The Animal Protection Unit encourages responsible pet ownership and the humane treatment of animals through education, as well as enforcement, of state laws and county ordinances related to the health and safety of domestic animals. The unit is staffed by animal protection officers who are sworn law enforcement and animal control officers. Members of the unit work collaboratively investigating criminal offenses like animal cruelty and assisting the local health department on other related matters.

There are five handlers/officers and five canines in the K-9 Unit, each with unique skills and training. K-9 Bella is a bloodhound with superior tracking skills. Belgian Malinois K-9's Daxel, Dembe, and Milo are tasked with assisting patrol and investigations for large-scale operations. K-9 Lola is a Dutch shepherd assisting with explosives.

If you have a traffic-related concern you would like for us to look into, please fill out this Traffic Enforcement Request.

The Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) Unit is tasked with examining ongoing quality of life issues in the County, focusing on community engagement and repeat calls for service. The POP Unit systematically analyzes crime trends and problems in the County and generates solutions for these issues. A key component of POP is evaluating the effectiveness of these solutions through data-driven measures. Officers in this unit often receive requests to speak at community functions. One of their favorite activities is our annual Santa Patrol, pictured below.  If you would like to speak with them about an upcoming event, feel free to complete a Special Activity Request.

Our Auxiliary Police Officers provide valuable services to our community members every day. You can find them directing traffic, checking houses while residents are away, and helping out wherever needed—all as volunteers! If you would like to learn more about becoming an auxiliary officer, contact Lt. David Rhodes in our Special Operations Division at 434-296-5807 or rhodesd@albemarle.org.

Bike Team

ACPD started its Bike Patrol Program in 1995. All officers on the team must successfully complete a demanding 40-hour certification course, including firearms qualifications, which they must maintain annually. Team members provide support to events like Foxfield Races and the University of Virginia football games. They also hold several bike rodeos throughout the County each year, teaching young riders about bike safety and rules of the road.

Crash Reconstruction Team

Crash Reconstruction Team (CRT) provides fixed and defined investigations to serious automobile crashes. Members assigned to the CRT receive many hours of specialized crash investigation training. The responsibilities of the CRT include the investigation of vehicular fatalities, vehicular crashes with serious personal injuries, and felony hit-and-run accidents that involve serious bodily injury or fatalities.

 SWAT

The mission of the SWAT Team is to support the police department and any other requesting law enforcement agency, with approval from the Chief of Police or his designee, with a tactical response to high-risk incidents, life-threatening situations, and crisis events. The SWAT Team is classified as a part-time team, voluntary in nature, and consists of a minimum of 10 sworn personnel. Members are selected after a thorough assessment with approval from the Chief of Police.

Crisis Negotiation Team

The Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) responds to all hostage or barricade situations and, through negotiation methods, attempt to resolve incidents. Team members attend classes to hone their skills, often reaching the 100-hour mark before they begin, and continue education throughout their appointment to the team.

Underwater Recovery Team

The Underwater Recovery Team (URT) provides support to both ACPD and other jurisdictions with the collection of evidence and/or property that is underwater.