leftwich, Levine, Lindsey, Lopez, Marshall, McGuire, McNamara, McQuinn, Miyares, Morefield, Mugler, Mullin, Murphy, O'Quinn, Orrock, Plum, Poindexter, Price, Ransone, Rasoul, Reid, Robinson, Roem, Runion, Rush, Samirah, Scott, Sickles, Simon, Simonds, Subramanyam, Sullivan, Torian, Tran, Tyler, VanValkenburg, Walker, Wampler, Ward, Ware, Watts, Webert, Willett, Wilt, Wright and Wyatt; Senators: Chafin, Morrissey, Reeves and Spruill
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WHEREAS, the Division of Capitol Police, a law-enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the Virginia State Capitol and other designated state office buildings and properties, provides exceptional service to thousands of state employees, Richmond residents, and visitors each day; and

WHEREAS, originally known as the Guard, the Division of Capitol Police was established in Jamestown in 1618 to protect the Governor of Virginia and holds the distinction of being the oldest police organization in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Guard was expanded and reorganized multiple times as the capital moved to Williamsburg in 1699 and Richmond in 1780, and the name Capitol Police was first used in 1884; and

WHEREAS, in 2020, the Division of Capitol Police is a multi-faceted agency staffed by highly trained and experienced officers who utilize cutting-edge technology and law-enforcement techniques to provide comprehensive services; and

WHEREAS, the Division of Capitol Police provides support and security to members of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, including the Governor, members of the Governor’s family, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Supreme Court justices, Court of Appeals judges, and members of the General Assembly; and

WHEREAS, since 2010, the Division of Capitol Police has maintained accreditation from the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission, a distinguished status held by fewer than 20 percent of the eligible law-enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, over the years, the Division of Capitol Police has maintained good communications and built trust with state officials, state employees, and members of the public, while ably responding to numerous emergency situations and unexpected incidents; and

WHEREAS, throughout its history, the hardworking men and women of the Division of Capitol Police have fulfilled their duties with the utmost devotion, professionalism, and distinction; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Division of Capitol Police for more than 400 years of outstanding service 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 Division of Capitol Police as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the division’s storied history and critical mission to serve and protect those who visit and work at the Virginia State Capitol.