Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney to add new deputy for police integrity

Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor Monday announced that her office would add a new deputy commonwealth’s attorney for police integrity.

The new attorney will review police use of force accusations brought forward by the public, police personnel and alternative law enforcement agencies, according to the job description. He or she also will investigate and review body-worn camera footage from use of force complaints and, working with Taylor, help determine whether charges are appropriate.

“I have been horrified seeing example after example of police excess and violence in the news every day,” Taylor said in a statement. “Although I am pleased that Henrico police patrol officers wear body-worn cameras and that we make every effort to view this footage, I have determined this is insufficient. My responsibility as Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney is to keep citizens safe, and this is an important part of that.

The new attorney will serve as the point of contact for the public, proactively reaching out to the community to learn about concerns with policing and meet with anyone who wants to provide evidence of law enforcement misconduct.

The deputy also will determine whether officer conduct warrants referral to police internal affairs for administrative investigation and subsequent action and will provide training to the Division of Police about the law.

As part of the new position, Taylor’s office also has created a new email address – CitizenCA@henrico.us – to which citizens may report what they believe to be illegal encounters with Henrico Police. The new attorney also will staff a hotline to receive similar concerns.

“I recognize police have a role to play in public safety but they must, simply must, do that in a lawful, respectful manner, without regard to the race, sex, age or immigration status of anyone involved,” Taylor said.

Taylor indicated that she will strongly advocate for the creation of a civilian review board for the division of police, a potential body about which the county’s Board of Supervisors announced Monday it is seeking public input.

“This new position in my office will ensure that Henricoans can feel confident that if any encounters with police seem wrong and not lawful, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office will intervene.

The new position will be the first of its type in Virginia, Taylor believes.

"No one should have to fear the police because of the color of their skin or other characteristics,” she said. “That will not be tolerated here and will be dealt with swiftly and justly.”

An advertisement for the new position indicates that applicants should have at least 15 years of direct experience practicing criminal law, with significant litigation experience as well.

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