NEWS RELEASE Contact: Chief Cynthia McAlister
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE cmcaslister@purcellvilleva.gov
PURCELLVILLE POLICE REQUEST PUBLIC COMMENT ON POLICY
PURCELLVILLE, Va., March 7, 2023 — In order to enhance transparency and accountability, accurately record law enforcement actions, capture evidence pursuant to investigations, and ensure we continue to provide a high level of service to the community, the Purcellville Police Department is in the process of acquiring body worn cameras (BWC) with the financial support of grant funding via a Small Rural and Tribal Police Department grant (SRT). Several officers have received BWC training, and been assigned sample body worn cameras to test and evaluate which models will best fit the needs of our Department. Prior to the official implementation of full deployment of body worn cameras, per the Code of Virginia, § 15.2-1723.1, our agency shall make the corresponding policy available for public comment and review. Therefore, included is a copy of the Purcellville Police Department Audio/Video Recorders policy, which can also be accessed here, or at https://purcellvilleva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11201/PPD-DRAFT-Audio-Video-Recorders-Policy-for-Public-Review .
This policy includes best practices consistent with Virginia laws and regulation, adherence to corresponding Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC) accreditation standards, and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) model policy was used as a guideline for this draft. To provide comments, please access the public comment form here or at https://purcellvilleva.gov/FormCenter/PPD-Forms-9/PPD-Policy-Public-Comment-Form-173. Comments will be accepted through March 21, 2023.
The Town of Purcellville, Virginia
“Purcellville-your small Town, where history and progress intersect and people prosper,” is an award-winning town of approximately 10,000 residents located in Loudoun County, approximately 50 miles west of Washington, DC. Having received the 2021 Virginia Municipal League Innovation Award for Environmental Sustainability and in years past, the prestigious Siemens Sustainability Award for Small Communities, Purcellville continues to be honored for innovation and green initiatives. The Town most recently received the Tree City USA Award for the 14th consecutive year. The Town was reaffirmed as a AAA rated community by S&P Global Ratings, the highest credit rating possible, and was ranked “Safest City” in Virginia in 2020. Once a stop along the W&OD rail line, which has been converted to a multi-use trail from Alexandria, VA to Purcellville, the Town has maintained its historic old-town feel through the restoration and maintenance of its many downtown structures, reflecting the Victorian architecture popular during the early 1900s. Today, Purcellville is the economic hub of western Loudoun County and a popular weekend destination for antiquing, equestrian activities, farmer’s markets, wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants. More info at www.purcellvilleva.gov.
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