The Animal Protection Unit encourages responsible pet ownership and the humane treatment of animals through education, as well as enforcement, of state laws and county ordinances related to the health and safety of domestic animals. The unit is staffed by animal protection officers who are sworn law enforcement and animal control officers. Members of the unit work collaboratively investigating criminal offenses like animal cruelty and assisting the local health department on other related matters.

The K-9 Unit is comprised of five officers and their K-9 partners. K-9 Bella is a bloodhound with superior tracking skills. Belgian Malinois K-9’s Daxel, Dembe, and Milo are trained for narcotic detection and apprehension. K-9 Lola is a Dutch Shepherd trained to detect explosives.

If you have a traffic-related concern you would like for us to look into, please fill out this Traffic Enforcement Request.

Applications for the 2026 wrecker rotation closed on January 9, 2026. The 2027 wrecker application is anticipated to be open Dec. 1-15, 2026. Please review the Tow Company Agreement Procedures and Guidelines before completing the application.

Our Auxiliary Police Officers provide valuable services to our community members every day. You can find them directing traffic, checking houses while residents are away, and helping out wherever needed—all as volunteers! If you would like to learn more about becoming an auxiliary officer, contact our Special Operations Division at 434-296-5807.

Crash Reconstruction Team

Crash Reconstruction Team (CRT) provides fixed and defined investigations to serious automobile crashes. Members assigned to the CRT receive many hours of specialized crash investigation training. The responsibilities of the CRT include the investigation of vehicular fatalities, vehicular crashes with serious personal injuries, and felony hit-and-run accidents that involve serious bodily injury or fatalities.

Emergency Response Group

The Emergency Response Group consists of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Special Response Team (SRT), and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT). This group provides a tactical response to high-risk incidents, life-threatening situations and crisis events, with approval from the Chief of Police or designee. The SWAT Team is classified as a part-time team, voluntary in nature, and consists of a minimum of 10 sworn personnel. Members are selected after a thorough assessment with approval from the Chief of Police. The CNT responds to all hostage or barricade situations and, through negotiation methods, attempt to resolve incidents. Team members attend classes to hone their skills, often reaching the 100-hour mark before they begin, and continue education throughout their appointment to the team.

Human Services Alternative Response Team (HART)