Frequently Asked Questions

General Faqs

The Police Department is staffed by an Officer 24/7.  In the event that an Officer is needed and not readily available, please press the button on the call box and a Dispatcher will have the on-duty Officer respond to assist you.

(540) 659-4600

All the officers are sworn Law Enforcement Officers with the Circuit Court of Stafford County and have full arrest authority.  The Aquia Harbour Police Department operates under the authority of Virginia State Law under Virginia Code 9.1-101.  Virginia Code 9.1-101 provides the legal framework and outlines the qualifications, duties, responsibilities, and training for private Police Departments.  

As authorized in Virginia Code 9.1-101, the Aquia Harbour Police Officers have authority and jurisdiction throughout all property in the Aquia Harbour Subdivision (including the roadway which runs from U.S. Route 1 to Aquia Harbour Subdivision), in addition to the contiguous areas commonly known as Aquia Town Center, Aquia Church, Government Island, and Aquia Creek.  In accordance with the MOU, Officers are also able to provide assistance outside those areas when requested by Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

Under Virginia Code Section 46.2-1307, the governing body of any county, city, or town may adopt ordinances designating the private roads, within any residential development containing 100 or more lots or residential dwelling units, as highways for law enforcement purposes.  Stafford County Code 15-3, outlines that all private roads or private streets, including the entire width between the boundary lines within Aquia Harbour subdivision, Aquia Magisterial District, Stafford County, including the roadway between U.S. Route 1 and the Aquia Harbour subdivision are designated as highways for law enforcement purposes (July 30th, 1968).

All Officers are held to the same training standards as other Sheriff's Deputies and Police Officers prescribed by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.  

Reporting Crimes 

Reports of criminal activity can be made by calling the Police Department at (540) 659-4600.

At this time, all reports must be made in person or via phone.

Reports of suspicious activity can be made by calling the Police Department.

When calling to notify the Police Department of a crime; Dispatchers will obtain basic information from you such as location of incident, involved parties' names if known, a callback contact phone number, and additional information depending upon nature of incident.  

Yes, complainants can remain anonymous.  We do encourage complainants to provide their information when reporting a crime in the event that an Officer needs to follow up for additional information.

Please call (540) 659-4600 to report traffic accidents.  An Officer will respond, conduct an investigation, take appropriate law enforcement action (if necessary), and assist with an exchange of information between the involved parties.  

Police reports and records

A copy of a police report can be obtained by completing the FOIA request form online or in person at the Police Department.

By Virginia Code FOIA requests should be completed within 5 days.  However, the Police Department makes every effort to respond and/or provide reports faster.

No

The Police Department is able to complete background checks that are limited to Aquia Harbour.  If you need a full background check, please contact the Stafford County Sheriff's Office.

Yes, Aquia Harbour Police Department conducts fingerprinting for the residents of Aquia Harbour.  You do not need an appointment to get fingerprinted.

You may contact the Officer working your case by calling the Police Department.  Be sure to have the incident/report number available when you call to help assist directing your call to the appropriate officer. 

Animal Control faqs

Loose animals, strays, or dangerous animals can be reported to Stafford County Animal Control by calling (540) 658-4400.

Reports can be made to Stafford County Animal Control by calling (540) 658-4400.

The Police Department is not equipped to house found dogs or other animals.  Animals needing to be turned over should be taken to the Stafford County Animal Shelter.

Stafford County Animal Control is located at 26 Frosty Lane Stafford, VA 22554

Gate faqs

(540) 659-5224

1000 Washington Drive Stafford, VA 22554

Adding guests and vendors can be done through the Gate Sentry app or by calling the Front Gate to add them to your access list. Please see the Gate Resources tab for instructions on how to download the Gate Sentry app.

Only the approved hosts listed in Gate Sentry are authorized to add guests or vendors to your gate access list.

Unwanted guests may be added to your banned list either by utilizing the Gate Sentry app or by calling the Front Gate. 

If you are having a party with a lot of guests, you can add those guests through the Gate Sentry app by uploading a list or you can email the Gate Supervisor a list at gatesupervisor@aquiaharbour.org. 

Back gate access is for residents only with RFID access.  Residents without RFID access are encouraged to visit the Business Office to obtain an RFID for their vehicle.  The back gate is not to used for guests or vendors.  Guests or vendors should be directed to the Front Gate at 1000 Washington Drive Stafford, VA 22554.