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~2 A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF VIRGINIA TO PRE- SENT LEGISlaTION TO THE NEXT SESSION OF THE GENEP~_L ASSEMBLY OF VIRGINIA ~IICE WOULD CLARIFY THE AUTHORITY OF POLICE OFFICERS TO PARTICIPATE IN ARRESTS IN CERTAIN MISD~4BANOR OFFENSES IN- VOLVING LARCENY OF MERChaNDISE, MORE COUrt, ONLY KNO~\~ AS "SHOP- LIFTING". WHEREAS, the law of the Commonwealth of Virginia pre- sently requires that a warrant is necessary for an arrest when a misdemeanor was committed out of the presence of the arrest- ing officer; and, ~%~EREAS~ much concern has arisen in regards to the authority of officers to assist local merchants in the arrest- · ng of persons suspected of larceny of merchandise; and~ WHEREAS, the issue of civil liability of the officer and the City in such incidents ms not clear under tke present taw; and~ WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Do~town Portsmouth Association have reeuested that the Attorney General of Virginia draft the necessary legislation to enable Police Officers to ef- fectively assist in such situations. NOW, TNFREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, that the Attorney General of Vir- ginia is urged to present legislation to the next session of the General Assem~!y of Virginia which will clarify the authoritv of Police Officers to participate in arrests in certain misde- meanor offenses involving larceny of merchandise, more co~only kno%~ as '~shoplifting'~ BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk is directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the Attorney General of Virginia and to members of the Portsmouth Delegation to the General Assembly of Virginia. Adooted by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Vir- ginia~ an a meeting held Aueust 19, i975. Teste: City Clerk