Prince William County is divided into seven Magisterial Districts (also called “Election Districts”). Each magisterial district has one elected representative that serves on the Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) and one representative on the county’s school board; each of these boards also has an eighth member known as the Chair at-Large, who is selected by a county-wide election. Other Constitutional offices (like the Commonwealth Attorney, the Sheriff, and the Clerk of Court) are also elected countywide, and therefore encompass all of the county’s magisterial districts.
PWC County Board of Supervisors. The eight-member Board of County Supervisors makes policy for the administration of the Prince William County government within the framework of the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the County Executive form of government. Seven members are elected from Magisterial Districts, while the Chair is elected at-large. The board adopts local laws, sets policies, adopts a budget and capital improvement program, sets local tax rates, approves local land use decisions and makes appointments to various positions.
PWC County School Board. The Prince William County School Board makes the policies that govern the school division. There are eight members on the School Board, one from each magisterial district and an at-large member who serves as chairman. Prince William County residents elect their School Board representatives, who serve four-year terms.
The policies developed by the School Board for the operation of the school division cover instruction, administration, personnel, students, and other areas. Copies of the policies and regulations are available online and in the School Board office.
PWC Commonwealth Attorney. The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes criminal cases within the Thirty First Judicial District, serving Prince William County, the Cities of Manassas, and Manassas Park, and the towns of Dumfries, Haymarket, Occoquan, and Quantico. The Commonwealth Attorney’s office works with local law enforcement partners to protect and safeguard our community through the prevention and determent of crime. Our mission as public servants is to vigorously enforce our laws, pursue the truth, and deal openly and honestly with the community, law enforcement agencies, and victims of crime.
PWC Sheriff. The Prince William County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with elected leaders, staff and citizens, provides a safe and secure Judicial Complex. Other mandates include service of all civil process, including subpoenas, levies, seizures, and evictions; internal affairs; training; and timely transport for prisoners and patients. The Office serves the citizens of Prince William County, the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, and the towns of Dumfries, Occoquan, Quantico and Haymarket.
PWC Clerk of Court. The 31st Judicial Circuit Court has general trial court jurisdiction, including acting as an appellate court for the General District and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts, and is a separate and distinct branch of government. The Circuit Court decides the most serious cases, presiding over criminal, civil, concealed handgun permits, miscellaneous, and other cases. The 31st Judicial Circuit currently has seven full-time judges.