History of Virginia State Police in Timeline

The Virginia State Police (VSP), officially the Virginia Department of State Police, was established in 1932 after being conceived in 1919. Originating from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, its initial purpose was to enforce highway laws. It is now one of fourteen agencies within the Cabinet Secretariat of Public Safety. Gary T. Settle served as Superintendent from 2018 until his retirement was announced in 2024. Lieutenant Colonel Matt Hanley was appointed Interim Superintendent effective November 5, 2024.

1919: Motor Vehicle Act Passed

In 1919, the Motor Vehicle Act was passed, establishing the first title laws for Virginia motor vehicle owners.

1919: Conception of Virginia State Police

In 1919, the Virginia State Police was conceived as an inspector and enforcer of highway laws within the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

1928: Fords Became First Patrol Vehicles

Prior to 1928, inspectors only used automobiles once they had seized a vehicle used to transport illegal whiskey. Fords became the first issued patrol vehicles in 1928.

1932: Inspectors Empowered to Enforce Criminal Codes

In 1932, inspectors were empowered to enforce criminal codes along with motor vehicle codes, creating a state enforcement group with the authority to arrest anywhere in Virginia, and the inspectors began to be known as "Troopers."

1932: Establishment of Virginia State Police

In 1932, the Virginia State Police was officially established as the state police force for Virginia.

1932: Purchase of White Chevrolets and Motorcycles

In 1932, white Chevrolet roadsters and white motorcycles were purchased and became known as the "Great White Fleet".

November 3, 1938: Title of "State Trooper" Officially Adopted

On November 3, 1938, Majors Bishop and Nicholas issued an executive order officially adopting the title of "State Trooper" to identify specific members of the Division of Motor Vehicles performing inspector and motorcycle deputy roles.

March 14, 1942: Division of Motor Vehicles Abolished and Department of State Police Created

On March 14, 1942, the General Assembly abolished the existing Division of Motor Vehicles and created two separate agencies: The Division of Motor Vehicles and the Department of State Police. Major C. W. Woodson Jr. was officially appointed as superintendent for the State Police.

1945: Post-War Vehicle Acquisitions

In 1945, post-war acquisitions of police vehicles were rare, and troopers made arrangements to purchase vehicles wherever they could. Buicks and Pontiacs supplemented the fleet until auto manufacturers resumed normal production.

1948: Adoption of Blue and Gray Paint Scheme

In 1948, the Department adopted the distinctive blue and gray paint scheme for all vehicles.

1948: New Graphics Adopted

In 2006, the Department purchased 30+ Hemi V8 Dodge Chargers and for the first time since 1948 adopted new graphics for the marked and slicktop Chargers.

1948: Long Tradition Ended

1952: Adoption of Reflective Markings

In 1952, reflective markings were adopted and used for all marked vehicles, with those same markings still in use today.

1952: End of Traditional Graphics

Starting in 2020, the department took delivery of their new patrol vehicles, the 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility, dressed in all silver and adopting newer styled graphics, first used on the 2006 Dodge Chargers, ending a long tradition of their blue and gray paint scheme, in use since 1948 and traditional graphics, in use since 1952. These new patrol vehicles ended another long tradition; the adoption of red emergency lights in combination with blue and the use of internal light bars instead of roof mounted lights.

1985: Replacement of Red Lights with Blue Lights

In 1985, red emergency lights were replaced with blue emergency lights.

1988: Phasing in Bar Lights

In 1988, bar lights were phased onto vehicles, replacing the single "bubble gum" light.

1995: "TROOPER" Decals Added

In 1995, "TROOPER" decals were added to the front fenders of patrol cars.

1999: Adoption of Silver Paint Scheme

In 1999, the Department adopted Ford's silver, replacing the traditional paint scheme's gray due to budget constraints and that Ford stop using that particular gray paint.

2000: Fords and Chevy's Used Mainly

Ford's and Chevy's were mainly used in the 90's and 2000's.

2001: Introduction of "Slicktop" Chevrolet Impalas

Beginning in 2001, "Slicktop" Chevrolet Impalas were put into use.

2002: Use of Chevrolet Camaros in High Traffic Areas

In 2002, seven "slicktop" 2002 Chevrolet 9C1 Camaros were put into service in high traffic areas.

2003: Colonel W. Steven Flaherty Served as Superintendent

Since 2003, Colonel W. Steven Flaherty served as Superintendent for the Virginia State Police.

2006: Introduction of Dodge Chargers

Dodge Chargers were introduced into the fleet in 2006.

2006: Purchase of Hemi V8 Dodge Chargers and Adoption of New Graphics

In 2006, the Department purchased 30+ Hemi V8 Dodge Chargers and for the first time since 1948 adopted new graphics for the marked and slicktop Chargers.

2006: New Styled Graphics

2008: Virginia State Police Dodge Charger Award

In 2008, the Virginia State Police's Dodge Charger was Law and Order Magazine's Police Vehicle Design Winner for State and Federal Agencies.

2013: Virginia State Police Fleet Composition

As of 2021, the Virginia State Police fleet primarily consists of 2013–2019 Ford Police Interceptor Sedans and 2020 and 2021 Ford Police Interceptor Utilities, supplemented by other vehicles.

2013: Addition of Ford Police Interceptor Sedan to Fleet

In 2013, the Ford Police Interceptor Sedan was added to the fleet of Virginia State Police vehicles after the Ford Crown Victoria model ceased production.

January 18, 2018: Gary T. Settle Sworn In

On January 18, 2018, Gary T. Settle was sworn in as Superintendent of the Virginia State Police, replacing Colonel W. Steven Flaherty.

2018: Troopers Issued SIG Sauer P320 Pistols

Beginning in late 2018, Troopers of all ranks and Special Agents are issued the SIG Sauer P320 .357 SIG pistol, while Troopers ranked First Sergeant and below are also issued the Benelli Supernova 12-gauge, pump-action shotgun and the Colt M4 Carbine patrol rifle. Less-than-lethal weapons carried by troopers include OC spray and the ASP baton.

2019: Virginia State Police Fleet Composition

As of 2021, the Virginia State Police fleet primarily consists of 2013–2019 Ford Police Interceptor Sedans and 2020 and 2021 Ford Police Interceptor Utilities, supplemented by other vehicles.

2019: Purchase of Ford Police Interceptor Sedans

In 2019, the Virginia State Police bought every available new Police Interceptor sedan to maintain a steady supply for up to 5 years beyond the model's discontinuation.

2019: Addition of Ford Police Interceptor Utility SUV

In 2019, the department added Ford Police Interceptor Utility SUV for specialty units (K-9, TacTeam and Motor Carrier units).

2020: Virginia State Police Fleet Composition

As of 2021, the Virginia State Police fleet primarily consists of 2013–2019 Ford Police Interceptor Sedans and 2020 and 2021 Ford Police Interceptor Utilities, supplemented by other vehicles.

2020: Delivery of 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility

2021: Virginia State Police Fleet Composition

As of 2021, the Virginia State Police fleet primarily consists of 2013–2019 Ford Police Interceptor Sedans and 2020 and 2021 Ford Police Interceptor Utilities, supplemented by other vehicles.

2022: Virginia State Police Fleet Composition

As of 2021, the Virginia State Police fleet primarily consists of 2013–2019 Ford Police Interceptor Sedans and 2020 and 2021 Ford Police Interceptor Utilities, supplemented by other vehicles.

November 5, 2024: Matt Hanley Appointed Interim Superintendent

On November 5, 2024, Lieutenant Colonel Matt Hanley was appointed Interim Superintendent by Governor Glenn Youngkin after Colonel Settle announced his retirement.