Virginia § 53.1-39.3 - Use of canines in state correctional facilities; prohibited acts; policies and regulations made public; incidents of use of canines reported; exception
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 53.1-39.3 — Use of canines in state correctional facilities; prohibited acts; policies and regulations made public; incidents of use of canines reported; exception, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 53.1-39.3. Use of canines in state correctional facilities; prohibited acts; policies and regulations made public; incidents of use of canines reported; exception
A. It is unlawful for any correctional officer or other employee of a state correctional facility who is permitted to handle canines to use a patrol or security canine in any state correctional facility unless such correctional officer or other employee (i) reasonably believes that the use of a patrol or security canine is immediately necessary to protect any prisoner or any officer or employee from the threat of serious bodily injury or death or (ii) has the prior approval of the warden or a supervisor to use a patrol or security canine to intervene in an altercation, fight, or other incident between three or more prisoners. If feasible, the correctional officer shall provide a warning to the subject of any canine use of force prior to the deployment of a canine.
B. The Department shall make public any policies and regulations relating to (i) the use of canines, (ii) training requirements for both canines and the handlers of such canines, and (iii) the supervision of the officers or employees who are permitted to handle such canines.
C. The Department shall track all canine uses of force and all incidents in which canines were present or requested for assistance but no canine use of force occurred. The information collected shall be reported publicly and made available on the Department's website.
D. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the training or use of detector canines or detector canine handlers.
E. Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the use of a canine to locate a prisoner who has escaped from a state correctional facility.
2024, c. 99.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 53.1-39.3
What does Code of Virginia § 53.1-39.3 cover?
Section 53.1-39.3 ("Use of canines in state correctional facilities; prohibited acts; policies and regulations made public; incidents of use of canines reported; exception") 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 § 53.1-39.3?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 53.1-39.3" (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 § 53.1-39.3 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.