All police officers appointed by the Superintendent of State Police, and engaged in the enforcement of criminal laws and the laws relating to the operation of motor vehicles upon the roads and highways of this Commonwealth, shall, before entering upon or continuing in their duties, enter into bond, with some solvent guaranty company authorized to do business in this Commonwealth, as surety, in the penalty of $75,000 and with condition for the faithful and lawful performance of their duties. Such bonds shall be filed in the office of the Department of State Police, and the premiums thereon shall be paid out of the funds appropriated for the maintenance and operation of the Department of State Police. All persons injured or damaged in any manner by the unlawful, negligent or improper conduct of any such officer while on duty may maintain an action upon such bond.
In lieu of posting bond as provided herein, any such police officer may furnish an adequate liability insurance policy as proof of his ability to respond in damages, which may be adjudged against him in favor of any person or persons injured or damaged in any manner resulting from his unlawful, negligent or improper conduct while on official duty, to the amount set forth above. The premiums on any such insurance policy or policies shall be paid out of the funds appropriated for the maintenance and operation of the Department of State Police.
All such bonds and insurance policies shall be approved by the Superintendent of State Police.
1926, p. 941; 1940, p. 473; Michie Code 1942, § 2154(51a); R. P. 1948, § 52-7; 1950, p. 150; 1966, c. 213; 1968, c. 492.
Structure Code of Virginia
Chapter 1 - Department of State Police
§ 52-2. Appointment of Superintendent and term of office
§ 52-3. Oath, bond, and salary of Superintendent
§ 52-4. Functions of Department
§ 52-4.3. Drug Investigation Special Trust Account
§ 52-6. Appointment of additional police officers
§ 52-6.1. Appointment of supervisory officers
§ 52-7. Bonds of police officers; liability insurance policies
§ 52-8. Powers and duties to enforce criminal laws and investigate aircraft accidents
§ 52-8.1. Powers and duties of Bureau of Criminal Investigation
§ 52-8.1:1. Powers and duties of a drug law enforcement and investigation division
§ 52-8.2. Certain investigations of elected officials; immunity for witnesses
§ 52-8.3. Disclosure of criminal investigative records and reports; penalty
§ 52-8.4. Powers and duties to promulgate regulations; inspection of certain records
§ 52-8.4:1. Regulations for firearms shows
§ 52-8.4:2. Certain offenses to be considered traffic infractions
§ 52-8.5. Reporting hate crimes
§ 52-8.6. Criminal street gang reporting
§ 52-9.1. Distinctive uniform to be adopted for State police officers
§ 52-9.1:1. Retired and former law-enforcement officers; retention of badge
§ 52-9.2. Wearing of same or similar uniforms by other persons
§ 52-11. Defense of police officers
§ 52-11.1. State Health Commissioner to cooperate
§ 52-11.3. Acquisition of military property
§ 52-11.5. Disposal of unclaimed firearms or other weapons in possession of the State Police