The Mission of the Virginia Port Authority Police Department is to facilitate the lawful flow of commerce through the marine terminals of Hampton Roads; to safeguard life and property, and to maintain law and order at those facilities; and to meet goals and objectives of the department.

The following are two sections from Chapter 10, Title 62.1, Code of Virginia, concerning the Virginia Port Authority and its employment of special police officers.

1. Section 62.1-132.11. Police Powers: Penalties. –
The Authority is empowered to adopt and enforce reasonable rules and regulations governing (i) the maximum and minimum speed limits of motor vehicles using Authority property, (ii) the kinds and sizes of vehicles which may be operated upon Authority property, (iii) materials which shall not be transported through or over Authority, and (iv) other matters affecting safety and security of Authority property. Such rules and regulations shall have the force and effect of law (i) after publication one time in full in a newspaper of general circulation in the city or county where the affected property is located, and (ii) when posted where the public using such property may conveniently see them. Violation of any rule or regulation which would have been a violation of law or ordinance if committed on a public street or highway shall be tried and punished as if it had been committed on a public street or highway. Any other violation of such rules and regulations shall be punishable as a Class I misdemeanor. (1981, c.589.)

2. Section 62.1-132.12. Employment, Jurisdiction, and Power of Special Police Officers-
The Authority may appoint and employ special police officers to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth and rules and regulations adopted pursuant to Section 62.1-132.I I on Authority property. Such special police officers shall have the powers vested in police officers under Sections 15.1-138 and 52-8 of the Code of Virginia. Such special police officers may issue summons to appear, or arrest on view or on information without warrant as permitted by law, and conduct before the court of the city or county of competent jurisdiction any person violating, upon property under the control of the Authority any rule or regulation of the Authority, any law of the Commonwealth, or any ordinance or regulation of any political subdivision of the Commonwealth. The court or courts having jurisdiction for the trial of criminal offenses of the city or country wherein the offense was committed shall have jurisdiction to try persons charged with violating any such laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations. Fines and costs assessed or collected for violation of any such law, ordinance, rule, or regulation shall be paid into the Literary Fund. (1981, c.589.)

As a Virginia Port Authority Police Officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty, equality and justice.

I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to me or to my agency. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed both in my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the law and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.

I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations, animosities, or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.

I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of police service. I will never engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice.

I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence.

I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession . . . law enforcement.

Emergencies: 757.440.7070

Non-Emergencies: 757.683.2195
Tip line: 757.440.4099
For a copy of a Police Report: 757.683.2196

ID/Credentialing Office
7737 Hampton Blvd, Bldg. 1
Norfolk, VA 23505
757.440.4090

Hours of Operation
8:00 am – 3:30 pm Monday-Friday  (Closed on Holidays)
Appointment required.

Transportation Worker’s Identification Credential (TWIC)
A TWIC is required to have unescorted access to the Port of Virginia marine terminals.
Register your TWIC here.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING:

• If there is a life-threatening emergency, call (757) 440-7070
• To report suspicious activity on Virginia Port Authority terminals or facilities, call (757) 683-2194 or (757) 683-2195      
• Tip Line (757) 440-4099 – The Port Police Tip Line is a confidential way for you to leave tips and provide information that may lead to the reduction of crime or illegal activities at The Port of Virginia         

Suspicious Activity includes:

• Breach/Attempted intrusion to the terminal or facility
• Unattended packages or bags
• Misrepresentation or credential discrepancies
• Unauthorized photography or video recording on terminal
• Loitering, tampering or sabotage of property
• Concealing or attempting to conceal dangerous substance or devices
• Concealing or attempting to conceal weapons or firearms
• Unusual questions about security procedures or assets
• Covert movement, behavior, or activities around cargo
• Expressed or implied threats to the terminal or facility

How to Report Suspicious Activity:

• WHO did you see, physical description of individual(s) and/or vehicle(s)
• WHAT did you see, description of the activity and direction of travel
• WHEN you saw it, what time
• WHERE it occurred, which terminal or facility
• WHY it’s suspicious

Maritime Transportation Security Act

The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) was put into law by Congress in order to increase the security of our nation’s seaports.

Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC)

All persons needing access to Maritime Facilities are required to possess a TWIC card and have it in their possession at all times. Persons without a TWIC must be escorted by a TWIC holder in such a manner that constant control is maintained.

All Port of Virginia terminals are fully restricted and escort ratios cannot exceed 5:1. Escorted persons will need to have an approved photo identification to be allowed entry. Escort application forms are available at all security check points. It is imperative that all parties involved read and understand the escort rules prior to signing the escort application.

Photos

It is strictly prohibited to take photos on Port of Virginia properties without prior approval from the Chief of Police or her designee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How long is a TWIC card valid and what is the cost of the card?   

Answer: The credential is valid for five years and the cost is $ 125.25.

Question: How do you obtain a TWIC card?

Answer: To obtain a TWIC card, an applicant must provide biographic and biometric information such as fingerprints, sit for a digital photograph, and successfully pass a security threat assessment.

Question: Can anyone apply for a TWIC card?

Answer: To be eligible for a TWIC card, you must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a non-immigrant alien who is in lawful status.

Question: How do I order a TWIC card?

Answer: You may make an appointment online through the Universal Enrollment Services website or by calling (855) 347-8371 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. If pre-enrollment is available, you may make an appointment online during the pre-enrollment process.

Question: If I find my lost card after reporting it missing, can I still use it?

Answer: No. If you find your card after ordering a replacement, then you should destroy the old card or return it directly to TSA to the address on the back of the card.

Question: What personal information is stored on my TWIC card?

Answer: Your full name, expiration date, digital photo and two fingerprints.

Question: I’ve lost my TWIC card. What can I do to gain access?

Answer: You can obtain a Lost, Stolen or Damaged temporary replacement card. You must first order a $60.00 replacement card from TSA. Bring your receipt to the NIT ID office or VIG TOB security desk and a temporary card will be issued. The replacement receipt must remain on your person at all times while on Port of Virginia property.

INTRODUCTION     

The Chief of Police has a legal mandate to ensure procedures exist for investigating complaints made by members of the public against Police Department personnel.

The employees of the Virginia Port Authority Police (VPA) are carefully selected, highly trained and serve with a pride of professionalism. However, as in any organization, deviations from ideal performance occur. Allegations of misconduct against department personnel are investigated thoroughly and objectively, and appropriate action taken, with the goals of maintaining the integrity of the department and the confidence of the public.

The proper administration of law enforcement will only be assured if a highly professional police agency is maintained. The Virginia Port Authority Police Department has made diligent efforts to achieve this professional status and it is our desire to provide the means whereby it will be sustained.

PROCEDURES

Every citizen has the right to make a complaint against or recommend a commendation on any employee of the VPA Police Department. The complaint may be made to any official VPA Police employee. A complaint may be made in person, by telephone, by mail, by email. Complaints may also be made anonymously. The Department will release to the complaining party a copy of his or her own signed statement when the complaint is filed in person. All others will be mailed.

Once a complaint is received, the following procedure is followed:

1. The complaint is forwarded to a manager within the department, where it is given a case number and assigned for investigation.
2. The person filing will be sent a letter acknowledging the department has received the complaint / commendation and indicating the case number.
3. Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be forwarded to the Chief of Police or designee for final disposition and appropriate action
4. The complainant will be sent another letter advising that the investigation has been completed and findings of the investigation.

Note: The average time it takes to process and investigate a complaint is between 1 and 6 months, however each case is unique.

GENERAL

All port users shall be governed by all pertinent and applicable federal, state, and local laws, city ordinances involving safety, fire and licensing, and OSHA and U.S. Coast Guard rules and regulations by the provisions contained herein, and by orders and instructions of the VPA Police Department.

Failure to comply with laws, rules and regulations contained herein may result in arrest, citation issuance, and/or stop order (suspension or revocation of access privileges).

DRIVING ON VPA TERMINALS

While on VPA terminals, all persons operating a motor vehicle, defined by Virginia Code Section 46.2-100 as every vehicle that is self-propelled or designed for self-propulsion, must possess a valid driver’s license and are subject to Virginia State Traffic Laws that include but are not limited to the following:

• Vehicles/equipment must follow established traffic patterns and signage.
• Speed limit is 20 mph unless posted otherwise.
• The use of cell phones, headsets, bluetooth, or ear buds is prohibited while operating a moving vehicle/equipment, etc.

ADDITIONAL RULES AND REGULATIONS:

• No firearms or other dangerous weapons;
• No alcohol;
• No unlawful drugs;
• No acts of violence or threats of violence;
• No littering;
• No smoking/vaping/E-cigarette use inside buildings, work booths, work vehicles/equipment, on vessels, or within 50 feet of cargo containers;
• No open fires or fires in drums or containers;
• No welding or burning of any type on vessels, berths, or without written authorization from VPA/VIT;
• No fishing, hunting, or trapping;
• No photographs, unless authorized by the Chief of Police;
• No unauthorized access. Persons with authorized access to restricted areas are prohibited from allowing others to enter with them.

Are you ready to become a member of the finest Port Police Department in the nation?  

The Virginia Port Authority is seeking quality individuals motivated to make a positive impact in unique and challenging environment.

Police Officer

In July of 2020, the Virginia Department of State Police Uniform Crime Reporting Unit began collecting investigatory stop data following the passage of the Community Policing Data Collection Act. The new law requires Virginia Law Enforcement agencies to record specific data for every vehicle stop, including reasons for the stop, demographic information, and how the stop concluded. This data is then submitted to a statewide Community Policing Reporting Database maintained by the Virginia State Police. 

On July 1, 2021, the data collection will expand to all persons subject to an investigatory (nonconsensual) stop. Additionally, the following data must also be collected; whether the person stopped speaks English; whether any law enforcement officer used any physical force against any person during the stop; and whether any person used physical force against any law enforcement officer during the stop.

The Virginia Port Authority Police Department supports this new state law, and it may result in drivers who are pulled over being asked for certain demographic information. 

The law also explicitly prohibits law enforcement officers from engaging in bias-based profiling, defined as actions based solely on the real or perceived race, ethnicity, age, gender, or other noncriminal characteristics of an individual. Statewide data will be analyzed to determine the prevalence of bias-based profiling and complaints alleging the use of excessive force.

The Virginia Port Authority Police Department remains committed to serving with the utmost respect while remaining engaged and transparent with our community. The information and data collected as a result of the Community Policing Act will further enable us to ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest professional standards. 

We are pleased to announce that the public can now access Virginia Port Authority Police Department-specific and statewide data here: Virginia Community Policing Act Data Collection.