Va. Code Ann. § 52-20
Arrests without warrants in certain cases
Redline — June 1, 2021 → current.View current text →
Current — September 1, 2022
As of June 1, 2021
(1) For the purposes of this section, “electronic communication” means the use of technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities to transmit or receive information.
Members of the State Police force of the Commonwealth, provided such officers are in uniform, or displaying a badge of office, may, at the scene of any motor vehicle accident, or in the apprehension of any person charged with the theft of any motor vehicle, on any of the highways of the Commonwealth, upon reasonable grounds to believe, based upon personal investigation, including information obtained from eyewitnesses, that a crime has been committed by any person then and there present, apprehend such person without a warrant of arrest; and such officers may arrest, without a warrant, persons duly charged with crime in another jurisdiction upon receipt of a telegram, a radio or teletype message, in which telegram, radio or teletype message shall be given the name or a reasonably accurate description of such person wanted, the crime alleged and an allegation that such person is likely to flee the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth.
(2) Members of the State Police force of the Commonwealth, provided such officers are in uniform or displaying a badge of office, may, at the scene of any motor vehicle accident or in the apprehension of any person charged with the theft of any motor vehicle on any of the highways of the Commonwealth, upon reasonable grounds to believe, based upon personal investigation, including information obtained from eyewitnesses, that a crime has been committed by any person then and there present apprehend such person without a warrant of arrest. Such officers may arrest without a warrant persons duly charged with crime in another jurisdiction upon receipt of an electronic communication containing the name or a reasonably accurate description of such person wanted and the crime alleged.
Official source: Virginia Law Portal (LIS). Reproduced from public-domain Virginia statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.