Albemarle County, VA
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Answers to some of the frequently asked questions we receive from community members.
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About ACPD
Geo-policing is a community-based policing model that ACPD implemented in 2012. It divides the county into two patrol districts in which officers are assigned. This positions officers to get to know the people in our community, by covering the same areas and encouraging them to have positive interactions with the individuals of Albemarle County.
Geo-policing provides officers a greater sense of local concerns, builds stronger ties within the community, and encourages officers to take ownership of the community's concerns within their assigned area.
Accountability
- Yes. Any video that is considered evidence will be treated as such and handled by the Commonwealth Attorney's Office. ACPD will comply with any legal court process.
- No, videos are not available for immediate view.
- No, officers cannot delete recorded videos. However, they are able to view their own recordings.
Sometimes a situation arises in which a community member has a concern about the performance of an ACPD officer or employee. When this happens, the process for filing a complaint is to contact the Office of Professional Standards at 434-296-5807.
After the complaint is submitted, a letter acknowledging the receipt of the complaint and the disposition of the investigation will be issued in a timely manner. Investigation of complaints will be conducted with the strictest confidentiality, keeping in mind the rights, concerns, and privacy of all parties involved.
Just like any other crime that is committed. The criminal complaint is presented to the Magistrate to ensure probable cause exists. Once a warrant is obtained, the officer would be arrested and taken before the Magistrate for a preliminary bond hearing. The officer would then be processed (photos and fingerprints taken). The department would place the officer on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings. Additionally, the department would conduct its own internal investigation to ascertain if any policies and procedures had been violated and determine the necessary punishment based on our discipline matrix. Our disciplinary process is reviewed during our accreditation process to ensure we are maintaining appropriate standards.
Every use of force incident is required to be documented in detail, then reviewed by supervisors, commanders, Office of Professional Standards, and the Chief of Police.
Once an event is documented, it is entered into a tracking system equipped with an early warning system that alerts our Internal Affairs that there may be an issue with an officer, prompting an investigation into that officer.
- Cameras will record any law enforcement action that an officer takes, which may include arrests, traffic stops, searches, detentions, interviews, and interrogations regardless of location. Recording will not be automatic during general community interactions and community events unless law enforcement action is taken.
Albemarle County Police Department’s Use of Force Policy (General Order) guides our officers through the many circumstances in which any level of force may be necessary, with detailed tactics and procedures, including officer’s presence, verbal commands, non-lethal force options, and lethal force options. ACPD requires that every officer receives annual training on Use of Force policy and procedures.
Every use of force incident is required to be documented in detail, then reviewed by supervisors, commanders, Internal Affairs, and the Chief of Police. Once an event is documented, it is entered into a tracking system equipped with an early warning system that alerts our Internal Affairs that there may be an issue with an officer, prompting an investigation into that officer.
ACPD policy is routinely reviewed and updated to ensure we are operating in the most effective and appropriate way.
The Accreditation Standards are set through the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission and the Department of Criminal Justice Services. The accreditation process requires an in-depth review of every aspect of the agency’s organization, management, operations, and administration.
Accreditation increases our agency’s ability to prevent and control crime through more effective and efficient delivery of law enforcement services to the community by gaining citizen confidence in our agency’s policies and practices. Accreditation also creates a forum in which police and citizens work together to control and prevent crime, a partnership that educates citizens of the challenges that confront law enforcement. Law enforcement, in turn, receives clear direction from the community about its expectations - creating a common set of goals and objectives. You can see this in action through our work with our Community Advisory Teams and the local Pastors Council where district commanders meet with community members to review community concerns, crime trends in the areas, and community initiatives.
Accreditation, in conjunction with the geo-policing model, commits our agency to a broad range of programs that directly benefit the public.
- Officers are required to record any activity in which they are taking law enforcement action, which may include arrests, traffic stops, searches, detentions, interviews, and interrogations.
- If ACPD has video subpoenaed or is otherwise legally obligated to provide video, only a court order can prevent the release of that video.
- The cameras will record any law enforcement action that an officer takes, which may include arrests, traffic stops, searches, detentions, interviews, and interrogations. Officers will manually start and stop the recording while taking these actions and the recording will capture 30-seconds prior to an activation. Cameras are always capturing footage that is then written over if a recording is not activated by the officer. Additionally, body-worn cameras are linked to in-car cameras and will automatically start recording when emergency lights are activated.
- Video requests are coordinated through the same process as other Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests . This includes related costs and requirements. Officers are not able to provide copies.
- Yes. The cameras will record any law enforcement action that an officer takes, which may include arrests, traffic stops, searches, detentions, interviews, and interrogations. Any individuals within the cameras viewing area will become part of the video evidence.
- No, officers will not notify anyone that the camera is recording.
ACPD Programs and Services
Yes, we have an Auxiliary Police Officer Program. Please contact the Special Operations Division at 434-296-5807.
Yes, we do have a ride-along program. Learn more on our Ride-Along Request page.
Yes, the police department can check on your home while you are away. Fill out a house check request here.
ACPD does not offer fingerprinting services. However, more information and locations that offer fingerprinting services can be found here.
Animals
Yes, the ordinance requires dogs to be on a leash whenever they are off the property of their owner or custodian, also known as “running at large.” View full ordinance text of the leash law online here.
What does “running at large” mean? For the purpose of this ordinance, a dog is deemed to be “running at large” while roaming, running, or self-hunting off the property of its owner or custodian without being secured by a physical leash or lead attached to a collar or harness.
Can a dog be under voice command? No. Dogs not included in the exceptions list below must be physically secured with a leash or lead.
What are the exceptions? Dogs on bona fide hunt, dogs participating in field trials, dogs in fenced dog parks, certain service dogs, exercising hunting dogs, search and rescue dogs, working farm dogs.
Where is this ordinance valid? This is a countywide ordinance.
What if we are visiting a friend’s property? Property owners may give permission to the dog’s owner for the dog to be on the property without a leash.
What should I do if I encounter an off-leash dog? Call the Emergency Communications Center at 434-977-9041.
Yes, all dogs in Albemarle County must have a dog license after their first rabies shot and license must be displayed on the dog’s collar at all times.
Information on animal ordinances can be found in Chapter 4 of the Albemarle County Code.
This barking dog brochure is intended simply to provide information and is not legal advice applicable to individual situations. It should not be relied upon as a full explanation of the law. Before taking legal action, it is always advisable to consult a private attorney.
Contact the Animal Protection Unit through the non-emergency communications number 434-977-9041. Please keep in mind, Animal Protection Officers (APO) spend 90% of their time in the field responding to service calls and/or investigating complaints. An APO will contact you as soon as possible, if they are not immediately available when you call.
If you see a dog actively acting aggressively, please contact 911 immediately.
If you have concerns about a dog that you believe to be aggressive, please contact the Albemarle County Police Department’s Animal Protection Unit at 434-977-9041.
To see a list of dangerous dog registration information visit the Virginia Dangerous Dogs Registry.
Community Relations
Yes, the Citizen Advisory Council (CAC) includes five citizen members appointed by the Board of Supervisors (BOS), and one ex-officio, non-voting member of the BOS, who acts as a liaison between the CAC and the BOS.
The CAC provides for independent review by a citizen committee of policies, procedures, budget decisions and staffing allocations of ACPD in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness of local law enforcement services and to promote the community policing philosophy of the County in a way which advances shared responsibility and interdependence between the community and the Police Department. The council reviews department policies, programs, procedure and practices, Rules and Regulations and General Orders, budget and funding priorities, and the level of staffing and how staffing is allocated.
ACPD also partners with Citizen Advisory Teams at the district level to maintain open and formal communications with our community to review community concerns, crime trends in the areas, and community initiatives. Participants must live in the district represented by each team, which meets every other month. District Commanders strive to get representation from throughout the district to ensure a fair and accurate conversation of hyper-local topics are addressed.
Our officers regularly attend community meetings with local congregations, nonprofit organizations, and citizen advisory groups (at both district and county levels) to maintain open and formal communications with our community. Members of the community can request a representative from ACPD at their community event by submitting a Special Activity Request.
Programs are designed to garner community input and insight, and ultimately address community-identified issues, often through our Problem-Oriented Policing Unit. Local community events organized by ACPD as well as other organizations (National Night Out, Special Olympics, Virginia Rules Summer Camps) foster relationships between officers and the people of Albemarle County and provide yet another opportunity for conversation and engagement.
The geo-policing model and adherence to the 21st Century Policing taskforce recommendations commits our agency to directly engage with the public we serve.
Crime
To learn more about fraud, read If You Are The Victim Of Fraud.
You may also speak with an officer by calling 434-977-9041.
To obtain a criminal warrant for someone, you must appear in person before a Magistrate. The Magistrate's Office adjoins the Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail, which is located at 1610 Avon Street Ext, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
How can I obtain a criminal history or background check from the Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD)?
ACPD no longer provides this service; however, you can visit the Virginia State Police to obtain a criminal history or background check.
Hiring and Training
ACPD officers are evaluated in a similar procedure to other County employees: an annual review to discuss the employee’s goals, opportunities for improvement, and a year-end skills proficiency check-in. Additionally, officers are evaluated daily on their interaction with the people of Albemarle County. This is informal but recognized feedback direct from our community.
Officers promoted in our department complete a rigorous assessment process that is comprised of a background investigation, peer review, interview panel (comprised on police and non-police individuals), some form of community engagement (ex: mock town hall meeting), and an oral/written presentation.
ACPD does not hire someone just to fill a vacancy. We hire the best candidates for service to Albemarle County. Our police officers are vetted through a rigorous hiring process. Candidates must successfully complete background checks, polygraphs, psychological exams, physicals, and interviews with command staff.
New officers receive a total of 1,440 training hours (approx. 10 months of training): Four weeks of in-house pre-academy training, followed by 20 weeks at the Police Academy and five weeks of additional enhanced training on policies, procedures, and expanded topics beyond academy training including timekeeping, report writing, and radio systems. New officers then complete 12 weeks of field training with a Field Training Officer where they demonstrate proficiency on state outlined objectives. Throughout this process, candidates are trained on subjects such as professionalism, ethics, mental health well-being, de-escalation tactics, and communications strategies through both classroom and practical applications.
Training does not end when an officer joins the team. Our department provides ongoing training beyond the minimum requirement of all police officers. These trainings consistently re-enforce our commitment to our geo-policing model through topics including de-escalation skills, implicit bias awareness, cultural diversity awareness, emotional intelligence, and more.
The Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) requires police officers to complete 40 hours of in-service training every two years. Curriculum is regulated by the Commonwealth of Virginia and includes four hours on legal and constitutional law, two hours on cultural diversity awareness, and 34 hours of career development.
Bias prevention training consists of both one-time courses, and on-going classes that include topics such as cultural diversity, engaging the mentally ill, emotional intelligence, and others that provide officers the knowledge to prevent biased-based policing.
As guided by our strategic plan, ACPD has prioritized key trainings that are considered best practice for departments across the country. We are working to ensure everyone in our department receives Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) and Fair and Impartial Policing. Fair and Impartial Policing is now taught at the academy level. Training officers in these courses is an ongoing effort based on course capacity.
Crisis Intervention Training (40 hours) is designed to educate and prepare police officers who encounter people in crisis, to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness, and to respond effectively and appropriately to the individual.
Fair and Impartial Policing (6 hours) is rooted in the science of bias and the negative consequences of letting hidden biases impact perceptions and behavior. This training also teaches police professionals the skills that they need to reduce and manage their biases.
Traffic Enforcement Cameras
- Yes, in addition to being reviewed by the ATE system contractor, each citation is verified and approved by a police officer. The reviewing police officer signs a statement on the citation that indicates the vehicle was being operated in violation of the law based on inspection of the recorded images.
The registered vehicle owner may request a hearing to challenge an Automated Speed Enforcement citation. The owner has thirty (30) days from the date of the issuance of the citation to contest an Automated Speed Enforcement Violation. At this point, the vehicle owner has the option to contest the violation either by mail or in person. If no response is received, either in the form of payment or a hearing request, you lose your right to appeal.
Instructions are included on the citation to explain the three ways to contest a ticket:
1. COURT HEARING: If you wish to contest this violation in court, you must sign the coupon included in your citation and mail it to confirm your court hearing. Your case will be administratively reviewed, and you will be notified, in writing, of the location, date and time of your court hearing. A person who is found liable for a violation after the court hearing shall pay the penalty within 30 days of the determination of liability.
2. AFFIDAVIT OF NON-LIABILITY: If the motor vehicle or the license plate captured by the speed monitoring system recorded image was sold or stolen prior to the violation date, or if there is a DMV registration error, or if the offense was ticketed by the Police Department, or you were not the operator/driver of the vehicle on that date, time and location which the violation occurred, the owner may submit information to that effect by filling out an Affidavit of Non-Liability and mailing it prior to the payment due date on the front of your notice. Send your Affidavit of Non-Liability, the required supporting documentation, and a copy of this Notice of Violation to the address provided in your citation. The Affidavit of Non-Liability form can be accessed here or downloaded at www.onlinecitationpayment.com. You will need your Summons # and PIN printed on the front of your notice.
3. AFFIDAVIT OF NON-OPERATION (Rental and Leasing Companies ONLY): 46.2-882.1 - Provides the notified owner of a vehicle who was not the driver the ability to file an Affidavit of Non-Operation by regular mail affirming he/she was not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation. The Affidavit of Non-Operation form can be accessed here or downloaded at www.onlinecitationpayment.com. You will need your Summons # and PIN printed on the front of your notice. Your Affidavit of Non-Operation must be received prior to the payment due date on the front of this Notice. Send your Affidavit of Non-Operation, the required supporting documentation, and a copy of your Notice of Violation to the address provided in your citation.
To pay online: You may view your citation images and pay your fine at onlinecitationpayment.com.
To pay by phone: Please call the Albemarle County Automated Enforcement Division Customer Service Call Center toll-free at (866) 271-1171 to pay by credit card 24/7. Between 8 am and 5 pm EST, Monday – Friday, a representative will assist you with payments or questions.
To pay by mail: To pay the citation, mail the return coupon from your fine notice along with a check or money order, payable to the County of Albemarle. We do not accept cash. To ensure proper processing, print the citation number on your payment. Send payment to: Albemarle County, Attn: Altumint Speed Camera Coordinator, PO BOX 830629, Philadelphia, PA 19182-0629.
For the school zone speed camera program: The automated speed cameras measure the speed of each passing vehicle. A series of videos and photographs document the vehicles traveling at or above a determined speed threshold. The date, time, and location of the violation, as well as the speed and license plate of the violator’s vehicle, are recorded. Following the proper identification of the registered owner of the vehicle using the license plate number, the registered owner is mailed a citation, which includes the violation photos and vehicle speed.
For the school bus stop arm program: The automated school bus stop arm cameras measure the location and movement of a vehicle when a school bus stops and the stop arm is extended. A series of videos and photographs are recorded to document vehicles traveling through the extended stop arm. The date, time, and location of the violation, as well as the license plate of the violator's vehicle, are recorded. Following the proper identification of the vehicle's registered owner using the license plate number, the registered owner is mailed a citation, including the violation photos.
- "Photo enforced" signs under speed limit signs on the designated roads will alert drivers that speed cameras may be used in that area.
- Yes, digital video (school bus stop arm cameras) and still photographs (school zone speed cameras) will be made available to the registered vehicle owner. The recorded speed will also be made available. Instructions on the violation will show you how to access the images on a secured website.
For the school zone speed camera program: Violation fines are $100.
For the school bus stop arm program: Violations are $250.
The goal of automated traffic enforcement programs are to encourage safer driving behavior and raise awareness about the risks of speeding and failing to stop for school buses—two leading causes of preventable crashes involving children.
In school zones, speed enforcement cameras are intended to increase driver awareness and reduce speed-related crashes. Driving too fast for conditions reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely and limits reaction time to unexpected hazards—especially around vulnerable road users like children. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly one-third of all fatal crashes are related to speeding (NHTSA, 2023).
Similarly, stop arm cameras on school buses aim to prevent dangerous and illegal passing when a bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Around 40% of school bus-related fatalities involve drivers who fail to stop for school buses (NHTSA, 2022). This behavior endangers children as they board or exit the bus.
By using technology to enforce existing laws, these programs work together to create a safer environment for students and promote responsible driving throughout our community.
For the school zone speed camera program: The cameras are enforcing during school hours when children are going to or from school, as indicated by flashing lights in the school zone.
For the school bus stop arm program: The cameras are enforcing when the stop arm is extended and the school bus's red lights are flashing.
For the school zone speed camera program: The cameras are located in the school zones on Hydraulic Road northbound and southbound and on Rockfish Gap Turnpike/U.S. 250 eastbound and westbound in Crozet.
For the school bus stop arm camera program: Four buses have been selected to start the 2025-26 school year based on routes with frequent stop arm violations. The results of these initial four buses will be closely monitored, and additional systems may be added during the school year based on supporting data.
- Both the school zone speed camera and school bus stop arm camera programs are entirely funded by violators, with no cost to taxpayers. Revenue from fines covers the costs of implementing and administering the program. Any funds in excess of program costs for the school zone speed cameras are allocated to Albemarle County's General Fund to specifically be used for traffic safety initiatives, while funds in excess for the school bus stop arm cameras are allocated to Albemarle County Public Schools.
- No. Photo speed violations are civil fines that are not reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Yes, for the new systems in 2025, there is a 30-day warning period. This applies to the school bus stop arm camera program and the school zone speed cameras on Rockfish Gap Turnpike/U.S. 250. Violations recorded within the first 30 days will receive warning notices only.
The warning period does not apply to the school zone speed cameras on Hydraulic Road, which were installed in 2024.
Traffic/Vehicle
You can fill out a traffic enforcement request online here.
If you would like to speak with the Traffic Division Supervisor, contact the Albemarle County Police Department at 434-296-5807.
If you have received a traffic ticket (as opposed to a parking ticket), you must either prepay the ticket or attend the scheduled court date in General District Court. The Police Department does not void or accept payment for traffic violations. You may make prepayments for fines and other minor offenses through the Courts Automated Information System.
- If you wish to protest a citation for illegal parking without waiting for a summons and trail, please fill out the Parking Ticket Appeal Form. It will be reviewed by the officials responsible for administering the County ordinance, and you will be notified of the result.
