Operations Department
To ensure an efficient and effective patrol response, each of the four shifts are staffed by Police Officers and supervised by a Sergeant. Police services are provided to the City of Lexington 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. For Police assistance, please call 9-1-1 for emergencies or for non-emergency situations, (540)463-9177.
Bike Patrol
Duties & Responsibilities
The Lexington Police Department Bike Patrol consists of 4 specially trained officers. Their duties consist of random specialized patrol and public relations with residents, neighborhoods, and businesses throughout the city.
Police patrol officers on bikes
Without the intimidating shield of the police cruiser, people in general find approaching the bike officers to be a more casual and personable interaction. The Bicycle Patrol can be seen on duty for special events such as July 4th Fireworks, Halloween and the Christmas Parade.
Certification
All Lexington Police Bicycle Officers receive training through a public safety cyclist organization prior to beginning their assignment. Techniques learned apply specifically to bike training in a law enforcement environment.
Honor Guard
The Lexington Police Department Honor Guard was founded to serve as the ceremonial arm of the Police Department. The mission of the Lexington Police Department Honor Guard is to represent the Police Department at funerals, parades, ceremonial functions, and other special events.
The Guard serves at the discretion of the Chief of Police. The Guard will represent the Police Department and serve as ambassadors of the City of Lexington at events on the local, state, and national level. The Guard will establish ceremonial protocols for official functions that the Police Department participates in. The Guard will render honors to deceased department personnel, local officials and service members whenever possible and will endeavor to render honors and provide support to members of the Law Enforcement and public safety community killed in the line of duty, wherever the need may occur. The Lexington Police Department Honor Guard and its members strive to represent the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
Currently the Guard is comprised of 5 members who have volunteered for the assignment and have committed themselves to the highest standards of appearance, precision and Esprit De Corps.
Patrol Division
When the Lexington Police Department receives a call for service, the initial Officer that responds is typically assigned to the Patrol Division. Patrol Officers are equipped to handle a multitude of preliminary investigative duties that pertain to each call. Officers meet with the reporting person, interview witnesses, victims and suspects, collect evidence, render first aid, effect arrests and conduct crash investigations.
Patrol Officers focus much of their time on the enhancement of traffic safety through compliance with traffic laws by active enforcement and education regarding hazardous driving behaviors. Statistics show that active and consistent enforcement of traffic safety laws lessens the number of traffic collisions, thus reducing traffic-related fatalities, physical injuries and property damage.
Patrol Officers receive training in Community Oriented Policing, Use of Force, Non-Lethal Weapon Alternatives, Police Vehicle Operations, and a myriad of other essential law enforcement skills. Many Patrol Officers receive additional training in investigative techniques, narcotics detection and investigation, evidence recovery, crisis intervention training (CIT), and Police Bicycle Operation.
Traffic Complaints
To report emergency related traffic concerns call 9-1-1.
To report ongoing (non-emergency) traffic complaints at specific locations please call (540)463-9177 or email lexpolice@lexingtonva.gov.
Collision Reports
Collision reports may be requested by phone, e-mail, or in person at the police department. A fee of $10 must be paid in advance to the Lexington City Treasurer Office before the report is released. Eligible report copies will be made available within ten business days of our receiving your properly completed request.
Please visit the Obtain Collision Reports webpage for details.
Special Events
The City of Lexington is a great place for those seeking a vibrant and robust community as a venue for celebrations and special events. Events range from weddings and elaborate parades to intense athletic competitions. From charming musical events to community awareness gatherings. Regardless of what you are looking for, there is never a long wait for the next special event in Lexington.
Due to the unique complexities involved with municipal event coordinating, considerable city resources must be allocated for the smooth execution and assurance of public safety for the community and attendees.
All requests for permitting and city assistance with proposed special events must be submitted through the City Manager’s office at least 45 days prior to the desired date of the event. The City Manager’s office may be reached at (540) 462-3700.
Additional resources for downtown events and community involvement can be found at:
Main Street Lexington - http://mainstreetlexington.org/
Lexington Visitor Center - https://lexingtonvirginia.com/
City of Lexington - http://lexingtonva.gov/
S.W.A.T.
The Lexington Police Department participates in a multi-agency SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) Team, led by the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office. It is comprised of sworn personnel drawn from local law enforcement agencies in Rockbridge County.
The assignment to the team is not a primary duty assignment; it is an ancillary duty. Officers must commit to maintaining their physical fitness and firearms skills and to attending monthly training sessions during which the team repeatedly practices their responses to tactical situations. Training consists of firearms, room clearing and search techniques, team movement, unarmed defensive tactics, use of chemical and less lethal munitions.
The Regional SWAT Team consists of members from several agencies within Rockbridge County. They include:
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Lexington Police Department
The objective of the Regional SWAT Team is to support area law enforcement agencies with a tactical response to critical incidents. These types of incidents include hostage situations, barricaded suspects, high-risk apprehension, sniper situations, high-risk warrant service, or any other situation that requires the use of specialized equipment and team tactics.
