HISTORY

The Lawrenceville Police Department had its origins in 1874 when the Town was incorporated and the Town Charter as granted by the Virginia General Assembly authorized the appointment of a Town Sergeant. The first Town Sergeant was F. W. Jones whose duties included Town Code enforcement, collection of taxes, collection of license fees, and "other duties as may be assigned." Among the Town ordinances the Town Sergeant was responsible for enforcing in 1875 were a $2 fine for shooting a gun in the street and a $5 fine for running a horse in the street or riding one on the sidewalk.

The Town Council was asked to consider the employment of a "night watchman" in January of 1895. This was the first consideration of a second policeman or Deputy Sergeant on record and $4 per month was appropriated by the Council toward the employment of the night watchman if that $4 sum was matched by the citizens. The first night watchman position was held by B J. Harrison until November of 1895 when the position was discontinued.  

L. R. Vaughan was appointed Town Sergeant in 1912 at a salary or $75 per month. In addition to the original duties of the Town Sergeant, he was asked to "superintend the building and repairing of streets and sidewalks, make out the tax books and collect taxes, collect water, sewer, and light accounts, rents,and tolls."     more

OFFICERS