Virginia § 15.2-1703 - Referendum to abolish county police force
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 15.2-1703 — Referendum to abolish county police force, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15.2-1703. Referendum to abolish county police force
The police force in any county which established the force subsequent to July 1, 1983, may be abolished and its responsibilities assumed by the sheriff's office after a referendum held pursuant to this section.
Either (i) the voters of the county by petition signed by not less than ten percent of the registered voters therein on the January 1 preceding the filing of the petition or (ii) the governing body of the county, by resolution, may petition the circuit court for the county that a referendum be held on the question, "Shall the county police force be abolished and its responsibilities assumed by the county sheriff's office?" The court, by order entered of record in accordance with Article 5 (§ 24.2-681 et seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 24.2, shall require the regular election officials of the county at the next general election held in the county to open the polls and take the sense of the voters on the question as herein provided. The clerk of the circuit court for the county shall publish notice of the election in a newspaper of general circulation in the county three times, with the first notice appearing no more than 35 days before and the third notice appearing no less than seven days before the election.
The ballot shall be printed as follows:
"Shall the county police force be abolished and its responsibilities assumed by the county sheriff's office?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No"
The election shall be held and the results certified as provided in § 24.2-684. If a majority of the voters voting in the election vote in favor of the question, the court shall enter an order proclaiming the results of the election, and a duly certified copy of such order shall be transmitted to the governing body of the county. The governing body shall proceed with the necessary action to abolish the police force and transfer its responsibilities to the sheriff's office, to become effective on July 1 following the referendum.
Once a referendum has been held pursuant to this section, no further referendum shall be held pursuant to this section within four years thereafter.
1988, c. 660, § 15.1-131.6:2; 1997, c. 587; 2023, cc. 506, 507; 2024, cc. 225, 242.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 15.2-1703
What does Code of Virginia § 15.2-1703 cover?
Section 15.2-1703 ("Referendum to abolish county police force") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 15.2-1703?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 15.2-1703" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 15.2-1703 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.