History of Virginia Beach Police Department in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 23, 2025

The Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) is the primary law enforcement agency for the city of Virginia Beach, Virginia, which has a population of approximately 450,000 residents. The department employs over 1,000 officers and civilians. Its headquarters are located in Building 11 on Princess Anne Road. The VBPD divides the city into four precincts: First, Second, Third, and Fourth, each with patrol zones. As the largest city in Virginia, surpassing Richmond, Virginia Beach relies on the VBPD for public safety and law enforcement services.

1938: Robert E. W. Sparrow Becomes First Black Police Officer

In 1938, Robert E. W. Sparrow became the first black police officer in Princess Anne County.

1963: Virginia Beach Police Department Inception

In 1963, the Virginia Beach Police Department was created.

1976: Independence Day Riots

On Independence Day in 1976, riots erupted after bars closed, leading to clashes between hundreds of people and the police, resulting in injuries and arrests.

1989: Greekfest Riots

In 1989, riots and looting broke out during Labor Day weekend, known as the Greekfest riots, resulting in numerous arrests and the Virginia National Guard being called in.

1991: Survey Reveals Pattern of Abuse

In 1991, a survey found a pattern of abuse among VBPD officers, with reports of unreasonable force.

2007: Training Bomb Incident

In 2007, a 10-pound training bomb fell from a Navy fighter jet, prompting a response from the VBPD and local military police.

2012: Memorial Dedicated to Fallen Officers

In 2012, artist Paul DiPasquale created a memorial dedicated to fallen members of the Virginia Beach Police Department, Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office, and the state and federal agencies that protect the city.

2015: Willis v. City of Virginia Beach Case

In 2015, officers sued the VBPD on grounds that their employer disciplined them after they reported gender discrimination in the case of Willis v. City of Virginia Beach.

March 2016: Use of Forged DNA Reports Begins

Beginning in March 2016, officers were found to have used forged DNA reports in interrogations.

2019: Virginia Beach Municipal Center Shooting

In 2019, a shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center resulted in 12 fatalities, prompting FBI assistance in the investigation.

2019: New Fourth Precinct Building Opens

In 2019, the Fourth Precinct's old building was replaced with a new "citizen-centered" facility.

February 2020: Forged DNA Reports Incidents End

In February 2020, incidents involving officers using forged DNA reports in interrogations ended, with the incidents having started in March 2016.

2022: Forged DNA Reports Revealed

In 2022, officers were found to have used forged DNA reports in interrogations to get confessions from five people.

2024: Banks v. City of Virginia Beach Case and Officer Arrest

In 2024, in the case of Banks v. City of Virginia Beach, an officer sued the VBPD, claiming that he had been investigated and demoted for trying to address allegations of discrimination. Also in 2024, an officer was arrested and charged with crimes related to a minor.