Virginia
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P.O. Box 922, 24450
540-462-3700
fax: 540-463-5310
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POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Al Thomas
(540) 462-3705; fax: (540) 463-9257
lexpolice@ci.lexington.va.us
Message from the Chief
Welcome to the Lexington Police Department (LPD) website. The LPD is committed to its community. We, the members of the Lexington Police Department, exist to serve all people within our jurisdiction with respect, fairness, and compassion. We are committed to the prevention of crime and the protection of life and property; the preservation of peace, order and safety; the enforcement of laws and ordinances; and the safeguarding of constitutional guarantees.
With community service as our foundation, we are driven by goals to enhance the quality of life, investigating problems as well as incidents, seeking solutions and fostering a sense of security in communities and individuals. We nurture public trust by holding ourselves to the highest standards of performance and ethics.
To fulfill its mission, the Lexington Police Department is dedicated to providing a quality work environment and the development of its members through effective training and leadership. [top]
About Our Department
The Lexington Police Department is located at 11 Fuller Street, just behind City Hall. Emergencies should be reported to Central Dispatch (911). Administrative offices may be contacted at (540) 462-3705.
The Lexington Police Department covers a jurisdiction of approximately 2.74 square miles and serves a population of approximately 7,200 citizens including the students of both colleges. The department maintains a congenial working relationship with Washington & Lee Security, Virginia State Police, Virginia Military Institute Police, Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Department, Buena Vista Police Department, and Alcohol Beverage Control Board.
The department also participates in several community service events such as the Road and River Relay race, Charity walks, Halloween Downtown, and the community Neighborhood Watch Program. We are committed to the community policing philosophy.
We are an Accredited Agency and remain committed to professionalism in our operations and that we are dedicated to providing comprehensive personal service to all of our citizens and that we clearly articulate the department’s vision, priorities, and operational strategies well into the future. We feel it is our privilege to provide our citizens and visitors with the best and state of the art police protection. [top]
About Our City
The City of Lexington was established in 1778, gained city status in 1966, and is the county seat of Rockbridge County. It is nestled in the Shenandoah Valley and is surrounded by natural wonders and beauty. Lexington is approximately 45 miles North of Roanoke, 140 miles West of Richmond and 190 miles Southwest of Washington D.C.
Lexington is a 19th Century college city, boasts a hometown charm, southern hospitality and a history unmatched. It has served as the homes to the renowned military strategists Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson and Robert E. Lee. Washington & Lee University was named after General George Washington and General Robert E. Lee. General George C. Marshall (Noble Peace Prize winner for the Marshall Plan after World War II) was a 1901 graduate of Virginia Military Institute also located within the city limits.
Many film makers visit Lexington. Footage of several history related movies have been shot here, along with footage for “Summersby”, starring Richard Gere and Jody Foster, with both making appearances here. [top]
Patrol Division 
The Patrol Division of the Lexington Police Department is under the command of Lieutenant A.M. Miller. The Patrol Division is responsible for answering calls for service within the city limits. Patrol officers of the division are the first to respond to all calls for services. Patrol officers are responsible for traffic enforcement, accident investigation, minor criminal investigations, business and residential security checks, assisting citizens and motorists and enforcing all local and state laws.
Its purpose is to provide safety of our citizens and guests to our community. Through consistent enforcement of traffic laws, thorough accident investigations, identification and elimination of traffic hazards and strict DUI enforcement, the department strives to keep our city streets safe.
The patrol division answers on average 7,000 calls for service each year, issues 1400 traffic summons, makes 200 arrests, and investigates 200 traffic accidents, to list some of their duties in the community.
Each officer hired by the Lexington Police must go through an extensive hiring process that includes a physical, written test, physical agility test and an interview panel. After being hired with the department, they must successfully complete a 20 week basic law enforcement class at the Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy in Salem, Virginia. Officers also must receive 40-hours of in-service training every two years to retain their law enforcement certification. Officers also complete departmental training throughout the year. Patrol officers are encouraged to attend as many specialty schools as possible and to continue their college educations.
Lexington police officers strive to reach out to our community by means of personal contact with our vehicle and mountain bike patrols. Officers also are involved in crime prevention, community events and activities and departmental tours. Community policing is a priority in the department. Officers feel that community involvement is a key component to the successful accomplishment of our mission. [top]
Animal Control
The Police Department is responsible for animal control within the city limits of Lexington. The Special Enforcement Officer ("SEO") handles all calls for service concerning any animals. The SEO has several other additional duties assigned to him or her, such as the enforcement of the cities inoperable and abandon vehicle ordinances and parking enforcement in the downtown and some residential areas, to list a few.
The SEO normally works from 8AM until 4PM Monday through Friday and can be reached by calling the Police Department at 540-462-3705. If after hours, call the Emergency Call Center at 540-463-9177.
During working hours, the SEO handles anywhere from 50-75 calls per month and picks up on average 20 stray animals per month. Animals captured by the SEO are taken to the Rockbridge SPCA at 1 Animal Place off of Greenhouse Road. Animals are held at the shelter. The shelter can be reached at 540-463-5123. All animal owners are required to speak with the SEO before any animal can be released by the SPCA.
The main purpose for animal control is to ensure that citizens are safe from animals, domestic and wild, and that animals are safe and cared for properly.
Questions concerning animal control issues may be directed to the SEO at the Police Department during normal working hours at 540-462-3759, the SEO office, or 540-461-3041 (cell phone). [top]
Investigations Division 
The Investigations Division is under the command of Sergeant M.E. Riley. Personnel assigned to Investigations are responsible for performing the investigative/administrative functions of the Lexington Police Department. This division is comprised of General Investigators, Drug Task Officer, Accreditation Manager, Special Enforcement Officer, and Records Clerk. [top]
Job Openings/Recruitment
The City of Lexington Police Department is committed to equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals irrespective of race, age, national origin, creed, or other factors not related to job performance, and complies with all applicable state and federal laws governing fair and equitable treatment of employees. Job openings and descriptions will be shown here when available. [top]
Criminal History Information
The Lexington Police Department does not release criminal history information to non-law enforcement personnel. However, criminal history information in Virginia can be obtained as follows:
Reportable Offense
Go to the Virginia State Police web site. Download and complete Virginia State Police Form, SP-167. Depending on exactly what you need, the fees for such documentation may vary. Fee information can be obtained on VSP web site as well. Make sure to take note on web site as where to mail your request. (A reportable offense is one where a person was fingerprinted or photographed).
Non-reportable Offense
Visit the Court that had jurisdiction over where the offense occurred and request the information you seek from the clerk of court. (A non-reportable offense is one where a person was not fingerprinted or photographed.) Search the Virginia Supreme Court Case Management Case System.
However, you can have a local records check done of yourself at the Lexington Police Department for a fee of $10. Bring photo identification.
Questions can be directed to 540-462-3705. [top]
Accreditation Information 
On January 8, 1998, the Police Department was officially State Accredited by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission, and re-accredited on January 30, 2006. Lexington is one of the smallest police agencies in Virginia to receive this recognition.
Suspicious criminal activities can be reported anonymously by calling the Crime Line at (540) 463-2878.
Lexington is a safe community in which to live and work. The total crime index for 2008 was 52.5, when the US average was 320.9. There has not been a murder committed in Lexington in almost fifteen years. Larcenies continue to be number one on the list of crimes committed. [top]
Crime Prevention
Community Policing is a philosophy based on forging a partnership between the police and the community so that they can work together on solving problems or crime, fear of crime and disorder, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life in their neighborhoods.
The Lexington Police Department embraces a philosophy of Community Policing -- an important policing/community partnership that has proven to prevent and reduce crime. This partnership is accomplished in a variety of ways, and is shared by the Crime Prevention Officer.
Several programs administered and/or assisted throughout the city are:
- Neighborhood Watch
- Alarm Procedures
- Halloween Downtown
- National Night Out
- Bike Rodeo
- Triad
- Police Department Tours for Youth
- Safety Seat Instruction
The Lexington Police Department has certified instructors that can give seminars and assist with crime prevention tips suiting the individual needs of anyone or any group.
In addition to regular police duties, the Police Chief administers a school-crossing guard program. The Department also provides extra patrols to residents' homes on request when they are out of town, and provides many other services to the community beyond the usual scope of police work. [top]
Neighborhood Watch
The primary mission of a Neighborhood Watch is to increase neighborhood awareness in the area of crime prevention so that potential crime risks and current crime problems can be quickly identified and combated in the most efficient manner. It is one of the most effective and least costly ways to prevent crime and reduce fear. Neighborhood Watch fights the isolation that crime both creates and feeds upon.
Anyone can get involved, even the busiest of people. It is a simple matter of keeping our eyes and ears open. The nosey neighbor is our Neighborhood Watch. We may not like that in our neighbor however; this goes way back to when everyone knew his or her neighbors. There was a time when Neighborhood Watch was not needed because people knew who lived in their neighborhoods and where they worked, when vacations were taking place, and the general coming and going of each other. This bond made a safe and secure neighborhood. Today we have become a private society therefore creating once again the need for neighbors helping neighbors.
What does a Neighborhood Watch do?
- Neighborhood Watch is a neighbor helping neighbors. Extra eyes and ears.
- Members meet their neighbors learn how to make their homes more secure, watch out for each other and the neighborhood, and report activities that raise their suspicions to the police.
- Special events are crucial to keep the program going and growing. Hold safety talks, block parties, and picnics in a park.
What will the Police Department do for Neighborhood Watch?
The Lexington Police Department will assist neighborhoods with support by providing the necessary training for getting started and maintaining their Neighborhood Watch.
If you are interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch in your neighborhood or to rejuvenate an already existing program please feel free to contact The Lexington Police Department at 540-462-3705. [top]
Ride Along Program
The primary purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for the community to see firsthand the day-to-day workings of law enforcement in Lexington. The ride-along guest receives important insight into what it means to be a police officer. The ride-along program fosters a better understanding of the challenges, hazards and rewards of a Law Enforcement Career.
Rules of Conduct
- A police record check may be conducted, and conviction of a felony or a crime of moral turpitude may be grounds for refusal of the request to participate.
- You will be in the public eye and should understand that your behavior and dress reflect on the Lexington Police Department.
- Your position is that of a non-participating observer of the police function. Observers shall, at all times, remain under the complete control of the assigned officer and comply with all directions.
- MINORS MUST HAVE A WAIVER FORM SIGNED BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN.
- In the event of a serious situation, the officer will ask you to wait in a secure and safe location.
- Appropriate and inconspicuous clothing is required. The observer shall not wear any type of clothing, jacket, or baseball cap with a logo that might suggest that he or she is a police officer.
- Informality and questions are requested and encouraged.
- All cameras and recording devices are prohibited, unless prior approval is given by the Chief of Police.
- Observers must not become physically or verbally involved in any incident. They shall not interfere with investigations in any way by conversing with victims, suspects, or witnesses unless directed by the assigned officer.
- Please be on time for your ride. The police must make their appointed rounds and cannot afford the time to wait for you. Please report 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure at the City Police Department.
How do you sign up for a Ride-Along?
You must complete and sign an application form and return it to the Lexington Police Department. The following are requirements for being considered for Lexington’s Ride-Along Program:
- Citizens 18 years of age and older may ride. MINORS MUST HAVE A WAIVER FORM SIGNED BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN.
- The applicant must not have participated in a ride-along in the last 6 months, unless prior approval by the Chief of Police.
- Members of an officer’s family or acquaintances are eligible.
- No ride-along participant will be allowed to ride while carrying a firearm, unless the participant is currently a certified active police officer with another jurisdiction in the State of Virginia. [top]
Robbery Prevention
Robbery is the unlawful act of taking personal property from a person in his presence, by means of force or fear of injury. Robbery is a violent crime. This may include the use of a weapon. Robbers often seek or “case” likely victims. Therefore, take measures to make your business less attractive to robbers. Keep in mind that robbers look for these elements: surprise, lack of witnesses, and cash on hand.
Reduce Your Risk
- Keep window and counters clear.
- Use a drop safe. Keep very little cash in the register.
- Display signs indicating employees do not have access to safe.
- Be unpredictable about moving money from the store to the bank.
- Keep doors to unauthorized areas locked.
- Never REOPEN your business for anyone after you have closed.
- Avoid working alone. If you must, keep a TV or radio playing in a back room to suggest someone else is present.
- Use “Bait Money” and list serial and series numbers. Do not use these bills to make change.
Robbery Prevention
- Know what is happening outside the store or place of business.
- Record descriptions of suspicious persons or vehicles.
- Be alert to your customers and surroundings, especially at opening and closing.
- Greet all customers (make eye contact) as they enter the business.
- Move away from the register when there are not customers at the sales counter.
- Well-trained, highly visible security guards also seem to be a deterrent.
- Place colored height marks at all exits.
- Develop a mutual aid system. Form an agreement with nearby merchants to keep an eye on each other’s businesses and watch for suspicious activities.
- Install a holdup alarm video camera surveillance system with signs in visible locations.
- Train you employees on what to do during a robbery. [top]
Police Report/Fingerprinting
Requests for copies of reports must be made in person between the hours of 8AM and 4PM. Dissemination of incident reports must go through Commonwealths Attorney’s office for approval to be released. Dissemination of accident reports is restricted to any person involved or injured in the accident or his attorney, or any authorized representative of any insurance carrier reasonably anticipating exposure to civil liability as a consequence of the accident. Proper identification must be provided.
Law offices and insurance carriers may request and receive reports by mail, but must first have a letter on file listing agents authorized to receive report copies. A signed release from the person being represented must accompany each request.
Fingerprinting can be done at the Lexington Police Department at 4PM only. Bring photo identification and your fingerprint card/form with you. Officer hours are Monday-Friday from 8AM-4PM.
Fees:
*Copy of Incident Report - $10
*Copy of Accident Report - $10
*Fingerprinting - $10
Questions can be directed to 540-462-3705. [top]
Alarm Systems
In an ordinance enacted by City Council, any residential or commercial establishment which maintains an alarm system that is monitored by an outside company, must have the alarm registered with the Police Department.
For your convenience, a copy of the alarm system procedure and a copy of the Alarm Application are provided here, which may be printed out, completed and mailed to the Police Department. Please contact the Executive Secretary (462-3749) if you have any questions regarding the alarm system procedure. [top]
