Please support this initiative to provide relief to our police departments that are short staffed state wide. This bill is a companion bill to Senator Lucas' SB75, which has cleared the Senate and has been sent to the House. • There exists an acute need to provide relief and support to our public safety departments throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia in addressing the execution of Temporary Detention Orders (TDOs) and Emergency Custody Orders (ECOs). • Due to the amount of time it takes to carry out these orders our public safety departments have been in need of assistance with these means of transport for more than twenty years. • Although some pilot programs for alternative transportation providers were established through the "Special Deed’s Commission", no permanent solution has been implemented. • During the “Special Deed’s Commission’s” meetings the suggestion was considered to employ the use of retired law enforcement officers to transport TDOs and ECOs, but no action was taken. • This Special Deed’s Commission last met in 2017, and unfortunately, since the conclusion of this Commission, the need for increased resources for alternative transportation services remains; and law enforcement staff shortages has only worsened the strains as officers spend extended periods of time executing these orders, impacting their ability to serve their communities. • While it is imperative that the Commonwealth provide these essential transport services to ensure the humane and efficient processing of individuals subject to these orders, it is also imperative to provide the relief and reduce the strain on our public safety officers. • Therefore, in an effort to better aid our citizens in need and reduce the strain on our public safety officers, we ask for favorable consideration of this bill.