Police union proposes big internal affairs reform

The Virginia Coalition of Police and Deputy Sheriffs plans to put forth legislation it says will give new rights to officers involved in internal investigations.

The measure, the language of which is still being hashed out with other police officials, is set to be considered by the General Assembly this month. Josh David, president of the statewide labor group, said the bill would allow an officer to have an attorney during internal questioning and prevent statements the officer makes immediately after an incident from being used against him in civil court, among other provisions.