"Detoxification center program" means any facility program or procedure for the placement of public inebriates as an alternative to arresting and jailing such persons, for the purpose of monitoring the withdrawal from excessive use of alcohol or use of a narcotic drug or other intoxicant or drug of whatever nature.
"Public inebriate" means any person who is intoxicated in a public place and would be subject to arrest for public intoxication under § 18.2-388 or a local ordinance established for the same offense.
Any city, county, or combination thereof, may develop, establish, operate, maintain, or contract with any qualified public or private agency for local or regional detoxification center programs, services, or facilities.
The chief judge of the general district court in the jurisdiction that will be served by the facility shall approve the facility for the diversion of public inebriates from arrest and jail pursuant to § 18.2-388.
Va. Code § 9.1-176