CHAPTER 171

An Act to express the public policy of the Commonwealth of Virginia as
to the acceptance of rewards by sheriffs or other officers; and to au-
thorize such officers to receive such rewards. CH 821]

Approved March 4, 1964

Whereas, sheriffs, sergeants, or other officers often work diligently far
beyond the call of duty in the apprehension of criminals; and

Whereas, in the reported case of Buek versus Nance, decided in nine-
teen hundred eleven, the Supreme Court of Appeals of Virginia held that
it was against the public policy of the State for such officers to claim or
receive rewards for their services; and

Whereas, the General Assembly, by virtue of §§ 15.1-1388 and 52-10
of the Code of Virginia, in express language authorizes members of police
forces in cities and towns and members of the State police to claim or re-
celve rewards which may be offered for the arrest and detention of any
offender against the criminal laws of this or any other Commonwealth or
nation ; and

Whereas, it is only fair that sheriffs, sergeants, or other officers not
members of city or town police forces or of the State police be not so dis-
criminated against, and that the antiquated doctrine set forth in the case
of Buek versus Nance be changed; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. § 1. Any sheriff, deputy sheriff, sergeant, deputy sergeant or any
other officer may claim and receive any reward which may be offered for
the arrest and detention of any offender against the criminal laws of this
or any other Commonwealth or nation.