2021-02-03 Qualified Immunity PITTSYVLANIA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
RESOLUTION # 2021-02-03
A RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO ANY LEGISLATIVE EFFORT TO REPEAL OR
REVISE THE JUDICIAL DOCTRINE OF QUALIFIED IMMUNITY FOR LAW
ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS
VIRGINIA: at the Regular Meeting of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors
("Board"), held on February 16, 2021, the following Resolution was presented and adopted:
WHEREAS,the Virginia General Assembly has considered the possible repeal or revision
of the judicial doctrine of qualified immunity, and
WHEREAS, qualified immunity protects law enforcement officials from frivolous,
vengeful, and harassing lawsuits, while allowing full trial of any case with merit; and
WHEREAS, any legislative repeal or revision of qualified immunity would manifestly
harm law enforcement by putting law enforcement officers at constant risk of unjustified lawsuits
for almost every action they take; and
WHEREAS, any legislative repeal or revision of qualified immunity would require
Pittsylvania County, Virginia ("County"), citizens to pay for the defense of any and every claim
against law enforcement officials, no matter how frivolous or unjustified; and
WHEREAS, repeal or revision would contribute to making law enforcement officials
hesitate or refrain from becoming involved in some high-conflict situations,because of the fear of
liability, even for actions taken in good faith, and such hesitation or restraint will jeopardize public
safety; and
WHEREAS, repeal or revision would make it harder to recruit and to retain the most
highly qualified candidates for Deputy positions, because of the fear of repeated unjustified
lawsuits; and
WHEREAS, efforts at repeal or revision represent ill-advised prejudice against law
enforcement men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect public safety.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD:
1. That the County opposes SB 1440 and HB 2045 and any future legislative repeal or
revision of the judicial doctrine of qualified immunity and urges the County's delegation
to the General Assembly to oppose any such effort.
2. The Clerk shall provide an attested copy of this Resolution to all members of the County's
General Assembly delegation.
Given under my hand this 16th day of February, 2021.
W,t/. d„,,,,_
,..... ....
..�4 "'_`.. Robert ("Bob") W. Warren, Chairman
' Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors
•, _ -'
ATTEST:
0if
- . . DNIK M. Smer-rman, Clerk
Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors
VOTE
Joe B. Davis Yes
William ("Vic") Ingram Yes
Charles H. Miller, Jr. Yes
Robert ("Bob") W. Warren Yes
Ronald S. Scearce Yes
Ben L. Farmer Yes
Tim W. Dudley Yes
Ayes 7 Nays 0 Abstentions 0