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| A work force inmate cleaning a bathroom found a loaded police gun, similar to the one at right, in a woman’s stall. |
By Duane Bourne
The Virginian-Pilot
VIRGINIA BEACH - An inmate cleaning a bathroom at the Law Enforcement Training Academy found a loaded police gun last month, prompting an internal police investigation into breaches of security procedures.
Police spokeswoman Rene Ball confirmed that the Police Department is handling the incident internally, but declined to identify the officer whose gun was found in one of the women's bathroom stalls. She said rules governing internal inquiries forbid public disclosure.
"It is a very serious matter, definitely a breach of safety," Ball said. "Officers are being reminded to be mindful of where they keep their weapons. They must be locked, if not holstered."
The gun was found by an inmate with the Sheriff's Community Work Force on Dec. 28.
It is the second time in a month that Virginia Beach police officers may have violated security procedures in handling and securing weapons.
On Jan. 2, a police officer checked the back seat of his assigned cruiser before his shift and found a small, silver semi automatic handgun under the cushion. Police think the gun was used in a robbery Dec. 21 when two armed suspects held up the Village Inn on Independence Boulevard.
A search warrant affidavit said the gun might have been passed to a 17-year-old girl in the getaway car before police stopped the vehicle and removed the suspects. The girl could have stuffed the handgun under the seat of the police car while en route to the police station, the affidavit said.
Forensic tests were performed to determine whether the gun was used in the robbery. The results are pending.
The latest incident - the police gun found in the bathroom - came to light Thursday when the Sheriff's Office released a report of the incident under the state Freedom of Information Act.
The incident happened Dec. 28 when a work force inmate found the loaded Glock 19 in a stall in the women's bathroom near the auditorium at the training facility. The inmate did not touch the weapon but told a sheriff's deputy where to find it.
Members of the Sheriff's Community Work Force are generally the most trusted inmates. They have been convicted of nonviolent offenses and conduct a variety of community projects.
The report stated that because the sheriff's training division was closed and the weapon did not have the sheriff's star emblem on its side, the gun "more than likely" belonged to a female in the Police Department.
The Police Department and the Sheriff's Office share the training site, off Birdneck Road.
Authorities later determined that the weapon belonged to an officer at the Police Department, but the officer's name is blacked out on the report. It said, "Weapon determined to belong to (name blacked out) of VBPD. Returned to VBPD and notifications made."
The report also states, "I contacted Capt. (name blacked out) and informed her of the steps taken to secure the weapon."
Capt. Marie Chiarizia, the commanding officer for professional development and training at the training academy, could not be reached for comment Thursday. She was out of town on training.
Five female police officers work at the training academy, Ball said.
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How in the world...
How in the world can a weapon, specifically a Glock go off on its own? There is no question this is a horrible mistake by the officer. I am sure beyond a shadow of a doubt this officer will end up with some time off without pay. Then inmate should get a couple of "good days" towards his/her sentence.
Comments on Police Department
I find it funny how many people are bad mouthing our VBPD. I have never had a problem with any police officer that I have encountered, VB or Norfolk. For those who believe that this will be swept under the rug, that is absolutely untrue. John Q Public has no idea what goes on within the department. Incidents such as this are not taken lightly. I would expect that a transfer and possible demotion would take place, with remedial training ordered. For those who think this is nothing, think again. The embarassment alone within her own department is punishment enough. Don't get me wrong, I think something should be done, but don't confuse an extremely careless error as disregard for the law. There must be at least 500 officers for VBPD, two mistakes should not lead to loss of trust and support for the entire force.
Gun
Hats off to the inmate. This could have fallen in the wrong hands. The inmate needs to be commended.
Compentency in handling a weapon
Everyone who wears a gun should be more alert as to where it is and if a round is in the chamber...things that are basic of gun carriers...
Also, the people who think a Glock will go off by its self problably think there is a Glock that will go through a xray without being detected...
Losers Sweepers
I believe any police officer that is careless of his weapon, need to serve 5 years in prison-Operation Exile!!!
Police Gun found
You people are rediculous and obviously ignorant to the police department policies.The police department will take this situation seriously! Everyone makes mistakes.This was yes a big mistake and it will be handled.Instead of always blowing up on the negative,why doon't you think about the positive.Are you out there putting your life at stake everyday?No you're not,so try not to be so harsh!Police Officer doesn't translate to non-human...thank you
we're not talking about perfection
just common sense. u have mistakes and then u have atrocities. sorry but i doubt the police will be so understanding of your "mistakes".
No excuse for misplacing her weapon.
Any space where inmates are working should have a higher awareness for security. Too bad the city has contracted out the meter enforcement, a possible new training officer might be available.
Police should be more accountable for their actions than citiz
But sadly they aren't. Norfolk police are abusive, arrogant, and unprofessional. Virginia Beach residents should expect the same. You mess up like that and you see a judge....cops sweep it under the rug. I expect to be Riddicked for these comments.
Glock go off on its own?
How is that? I've been handling weapons, and specifically GLocks for years and I have never ever seen one go off on its own. For pete's sake. Mad mistake by the officer and I am sure it will be dealt with. Good job by the inmate making great decisions.
Bad information
Please learn about weapons before you post. You quoted as saying "With it being a Glock, it could have gone off on its own. They have that flaw."
That is so far from the truth. Glocks incorporate the "Safe Action" system
Safe and ingeniously simple: Contrary to conventional, the trigger is the only operating element. All three pistol safeties are deactivated when the trigger is pulled -and automatically activated when it is released.
The pistol will not go off on its own. It will fire only when the trigger is depressed. Plase educate yourself before you speak.
this is va
I really think this should be made more public and better training should be in place as well. A person has to go through a rigerous procedure to get on a plane, why don't they train them to carry at all times? Or am I mistaken, and they do train to carry, but they just don't follow their own laws? Either way, the LEO her showed that she didn't show her own competence to handle a gun, and shouldn't be allowed on the force with a gun.
This is a rather large and heavy gun to 'not notice' it be gone from your holster.
its a sad day, weather you are from va, or ca, that a police officer, the people we have hired us, to protect us, can't remember to pick up their gun after peeing.
my husband, who volunteered to go to iraq in the usa army, has to take his gun with him everywhere! if he dont have it, he looses his rank, he loses his money, and does extra duty. thats alot!
I think the punishment should be higher since these people are actually getting paid to do the same job!
Maybe put the Glock on a leash (lanyard)?
A professional police officer did not know that she was missing a pistol? (I say "she" because it was in the ladies room stall. If in fact it was a male cop, we really have a problem!) Thank goodness for the finder's honesty. The sidearm is the primary self-defense and offensive tool that the officer has. How do you train her not to lose her gun? Maybe they should go to the lanyards used by some departments on duty pistols. Lastly, to the guy who thinks that Glocks can "go off on their own", nothing could be further from the truth. Admittedly, since there are no external safeties on Glocks, more skill is required to use them. They do, however, have three internal safeties. You could throw one against a wall, or let a truck run over it, and it would not fire. If, however, you pull the trigger, it will fire....every time. These are not guns for casual shooters. I own 9mm Glocks, and I think, in stock form, they're the most reliable pistols on the market.
That was a stupid mistake...
anyone who carries a weapon, whether a LEO or lawfully arm citizen, must maintain positive control of his or her weapon at all times. Leaving a pistol in a stall indicates lack of situational awareness. That lack of awareness can lead to deadly consequences beyond putting a weapon in the hands of a criminal... it can get an officer and his or her partner shot in the street.
Remember, you can't maintain proper sight alignment with your head up your rear.
It is embarassing
The angry accusations about police are just as bad, just not a
Va Beach has a good police department. I trust them to handle this appropriately. This is a frightening mistake; and we do not know, nor should we know all the details. The publics 'right to know' everything that happens is a serious breach of our security, and may be our downfall as a nation. Let he/she who is perfect be the first to accuse and condemn. In the meantime, lets just be thankful for an honest criminal.
Security....
I'm just glad it was not lost in a airport restroom past the security check station. Question is, did the officer report the missing weapon?
Good For You
A heartfelt way to go, to the inmate that found and reported the gun find. Not everyone in their position would have done the same.
Inmate Finds Loaded Police Gun At Beach Training Site
Of Course rules governing internal inquiries forbid public disclosure. Of course they declined to identify the officer whose gun was found. Of course tyhe police department is handling this internally. Of course the police captain was out of town......how convenient until they can concoct a story us poor citizens may believe, but really no one cares.
Therein lies the problem with public trust between the citizens and the police department. The police department does not have to justify or answer to any of the spineless politicians who are afraid to speak out. Until a citizens committee has the authority to take action against the police department, it will be akin to the Nazi's.
Luck!
I think that they should show some kind of grattitude to this inmate because if it wern't for him something terrible could have happened,after all who is the criminal in this situation?????
Didn't Know Gun Was Missing?
How could the officer not know her gun was missing? Are we to assume she used a backup and never reported it missing? With it being a Glock, it could have gone off on its own. They have that flaw.
More police incompetence
This will be swept under the rug, as usual. No one is accountable or responsible for the police. Oh, don't you do anyhting wrong, though.
Training?
This is embarassing