Virginia Code § 19.2-201 mandates that law enforcement officers promptly report violations of penal laws to the Commonwealth's attorney, who is responsible for prosecuting such cases. It also requires chief law-enforcement officers to provide access to relevant records and cooperate with prosecutors. The law clarifies roles and procedures for law enforcement and prosecutors in criminal cases.
It includes the Superintendent of State Police, police chiefs, sheriffs, private police department heads designated as criminal justice agencies, campus police chiefs, airport police chiefs, and agency directors employing law-enforcement officers.
They must promptly report the violation to the attorney for the Commonwealth, who is responsible for prosecuting the case.
They must provide access to all relevant records, including police reports, disciplinary records, and internal affairs investigations related to wrongful arrests.
They can advise the grand jury foreman or members but are generally not allowed to testify unless they are sworn witnesses.