The Professional Standards Bureau encompasses several aspects of the administrative function of the department. The bureau oversees administrative investigations, special projects, law enforcement accreditation, policy development, and secondary employment.

Internal Affairs Unit

The Internal Affairs Unit is responsible for maintaining and where possible, increasing the integrity of the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD). The unit provides the police chief and his staff with the necessary information to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of daily operations of the VBPD. The Internal Affairs Unit is a fact-finding body that conducts administrative investigations, formal and informal inspections, and observations of police operations to ensure the integrity of the VBPD.

All allegations that may result in criminal charges against a VBPD employee are first investigated by the appropriate investigative bureau. Completed investigations are forwarded to the employee's command for review and recommendations. The final disposition is subject to approval by the police chief.

It is the policy of the VBPD to investigate all complaints of alleged employee misconduct to determine the validity of the allegations.

The primary responsibility for maintaining and reinforcing employee conformance with VBPD standards of conduct falls with the first-line supervisor and the employee. All supervisors within VBPD will make every reasonable effort to facilitate the courteous and prompt receipt and processing of complaints.

Filing a Complaint

Any individual who wishes to file a complaint against a VBPD employee can contact any precinct, the Internal Affairs Unit, or the City Manager’s office, in person, via phone, or through an online submission.

Complaints received through the City Manager's Office or from a precinct are referred to the Internal Affairs Unit for investigation. A supervisor from the VBPD may contact the complainant to gather further information or add statements in accordance with best practices of conducting a thorough and professional investigation.

Upon the conclusion of an investigation, the Internal Affairs Unit will communicate the investigator’s findings to the individual via letter by the commanding officer of the Professional Standards Bureau.

Citizens unsatisfied with the investigation’s findings may request a review by the Independent Citizen Review Board (ICRB) within 90 calendar days from the date the findings are mailed to the complainant.

Planning and Research Unit

The Planning and Research Unit is divided into three areas of focus: Law Enforcement Accreditation, Research, and Secondary Employment.

Research revolves around developing and evaluating specialized programs and policies at the direction of the police chief, and conducting various studies of best practices, policy development, special projects, and community initiatives. 

This area also oversees the Forms Committee, which coordinates the annual form reviews to ensure the accuracy and utility of each form. Publicly available forms are available on the permits, record checks and fingerprinting webpage.

Law Enforcement Accreditation focuses on maintaining compliance with the advanced accreditation criteria outlined by the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Visit the policies & field guides page to view VBPD’s policies and procedures.

Secondary Employment oversees officers working in an extra-duty capacity outside their regularly scheduled work hours. The Department utilizes a third-party vendor, Off-Duty Management, which facilitates communication with businesses or private individuals who wish to hire an officer for an event where police presence would be beneficial.