Organization of police forces

Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1701, under Chapter 17. Police and Public Order..

Va. Code Ann. § 15.2-1701

Any locality may, by ordinance, provide for the organization of its authorized police forces. Such forces shall include a chief of police, and such officers and other personnel as appropriate.

When a locality provides for a police department, the chief of police shall be the chief law-enforcement officer of that locality. However, in towns, the chief law-enforcement officer may be called the town sergeant.