Town of Leesburg, Virginia
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The Leesburg Police Department
The history of law enforcement in the Town of Leesburg reflects the evolution of law enforcement practices in the region, spanning over two and a half centuries. The Leesburg Police Department's origins can be traced back to the mid-18th century when the town of Leesburg was experiencing growth and needed a formal law enforcement presence.
In 1858, the Leesburg Town Council established the first “official” police force, appointing William J.
Hamilton as the town's first constable. This marked the beginning of organized law enforcement in Leesburg. Over the years, the department expanded in response to the town's growing population and changing needs.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Leesburg Police Department underwent various changes and developments to adapt to the challenges of maintaining law and order in a rapidly evolving society. Like many police departments of the time, it dealt with issues such as prohibition, labor unrest, and the enforcement of local ordinances.
In the latter half of the 20th century, the department modernized its operations, incorporating new technologies and strategies to enhance public safety. Community policing initiatives became increasingly important, fostering closer ties between law enforcement officers and the residents they serve.
Today, the Leesburg Police Department continues to uphold its mission of protecting and serving the community.
Our officers undergo rigorous training and adhere to professional standards to ensure the safety and well-being of Leesburg's residents and visitors. The department collaborates with other local agencies and community organizations to address contemporary challenges and promote a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Leesburg Police Department General Orders
General Orders are statements of policy and procedure that all Leesburg Police Department personnel must follow in carrying out the mission, vision, and values of the department.
The following documents are inclusive of ALL Leesburg Police Department General Orders. It is important to note that these are living documents and are subject to change in order to reflect best practices. We recommend that you check back periodically for additions and updates.
*General Orders marked with an asterisk are accurate as of 6/5/2024 and do not automatically update. Portions of the General Orders marked with an asterisk have been redacted pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) (§ 2.2-3700 et seq. of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended), in order to prevent the release of information that, if disclosed, would compromise officer or public safety, or would jeopardize operations.
General Orders (quick reference)
- Response to Threats / Resistance ("Use of Force")
- Administrative Investigations ("Internal Affairs")
- Search and Seizure
- Interactions with Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD)
- Responding to Persons Affected by Mental Illness or in Crisis
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Missing Persons With Alzheimer's Disease or Other Dementias (AD/D)
- Interactions with Victims & Suspects with Disabilities
- In-Car Cameras
- Body Worn Cameras
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
Organizational Chart (as of 1/31/2024)
CIT Trained Personnel (as of 5/20/2024)
100% of our School Resource Officers & Detectives
82% of our patrol officers
71% of or dispatchers and records personnel
80% of all of our sworn personnel
80% of our total personnel (sworn and civilian)
11 of our sworn personnel have completed advanced CIT training (including all of our SROs)
Demographics (as of 2/15/2024)
Additional Resources
- Leesburg Police Department Weekly Reports
- Leesburg Police Department Annual Reports
- CityProtect (External website containing up-to-date information on nearly all Leesburg Police Department calls for service)
- Virginia Community Policing Act data - The linked site includes data of stops from Virginia law enforcement agencies compiled by the Virginia Department of State Police Data Analysis & Reporting Team pursuant to the Community Policing Act.
- Police Procedure Guide for Citizens
- ADA Information
- Provide Feedback About the Leesburg Police Department (Compliments/Complaints)