About BVPD
Our Values
Integrity in all things
Respect at all times
Courage in all actions
Service before self
Professional Standards
BVPD Departments
OPERATIONS
Patrol
Patrol officers at the Buena Vista Police Department are the backbone of its operations. They are responsible for responding to emergency calls, investigating criminal activity, apprehending suspects, and providing a visible presence on the streets to deter crime. Patrol officers serve an important role in community policing by engaging with the public and building relationships with neighborhood residents. They are often the first responders to an emergency situation, and their presence can be a vital part of restoring order and providing safety to the citizens of Buena Vista.
Buena Vista patrol officers are also responsible for responding to calls for service, such as traffic accidents and domestic disputes. Our officers routinely work in conjunction with detectives and other specialists in the department while investigating complex cases. The mission of the Buena Vista patrol division is to increase accountability, provide more personalized service, improve quality of life, and increase communication within our community.
K9 Unit
The role of police department K9 units is an integral part of law enforcement. K9s are specially trained to provide assistance with tracking, apprehension, evidence recovery, crowd control, and more. They are also used for search and rescue operations, bomb and drug detection, and specialized detection of illegal substances. K9s are an invaluable asset to any police force, and their training and dedication make them an invaluable part of law enforcement.
The K9 unit currently consists of one handler and his K9 partner. Corporal Hill and Hanz have been working together since the summer of 2022. Our unit prides itself on doing proactive enforcement work and proactive community relations work in the city of Buena Vista.
School Resource Officers
Buena Vista school resource officers (SROs) are law enforcement officers who are assigned to work in schools, providing a variety of services to maintain safe learning environments. They provide a visible presence of law enforcement to deter criminal behavior and create a safe learning environment for all students. In addition to providing a physical presence, SROs also serve as mentors and role models, providing guidance and assistance to students, staff, and parents. In addition, SROs may conduct investigations into criminal activity and suspicious behavior, as well as provide educational programs to students and faculty on topics such as drug and alcohol abuse, bullying, and internet safety.
The Buena Vista Police Department currently has two School Resource Officers.
Special Response Team
The Rockbridge Regional Special Response Team (SRT) is a multi-jurisdictional group of law enforcement officers who are specially trained and equipped to handle high-risk operations, such as hostage situations, barricaded suspects, and drug raids. The team is comprised of officers from the Buena Vista Police Department, Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lexington Police Department.
The Rockbridge Regional SRT is highly trained and experienced in a variety of tactics, including dynamic entry, rappelling, sniper response, and negotiation. The team is equipped with the latest protective gear and weapons, including Kevlar helmets and body armor, entry tools, and less-lethal alternatives. The team often trains with other agencies, such as the FBI and DEA, to ensure that they are prepared for any situation. The team engages in community outreach and provides education on a variety of topics, such as active shooter response and building searches.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Investigations
The Buena Vista Police Department Investigation Division is comprised of 4 full-time detectives.
Detectives are key figures in the investigation and resolution of criminal cases. They are often responsible for initiating cases, writing search warrants, and collecting evidence. Once they have all the necessary evidence, they present their findings to the Buena Vista Commonwealth’s Attorney for filing considerations. The detectives then ensure that the cases progress through the justice system until they come to a conclusion. In addition, they collaborate with other local, county, state, and federal agencies to ensure the investigations are successful.
Cases assigned to the Buena Vista Police Department are split into two categories: those involving crimes against people and those involving crimes against property. If the investigation does not have any leads to follow or if victims are not interested in pressing charges, the case is usually suspended or closed. If, however, a suspect is identified, witnesses are available, and victims are willing to pursue prosecution, the case moves forward to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for consideration.
- Crimes against property: Crimes against property include burglary, larceny, theft, robbery, vandalism, shoplifting, arson, and fraud.
- Crimes against persons: Crimes against persons refer to offenses that involve the victimization of an individual. Common examples of these types of crimes include assault, battery, kidnapping, homicide, rape, and stalking.
- Task Force Detectives: Task force detectives are specialized law enforcement officers who investigate extremely serious and complex cases. They are usually part of an organized unit comprised of multiple agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, VSP, and local police departments. Their job is to gather evidence, question witnesses and suspects, and work with other agencies to build a case. Task force detectives have a variety of skills, including surveillance, interviewing, and investigation. They must also be knowledgeable about legal procedures, rules of evidence, and other aspects of the criminal justice system.
Records
The Buena Vista Police Department’s records division is a vital part of the overall law enforcement process. The records division is responsible for the management and maintenance of all the records generated by the department, including incident reports, arrest records, evidence, and other documents.
The records division helps to ensure accurate and timely access to records by both law enforcement personnel and the public. It also assists in the investigation of criminal cases by providing access to the necessary documents that may be needed. In addition, the records division is responsible for processing requests for criminal background checks and other records searches.
The records division is staffed by professional and trained personnel who are responsible for the accurate filing, storage, and retrieval of records. They are also responsible for preparing and submitting reports to various government agencies, as well as providing records to the public upon request.
The records division also helps to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the records, assists in the collection of evidence for court proceedings, and in some cases, may provide testimony in a court of law.
Communications
The Rockbridge County Regional Dispatch Center is a valuable resource for the local community. The center provides a centralized hub for emergency services, allowing for fast and efficient response times to any emergency situation. The center is staffed with highly trained and experienced professionals who are able to dispatch the appropriate emergency personnel and resources in order to respond to any incident. The center is equipped with a state-of-the-art communications system to assist in its mission. This includes a wide array of radios, computers, and other equipment that allows them to quickly and accurately coordinate emergency response.
Our dispatch center also provides a range of non-emergency services to the community. These services include providing public safety information and assistance, working with local law enforcement to investigate crimes, and providing support for natural disasters and other events. The Center also works with the public to provide education and outreach on emergency preparedness and response. This helps to ensure that the community is prepared for any emergency situation that may arise.
Crime Prevention
The Buena Vista Police Department is a critical part of the city’s crime prevention efforts. The department is committed to keeping citizens safe through the presence of patrol officers, special units, and specialized training. Officers are on the streets to provide a visible presence and respond promptly to reports of crime. Their investigations help to identify and apprehend suspects, creating an atmosphere of safety and security in the community.
One of the most effective tactics for crime prevention is the use of community policing. This strategy involves our department engaging with citizens on a regular basis in order to build relationships and trust. Through this approach, officers are able to identify potential problem areas and develop strategies to address them before they become an issue. The Buena Vista Police Department also uses this approach to educate citizens on crime prevention techniques, such as locking doors and windows and staying aware of their surroundings.
The police department regularly works with other organizations and members of the community to create programs that help reduce crime. These programs can include mentorship initiatives, a citizen’s police academy, and school activities. Such programs can provide positive outlets for members of the community and help to reduce the likelihood of individuals becoming involved in criminal activities.