If you are a law enforcement officer in Virginia and still paying dues to the Virginia Police Benevolent Association (VAPBA), you deserve to see this clearly—without spin, without padding, and without excuses.
The VAPBA endorsed a politician whom its own members overwhelmingly opposed. When officers objected, leadership dismissed the backlash, lied about what happened, and then mocked critics publicly when they thought no one was watching.
Now the receipts are out.
What They Told You
In a letter to members, VAPBA leadership claimed:
What Your Fellow Officers Actually Said
“This is pathetic. Everyone who endorsed her should resign immediately.”
“You failed miserably. Congratulations on forsaking the men and women of law enforcement in the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
“I sent an email today to see about canceling my membership and getting my money back.”
“Blah blah blah. You backed an anti-police party, end of story.”
“Leadership isn’t leadership when it’s used for personal gain.”
This is not mild disagreement.
This is open revolt.
What They Said When They Thought You Wouldn’t Hear It
A senior VAPBA leader calls the Law Enforcement Today article a “hit job” and says critics are “going to pay for it.”
A VAPBA vice president states, “No cop wants to help ICE.”
Leadership later denied making threats.
These recordings say otherwise.
The Screenshot That Should End This Conversation
VAPBA Vice President “told you so” Facebook post gloating that HB 1314 was tabled.
HB 1314 was not killed.
It was not defeated.
It was not withdrawn.
It was tabled.
Anyone pretending that is a victory is either lying to you or doesn’t understand how legislation works. A tabled bill is alive. It will be back. And when it is, this same leadership will tell you they were “engaged” while you’re paying for your own lawyer.
The Lie That Should Cost Them Their Jobs
VAPBA leadership told members that qualified immunity was safe because a politician promised to veto repeal efforts. That same politician’s allies already tried once. It nearly passed. Now leadership is celebrating a pause like it’s a win.
One officer said it best: “Funny how much changes in four years. Qualified immunity nearly died by one vote before. This is the ‘new Virginia.’”
This is not protection.
This is gambling with your livelihood.
Why This Matters
Police officers forgive mistakes. They do not forgive being lied to, talked down to, or sacrificed for political access.
VAPBA leadership chose:
Final Reality Check
If you stay silent, they will keep speaking for you.
If you keep paying dues, they will keep using your name.
If you keep trusting them, they will keep betting your future on promises that mean nothing.
You are not obligated to fund your own betrayal.
The recordings exist.
The screenshots exist.
The contempt is documented.
If this is what “representation” looks like, then perhaps it’s time to walk away.
The VAPBA endorsed a politician whom its own members overwhelmingly opposed. When officers objected, leadership dismissed the backlash, lied about what happened, and then mocked critics publicly when they thought no one was watching.
Now the receipts are out.
What They Told You
In a letter to members, VAPBA leadership claimed:
- Member opposition was not “forceful or overwhelming.”
- No threats were ever made toward critics.
- Qualified immunity was safe because a bill attacking it was “off the table.”
What Your Fellow Officers Actually Said
“This is pathetic. Everyone who endorsed her should resign immediately.”
“You failed miserably. Congratulations on forsaking the men and women of law enforcement in the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
“I sent an email today to see about canceling my membership and getting my money back.”
“Blah blah blah. You backed an anti-police party, end of story.”
“Leadership isn’t leadership when it’s used for personal gain.”
This is not mild disagreement.
This is open revolt.
What They Said When They Thought You Wouldn’t Hear It
A senior VAPBA leader calls the Law Enforcement Today article a “hit job” and says critics are “going to pay for it.”
A VAPBA vice president states, “No cop wants to help ICE.”
Leadership later denied making threats.
These recordings say otherwise.
The Screenshot That Should End This Conversation
VAPBA Vice President “told you so” Facebook post gloating that HB 1314 was tabled.
HB 1314 was not killed.
It was not defeated.
It was not withdrawn.
It was tabled.
Anyone pretending that is a victory is either lying to you or doesn’t understand how legislation works. A tabled bill is alive. It will be back. And when it is, this same leadership will tell you they were “engaged” while you’re paying for your own lawyer.
The Lie That Should Cost Them Their Jobs
VAPBA leadership told members that qualified immunity was safe because a politician promised to veto repeal efforts. That same politician’s allies already tried once. It nearly passed. Now leadership is celebrating a pause like it’s a win.
One officer said it best: “Funny how much changes in four years. Qualified immunity nearly died by one vote before. This is the ‘new Virginia.’”
This is not protection.
This is gambling with your livelihood.
Why This Matters
Police officers forgive mistakes. They do not forgive being lied to, talked down to, or sacrificed for political access.
VAPBA leadership chose:
- Parade invites over principles
- Access over accountability
- Denial over honesty
Final Reality Check
If you stay silent, they will keep speaking for you.
If you keep paying dues, they will keep using your name.
If you keep trusting them, they will keep betting your future on promises that mean nothing.
You are not obligated to fund your own betrayal.
The recordings exist.
The screenshots exist.
The contempt is documented.
If this is what “representation” looks like, then perhaps it’s time to walk away.
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The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
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