COMMUNITY CONNECTION

The Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office partners with and promotes other agencies and businesses that assist us in not only protecting our citizens, but who help in our mission of making Gloucester "The Land of the Life Worth Living." If you would like to participate in our ride-along program, please submit the Ride Along form (PDF) to our office. Citizens may ride once per 12-month period.

Virginia Community Policing Act / Virginia Open Data Portal

The Commonwealth’s Community Policing Act was initiated in 2020. This allowed for the collection of police investigatory stop data across all law enforcement agencies in the State, and this information is now available for viewing through the Virginia Open Data Portal. Information collected includes the race, ethnicity, age, and gender of the person stopped, the reason and location of the interaction, and the end result of the detention. The portal contains valuable search tools which shows statistics for the entire Commonwealth and can also be used to view individual agency data.

Trespassing Forms and Enforcement

Are you having an issue with trespassing on your property? Review the Trespass Notice Procedures (PDF) to learn how we can help you and the procedures you  need to follow prior to enforcement. You can write your own trespass letter or download and use this Trespass Notice Form (PDF) as a template. Complete it, mail it registered and certified to the individual you wish to ban, and provide our office with a copy. If you want the Sheriff's Office to be empowered to act as your agent in enforcing a trespass violation, complete and have notarized the Trespass Enforcement Authorization Form (PDF) and return it to our office.

Gloucester Virginia Fireworks Laws

It is illegal to possess, sell, or use any fireworks which explode, travel laterally, rise into the air, or fires projectiles in the air. This includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Bottle Rockets

  • Fire Crackers

  • Sky Rockets

  • Torpedoes

Sparklers, fountains, pharaoh’s serpents, and pinwheels are allowed for use in Gloucester County. Violations are punishable by up to twelve months in jail and a fine of not more than $2,500. For more information about this Act, view the Statewide Fire Prevention Code.

Sink or Swim

Sink or Swim is a Gloucester based anti-drug abuse initiative that started with out Office of Emergency Management, but has grown to become a positive campaign throughout the Commonwealth as a state-wide resource. For information on drug facts, disposal options, ways to prevent misuse, find help, and to listen to the stories of those impacted by the growing prescription and illegal opioid abuse crisis, please visit the Drug Free VA website.

Crime Reports

The Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the addition of CityProtect to it’s website. Please visit the CityProtect website to track the most recent crimes in the county.  Once there, you may be prompted on the top left of your screen to "allow cityprotect.com to access your location" - doing so will take you directly to the crime incidents for Gloucester County.  Otherwise, the link should default to the last thirty days of available incidents.  If you are looking for a custom range of dates or specific crimes, select the "filters" option and make your selections and dates.

Child Safety Seat Program

It is important to our office that all children are safe when riding as passengers in a motor vehicle. There are several of our uniform patrol deputies are certified through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to inspect and educate the proper way to install child protective seats. These deputies will also be able to answer any questions in regards to child safety seats and the laws that govern them. This can be done at either one of the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office sponsored events or by arranging an appointment with our office.

Crime Prevention Unit

Crime Prevention & Service to the Community

The directive of the Crime Prevention Unit is two-fold: stop crime before it happens through education and environmental awareness, and also to provide additional services to those who are often the victims of crime.

Proactive Response to Crime Control

The Crime Triangle theory suggests that, for a crime to occur, you must have an offender with the desire, opportunity, and ability to commit a crime. Each one of these elements make up a side of the triangle: if you remove any one of these elements, the chance for victimization decreases. The following programs in use by the Crime Prevention Unit attack elements of the triangle:

  • Neighborhood Watch Program - Reduces the opportunity to commit a crime by building a community coalition of neighbors that look out for each other and who report suspicious incidents and individuals to the Sheriff's Office. Our deputies make it a point to patrol these communities, becoming familiar with both the residents and their concerns. Under this program, everyone is responsible for helping to keep their neighborhood safe!

  • Robbery Awareness Training - Offered to retail and banking institutions, this training focuses on risk awareness, how to reduce the chances of being robbed, and crime recognition. Employees learn situational awareness, and are taught everyday techniques that can discourage a would-be robber.

  • The Crime Prevention Unit serves as a liaison with both the TRIAD (a cooperation of law enforcement agencies) and Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) organizations to help reduce crime victimization against the elderly. This unit is also the cornerstone of Gloucester's yearly Senior Safety Fair, which offers education, strategies, and available resources to combat crimes such as fraud and identity theft that often target senior citizens.

  • The Gloucester United Emergency Shelter Team (GUEST) program has the Crime Prevention deputy assist them in the yearly planning and establishment of overnight accommodations for the homeless during the winter months.

  • The Crime Prevention Unit runs Project Lifesaver, which assists in providing for the well-being of cognitively challenged individuals within the Gloucester community. By providing frequency emitting bracelets, at-risk individuals can be located if they are ever separated from their homes and loved ones. Further, Project Lifesaver helps to build relationships with these citizens, which assists in their safe recovery.

  • Cell Phone Bank - Every month, the Cell Phone Bank provides mobile phones to law enforcement and victim services organizations. These phones are then provided to citizens who otherwise may have no link to the emergency services they need. Phones are collected at drop off boxes at both Gloucester Library branches and the lobbies of the Gloucester Courthouse and Sheriff's Office.

Additional Information

For more information about the Crime Prevention Unit or the services offered, please email Deputy Bill Adams or call 804-210-1907.

Domestic Violence

Broadly defined, domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and emotional abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically; however, the one constant component of domestic violence is one partner's consistent efforts to maintain power and control over the other.

Domestic violence is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. It is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior that is only a fraction of a systematic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and in severe cases, even death. The devastating physical, emotional, and psychological consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime (NCADV).

Virginia Law

Virginia code section 18.2-57.2 covers the criminal law aspects of domestic violence. Under this section, the law is defined to include not only spouses as potential offenders, but can also include family members, household members, live in boyfriends or girlfriends, or those who are no longer living together but have a child in common. The Gloucester County Sheriff's Office considers domestic and family violence complaints as a high priority call, and the nature and seriousness of these types of crimes are not mitigated because of the relationships and living arrangements of those involved.

Assistance

When responding to a domestic call, office personnel shall restore order, arrest suspects (when probable cause exists that a crime has occurred), provide for the safety and security of the victim(s) involved, and help individuals contact appropriate agencies for immediate help and to help prevent future occurrences.

Resources

For local, regional, and national assistance and information for domestic violence victims, please see the following phone numbers and links:

For anonymous, confidential help day or night, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233), 800-787-3224 (TTY). They also offer online chat between the hours of 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. Central time (6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Eastern).

Gang Awareness

Today many communities - maybe even yours - are facing serious problems with gangs. As a member of the community, you may feel helpless against gangs, but there are things that you can do in conjunction with the authorities to prevent or reduce gang problems. And as a parent, there’s a lot that you can do to keep your own children from joining gangs.

Learn About Gangs

Learn about gangs and signs of gang activity. Join with others to make or keep your neighborhood gang-free. Sharpen your skills as a parent and use them. Young people (as young as nine or ten) are joining gangs in ever-growing numbers in all parts of the country. The reasons they give for joining are remarkably similar:

  • Belong to a group

  • For excitement

  • To get protection

  • To earn money

  • To be with friends

Gangs leave signs of their presence. As gang members, young people may adopt specific behavior, such as:

  • Wearing specific colors or emblems

  • Use of special hand signals

  • Wearing or drawing gang symbols - on walls as graffiti or on books, paper, or clothing

  • Wearing certain kinds and colors of clothing in very specific ways

  • Possessing unexplained, relatively large sums of money

  • Grades becoming worse and interest in school declining

  • Staying out without good reason

  • “Hanging” with known or suspected gang members

  • Carrying weapons

What You Can Do as a Parent

Many gang members say they joined because the gang offered them support, caring and a sense of order and purpose - all the things most parents try to give their kids. The odds are that the better you meet these needs, the less need your children will see for gangs. Here are some parenting skills that are especially important:

  • Talk with and listen to your child. Spend some special time with each child.

  • Put a high value on education and help your child do his or her best in school. Do everything possible to prevent dropping out.

  • Help your kids identify positive role modes and heroes - especially people in your community.

  • Do everything possible to involve your children in supervised, positive group activities.

  • Praise them for doing well and encourage them to do their very best - to stretch their skills to the utmost.

  • Know what your children are doing and with whom. Know about their friends and their friends’ families.

Address the Issue

It is important to discuss with your child gangs and the problems they can create. The best time to talk about gangs is before there’s a major problem. Tell your child that:

  • You disapprove of gangs

  • You don’t want to see your child hurt or arrested

  • You see your child as special and worth protecting

  • You want to help your child with any problems he or she might face

  • Family members don’t keep secrets from each other

You and other parents are working together against gangs. It is important that you really listen to what your child has to say.

Talk With Other Parents

For one thing, you’ll find out what everyone else’s parent really said. For another, you can support each other and share knowledge that will help spot problems sooner than you can on your own.

What You Can Do as a Citizen

If you suspect gang activity in your area, contact the Sheriff’S Office immediately. Gangs often lead to crime problems, and the sheriff’s office should be made aware of any potential problem areas.

Develop Positive Alternatives

Are there after-school and weekend activities kids can enjoy? Can the school offer its facilities? Can parents organize clubs or sports? Can older kids tutor or mentor younger ones? Can the kids themselves help with ideas?

Work With the Sheriff’s Office & Other Agencies

Report all suspicious activity; set up a Neighborhood Watch or a community patrol; let the sheriff’s office know about gang graffiti; get (and share) the facts on the gang problem in your community; find out what local services - non-profit as well as government - will work with communities to help avoid gang problems.

Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) System

The Rape Aggression Defense System is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women. The RAD System is a comprehensive, women-only course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. RAD is not a Martial Arts program. Our courses are taught by nationally certified RAD Instructors and provide each student with a workbook/reference manual. This manual outlines the entire Physical Defense Program for reference and continuous personal growth.

For more information or questions on this program, please contact the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office’s certified instructor, Sergeant Brad Simmons.

Ride-Along Program

The Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office offers citizens the opportunity to ride with deputies and experience the day-to-day events and encounters of a law enforcement officer.

The Ride-along Program is available to citizens, school internships and county employees. To qualify for the Ride-along Program, one must fully complete and submit the application (PDF), agree to a background check, and sign any waivers requested by this office. Citizens whose applications are approved are limited to one ride-along within a twelve-month period. Applications are also available for pick up at the Gloucester Sheriff’s Office lobby.

TRIAD Tips & Contacts

TRIAD is a cooperative effort of law enforcement agencies (police, fire, and sheriffs), senior citizens, and senior organizations, focused on reducing crimes against seniors in our communities. Our Gloucester branch of TRIAD has been active since 1998. The goal of TRIAD is to reduce the fear of crime and victimization among seniors by increasing awareness of scams and frauds that target them, strengthening communication between law enforcement and senior communities, and educating seniors on local and state resources that are available in their community. For our locality, this goal is accomplished through speaking engagements, community collaborations, and targeted training for seniors and law enforcement professionals.

Refuse to Be a Victim - Steps to Prevent Fraud

Manage Your Phone

  • Con artists target seniors by telephone.

  • Ignore telephone, mail surveys, and nosey warranty card questions. Ignore raffles, contest, and prize offers.

  • Never pay for a prize over the phone.

  • Never give out personal information (medicare number, social security number, credit card information, bank account, etc.) over the phone unless you initiate the call.

  • Don't agree to any offers unless you see it in writing. Ask the company to mail you information. Add your name to the Federal Trade Commission's National "Do Not Call" registry at 888-382-1222. For TTY, dial 866-290-4236. You can also register online.

  • If you receive telemarketing phone calls, just hang up!

Tear it Up

  • Discard any offers you receive in the mail that are from sweepstakes or lotteries. If it sounds too good to be true, it is! There is no such thing as getting free money in the mail!

  • Be wary of flashy envelopes or personalized letters. Companies spend millions on mailing that appeal to the consumer.

  • Mail bills and important documents at the post office: never put them in your mailbox for your postal carrier to pick up.

  • If you are told to act immediately or cash a check immediately, tear up all the papers and throw them away. It's a scam!

  • Check out charities before you write that check! Go to GuideStar or Give.org to check out that non-profit. You can also check with the Central Virginia Better Business Bureau Elder Fraud Unit by calling 804-780-2222.

  • Shred any mail that has personal identifying information on it.

Don’t Open You Door

  • Be leary of door-to-door sales representatives offering free or low-cost products or services.

  • Never let a salesman into your home, particularly if you are alone.

  • Never let others see where you keep your wallet, purse, or checkbook.

  • Professional con artists will try to pressure you into buying their product on the spot and only want cash payments.

  • Always get a written and signed contract for home improvements and repairs.

  • Do not pay cash up front to any "service provider" who seeks you out by coming to your door.

  • If you are not expecting company, don't open your door. This is being safe, not being rude.

Other Prevention Steps

  • Be suspicious of emails and look-alike websites that mimic banks and financial institutions. Don't open suspicious emails or links.

  • Write, download, or email for a free copy of "The Consumer Action Handbook." Write to:

    • Handbook
      Pueblo, CO 81009

  • Guard your social security number. Remove it from your driver's license and personal checks. Refuse to provide it if asked.

  • Opt out of receiving offers of credit in the mail that are based on your credit report. Prohibit credit bureaus from releasing your name, address, and phone number. Call 888-567-8688.

  • Order your free annual credit report from Annual Credit Report, the only website authorized to fill requests for the free annual credit report you are entitled to under federal law. You may also call 888-322-8228. Check your report for accuracy.

Identity Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name

  • Reduce access to your personal information. Never ever give any personal information over the phone unless YOU initiated the call.

  • Monitor your credit card, bank statements, and credit reports.

  • Don't carry your Social Security and Medicare cards with you unless you absolutely need them.

  • Make sure your social security number is not on your driver's license. Virginia stopped using social security numbers on licenses years ago, but if you haven't had a license renewed in the past decade or so, see them now for a new license or identification card.

  • Make a copy of each credit card, health care card, and other important cards in your wallet. Keep these copies at home in a safe location.

  • Take your name, phone number, and address off of marketing lists and reverse directories.

  • Do not put your social security number on your checks.

  • Secure personal information at home, and make sure to shred no longer needed personal information, bank statements, and documents.

Additional Information

For questions, concerns, or requests for presentations on fraud/scams, contact the Office of the Attorney General - Triad Partnership at:

Mary Vail Ware, Director - Programs and Community Outreach
Office of the Attorney General
900 E Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-786-2071
Email the Attorney General

Sheriff's Office Annual Reports

It is our office's policy to keep the community informed of the various activities undertaken by our members on a yearly basis. Our annual reports include agency statistics on calls for service, criminal reports taken, as well as information about the various divisions and any major administrative changes, future goals, or challenges for the Sheriff's Office.