The Division of Capitol Police, one of the oldest police agencies in the nation, has been accredited by Virginia's law enforcement commission.

The division says it met all the standards for accreditation by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission, including arrest procedures, use of force policies and administrative processes. It was certified today.
"It has always been our mission to provide progressive law enforcement and security services to our government officials, state employees, and visitors to the capitol area," said Chief Kim Lettner in a statement.

Capitol police are responsible for the Capitol Complex, including the Virginia Capitol building, General Assembly Building and Virginia Supreme Court. The agency also protects top elected state officials.

The Capitol police trace their roots to the 1618 guard for the colonial governor of Jamestown.

The division has about 67 sworn officers. Eighty-two law enforcement agencies of the approximately 416 around the state carry the accreditation, including Richmond's police and sheriff's offices, Virginia Commonwealth University police, and law enforcement agencies in Henrico, Hanover and Chesterfield counties, said Gary Dillon, the commission program manager. -- Chris I. Young, Times-Dispatch