Virginia legal term
Police officer in Virginia Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Virginia legislative session
In Virginia criminal law, “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 “Police officer” mean in Virginia criminal law?
"Police officer" means any full-time or part-time employee of a police department or sheriff's office which is a part of or administered by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof and who is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the enforcement of the penal, traffic, or highway laws of the Commonwealth and a state correctional officer of the Department of Corrections. (Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-488.1)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Impersonating law-enforcement officer
- Pointing, holding, or brandishing firearm, air or gas operated weapon or object similar in appearance
- Acceptance of bribe by officer or candidate
- Bribes to officers or candidates for office
- Carrying a firearm or explosive material within Capitol Square and the surrounding area, into a building owned or leased by the Commonwealth, etc
- Carrying weapon in air carrier airport terminal
- Carrying weapon into courthouse
- Malicious bodily injury to law-enforcement officers, firefighters, search and rescue personnel, or emergency medical services personnel
- Manufacturer's and dealer's register
- Manufacturer's and dealer's register
- Possession of a weapon in a hospital that provides mental health services or developmental services prohibited
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.