6-19 Police Damage to Private or Public Property

Policy Type: Local

Responsible Office: Chief of Police, Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department

Initial Policy Approved: 3/14/2013

Current Revision Approved: 9/21/2023

General

The purpose of this directive is to establish the procedures for reporting damage caused to private or public property as the result of police activity. When, as the result of police action, damage occurs to private or public property, the department shall ensure that the incident is thoroughly investigated and properly documented. All reports taken regarding the damage are to be used for investigative purposes only and not as a claims form. All questions regarding liability or reparation should be referred to Safety and Risk Management.

Accountability Statement

All employees are expected to fully comply with the guidelines and timelines set forth in this written directive. Failure to comply will result in appropriate corrective action. Responsibility rests with the division commander to ensure that any policy violations are investigated and appropriate training, counseling and/or disciplinary action is initiated.

Procedures

1. General:
   1. Under no circumstances will any employee indicate to the individual (or their agent) with incurred damage to their property that the university will pay a claim or accept liability pertaining to the incident.
   2. No employee will make a statement, however trivial, concerning the facts relating to any claim against the university. In all cases, the employee shall respectfully advise any inquirer that all matters concerning claims must be discussed with Safety and Risk Management.
2. Response to Reports of Police Damage to Private or Public Property:
   1. Any employee damaging private or public property, while in the performance of their official duties, shall immediately notify their supervisor.
   2. The supervisor shall respond to the scene, take all measures necessary to render the situation safe and secure any building or dwelling which has been made insecure by police action when a responsible occupant is not present.
   3. The supervisor shall ensure that the VCUPD-68 Damage to Private or Public Property form is completed along with the necessary attachments, including photographs, and forwarded through normal channels to Safety and Risk Management, prior to the officer’s end of shift.
      1. The officer shall obtain a CAD incident number for inclusion on all forms and photographs related to the incident.
      2. The officer shall include a copy of the administrative or criminal incident report in the packet.
         1. CCRE and any warrants/ summonses are to be included if an arrest is made.
      3. If the victim should ask how to file a claim for damages with the university, the responding officer should refer them to Safety and Risk Management.
   4. Duties and Responsibilities of the Responding Supervisor:
      1. The responding supervisor should inform the individual who incurred damage to their property or their agent that the VCUPD-68 is being taken for investigative purposes only and is not a claim form.
      2. The supervisor should also inform the individual or their agent that they may contact Safety and Risk Management if they have any additional questions regarding the incident.

Revision History

This policy supersedes the following archived policies:

3/14/2013 - 6-19 Police Damage to Private Property