Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Virginia State Police stands at the forefront of public safety, blending tradition with innovation to protect and serve the Commonwealth.
At the heart of this mission is the Special Operations Division, a force built on precision, training, and adaptability. With seven full-time Tactical Teams and a nationally recognized Search and Recovery Team, they respond to some of the most complex challenges across Virginia—handling over 1,300 calls in 2024 alone. Equipped with advanced tools like Bearcat armored vehicles and Ring Power Rooks, and backed by a culture of excellence, these troopers deliver tactical solutions that safeguard lives. Above them, the Aviation Division extends that reach, providing critical support with a fleet of helicopters and airplanes outfitted with searchlights, thermal imaging, and hoist capabilities. From search and rescue in Virginia’s mountains to lifesaving Med-Flight missions at no cost to patients, their work combines law enforcement and advanced medical care in service to every citizen.
Behind the scenes, the Bureau of Administrative and Support Services ensures that this statewide mission never falters. Through cutting-edge IT systems, criminal justice information services, communications, and finance, BASS provides the backbone of operational readiness. Their work keeps Virginia’s criminal records secure, processes hundreds of thousands of background checks, and drives lifesaving alert systems that recover missing children and adults. They power the Virginia Criminal Information Network—facilitating nearly 600 million law enforcement transactions in 2024 alone—while advancing technology to keep pace with the evolving demands of public safety.
As Virginia’s only statewide law enforcement agency, the State Police also lead in homeland security, protecting critical infrastructure, sharing intelligence, and standing ready as “all hazards” first responders for both natural disasters and potential terrorist threats.
Within the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, specialized units reinforce this mission. The Gaming Enforcement Unit safeguards the integrity of Virginia’s growing casino industry. The Bomb/Arson Unit deploys advanced X-ray systems and rapid-response trucks to neutralize explosive threats. And the Unmanned Aerial Systems Program—with 48 pilots and 65 airframes—extends the agency’s reach with drones for accident reconstruction, natural disaster response, and tactical operations, while also deploying counter-drone technology to defend against emerging threats.
Together, these divisions form a force that is innovative, highly trained, and deeply committed to protecting every corner of Virginia. From the skies to the waters, from high-stakes tactical responses to advanced digital systems, the Virginia State Police embody service, security, and resilience—always finding a way to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
vsp.virginia.gov
The Virginia State Police stands at the forefront of public safety, blending tradition with innovation to protect and serve the Commonwealth.
At the heart of this mission is the Special Operations Division, a force built on precision, training, and adaptability. With seven full-time Tactical Teams and a nationally recognized Search and Recovery Team, they respond to some of the most complex challenges across Virginia—handling over 1,300 calls in 2024 alone. Equipped with advanced tools like Bearcat armored vehicles and Ring Power Rooks, and backed by a culture of excellence, these troopers deliver tactical solutions that safeguard lives. Above them, the Aviation Division extends that reach, providing critical support with a fleet of helicopters and airplanes outfitted with searchlights, thermal imaging, and hoist capabilities. From search and rescue in Virginia’s mountains to lifesaving Med-Flight missions at no cost to patients, their work combines law enforcement and advanced medical care in service to every citizen.
Behind the scenes, the Bureau of Administrative and Support Services ensures that this statewide mission never falters. Through cutting-edge IT systems, criminal justice information services, communications, and finance, BASS provides the backbone of operational readiness. Their work keeps Virginia’s criminal records secure, processes hundreds of thousands of background checks, and drives lifesaving alert systems that recover missing children and adults. They power the Virginia Criminal Information Network—facilitating nearly 600 million law enforcement transactions in 2024 alone—while advancing technology to keep pace with the evolving demands of public safety.
As Virginia’s only statewide law enforcement agency, the State Police also lead in homeland security, protecting critical infrastructure, sharing intelligence, and standing ready as “all hazards” first responders for both natural disasters and potential terrorist threats.
Within the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, specialized units reinforce this mission. The Gaming Enforcement Unit safeguards the integrity of Virginia’s growing casino industry. The Bomb/Arson Unit deploys advanced X-ray systems and rapid-response trucks to neutralize explosive threats. And the Unmanned Aerial Systems Program—with 48 pilots and 65 airframes—extends the agency’s reach with drones for accident reconstruction, natural disaster response, and tactical operations, while also deploying counter-drone technology to defend against emerging threats.
Together, these divisions form a force that is innovative, highly trained, and deeply committed to protecting every corner of Virginia. From the skies to the waters, from high-stakes tactical responses to advanced digital systems, the Virginia State Police embody service, security, and resilience—always finding a way to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
vsp.virginia.gov
