Records, Permits and Hiring Off-Duty Officers

Obtaining Police Records

Effective July 1, 2021, Chesterfield County Police Department will charge for responding to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Charges are based on the lowest possible hourly rate for an employee qualified to complete the work.  An estimate will be provided to the requestor prior to the department's response. In accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Va. Code § 2.2-3704(H), when it is determined that charges for producing the requested records are likely to exceed $200, the requester will be required to pay a deposit of half with the balance due upon delivery of the response. Understanding that there are instances in which the time and resources expended to collect and process a payment may exceed the value of a payment received, a cost threshold of $20 has been set, and costs below that amount are waived. Charges for victims of crimes will be waived.

Virginia law is quite specific about who may obtain copies of certain police records, accident reports, record checks, fingerprinting services and photographs. If you are eligible to receive such reports under VA Code 2.2-3706, they are normally available from the Chesterfield County Police Records Section. View the Chesterfield County Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for more information.

For more information, please contact Police records requests by email.

Accident Reports

Copies of motor vehicle accident reports completed by a police officer at the time of an accident may be requested from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles or the Chesterfield County Police Department. You can request an accident report from Chesterfield County Police by mail, email or in person. Reports are normally available approximately five business days after the accident.

The following people are authorized to receive a copy of an accident report:

  • Attorney or investigator representing an involved party
  • Driver(s) of the vehicle(s) involved
  • Parent or guardian of a minor involved in the accident
  • Person(s) injured as a result of the accident
  • Person(s) listed with property damage
  • Registered owner(s) of the vehicle(s) involved (with proper identification and vehicle registration)
  • Representative of an insurance carrier covering an involved party

Alarm System Permits and False Alarms

The following information is provided for general information regarding the county's alarm ordinance as specified in county code Chapter 15, Article I. Alarm Systems.

Alarm Systems

An alarm system is any assembly of equipment or a device designed to protect premises by detecting and signaling occurrences such as attempted burglary, robbery, unauthorized intrusion, or other criminal activity or hazard and is used to attract the attention and response of county police, including alarm bells, horns, siren and lights, which are either audible or visible beyond the lot lines of the protected premises. This does not include vehicle alarm or fire alarm systems.

False Alarm

A false alarm is any communication generated by an alarm system that results in a response by police personnel and after an investigation reveals no evidence or indication of criminal activity or other hazard.

  • False alarms include: alarm signals that are activated negligently or accidentally, actual cause is not determined, purposely activated to summon the police in non-emergency situations, or as a result of faulty, malfunctioning or improperly installed or maintained equipment.
  • False alarms do not include: alarm signals activated by weather conditions or other causes which are identified and determined by the Chief of Police to be beyond the control of the owner.

Alarm System Permit Requirements

Visit the Chesterfield County alarm portal and register online. In the portal, you can download a copy of the alarm registration form, which can be returned vial mail or email.

Alarm system permits are required within 30 days of the installation date. A $25 charge may be assessed to any owner or tenant who fails to meet the permit requirements and, if assessed, charges must be paid before required permit will be issued.

If the permit required is not obtained within 30 days after being notified by the Chief of Police that it is required and continued operation of the alarm system occurs by the owner or tenant, it shall amount to a class 4 misdemeanor carrying a penalty of up to $250.

Updating Permit Information

Any changes in the permit information must be reported within 10 days of the change by calling 855-694-8279 or making the change through the Chesterfield County alarm portal.

Automated Dialing Device

It is unlawful for any automated dialing device or system to call, or in any other manner make direct contact, with the county's enhanced 911 emergency telephone system.

All automated dialing services will be required to connect to an emergency seven-digit number designated by the county. A violation of this section shall constitute a class 1 misdemeanor which is punishable by fine or imprisonment set forth by state law.

Regulated Permits

Regulated permits include permits that require applications for Police approval. Permit applications are accepted by appointment only. 

For an appointment, please call 804-748-1547. Please be aware it may take up to 45 days to complete the process. The CPD Regulatory Compliance Officer can be reached by calling 804-717-6230 if you need assistance.

Hiring Off-Duty Officers

The Chesterfield County Police Department offers a variety of options for businesses and organizations seeking to hire off-duty officers for one-time events or continuous assignments. The department offers three types of contractual off-duty employment, which vary in cost.

For more information or to hire off-duty officers, please email the Police Department or call the Off-Duty Employment Coordinator at 804-717-6162.

Off-Duty Employment General Guidelines

  • Employees may work a maximum of 30 hours of off-duty regular or extra-duty employment per calendar week. The calendar week begins at 0001 hours on Saturday and ends at 2400 hours on Friday.
  • Personnel will not be allowed to work more than 17 hours on any day.
  • Work hours for off-duty employment must not conflict or interfere with the police employee’s regular work schedule or performance of duty.
  • A police officer engaged in off-duty employment is subject to call-out in case of emergency, and is expected to leave the off-duty or extra employment in such situations.
  • When a police officer is engaged in off-duty employment and a situation arises that requires police action, the officer is expected to take the same action they would if they were in an on-duty status.
  • Officers are expected to respond to all serious calls in the area when working off-duty.
  • Permission for a police employee to engage in outside employment may be revoked when it is determined not to be in the best interests of the department.
  • Employers are required to keep records as to the dates, times and specific officers who worked.
  • These records shall be housed no less than three years and shall be made available to the Chesterfield County Police Department upon request.
  • Officers are expected to be paid a three-hour minimum.
  • The police department reserves the right to set a minimum number of officers working at any one event.
  • The police department is not obligated to furnish officers if they do not voluntarily sign up.
  • Failure to comply with any general guidelines may result in the revocation of off-duty employment of officers.