11-07-2025
Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center Police Department disbanded
FISHERSVILLE – The Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center Police Department is no longer a police department.
On June 23, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) disbanded the department. The Campus Safety Team will now be the first contact point for non-emergency safety issues.
For emergencies, DARS' communications office said those on campus should call 911, as they would elsewhere in Augusta County.
'The team met with the Augusta County Sheriff's office to inform them of the changes,' said Betsy Civilette, Communications Director for DARS. 'For emergencies requiring law enforcement, staff and participants will now be directed to call 911, which will initiate a response from the sheriff's office. This ensures that any law enforcement needs at WWRC are handled promptly by the appropriate authorities.'
As part of the policy change, instances of the word "police" have been covered at the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC) campus. In addition, trying to pull up the department's page on the WWRC's website gives a 404 error message.
This doesn't mean there will not be any form of law enforcement on the ground on campus. A new campus safety supervisor was hired in May to oversee the Campus Safety Team as it transitions to the Special Conservator of the Peace Program (SCOPP), through the Virginia Dept. of Criminal Justice Services.
A special conservator of the peace is appointed 'for the security of property or the peace and the presentation of evidence' by a circuit court 'to perform only those powers, functions, duties and responsibilities authorized within such geographic limitations as the court may deem appropriate.' They can be either armed or unarmed.
Civilette explained the new model is what 'other state agencies and higher education institutions are implementing.'
According to Civilette, the former department has one full-time officer who was notified of the change in operations. WWRC extended his position, keeping him on with campus security.
More: Waynesboro bookkeeper, 72, accused of embezzling more than $100,000 from business
More: VDOT asks for feedback on I-81, Broad St. multimillion dollar projects
Lyra Bordelon (she/her) is the public transparency and justice reporter at The News Leader. Do you have a story tip or feedback? It's welcome through email to lbordelon@ Subscribe to us at
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center Police Department disbanded
