Assistant Chief of Police

Assistant Chief of Police

City of Alexandria Police Department

The City of Alexandria Police Department is seeking two highly experienced and strategic Assistant Chiefs of Police to provide executive leadership and oversee one of the Department’s operational bureaus. These senior sworn leaders will be responsible for managing bureau operations and administration, including personnel, budgets, employee relations, equipment, and resource allocation. This critical role works closely with the Chief of Police and City leadership to ensure departmental initiatives align with community safety priorities and the Department’s strategic vision.

Overview

The Assistant Chief of Police performs advanced executive leadership and management duties within the Police Department. The Assistant Chief will direct a Bureau and ensure compliance with departmental policies, priorities, and programs. Working under the general supervision of the Chief of Police, the incumbent may also be called upon to provide overall direction for the Department in the Chief’s absence. The role requires strategic vision, operational expertise, and the ability to foster strong internal and external partnerships.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate has significant law enforcement leadership experience, including overseeing complex operations, personnel, and budgets. Candidates must demonstrate strong strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and a record of implementing innovative organizational improvements. Experience leading change, collaborating with executive and cross-functional teams, and engaging effectively with the community is essential. Exceptional communication skills, a commitment to ethical policing, and the ability to represent the Department at internal and external events are also vital.

The Opportunity

• Direct the operations of a Police Bureau such as patrol, parking enforcement, community relations, crossing guards, or criminal investigations, ensuring alignment with programmatic, personnel, and fiscal priorities.
• Provide executive level guidance on complex operational, administrative, and policy matters.
• Partner with the Chief of Police and City leadership on strategic problem-solving and organizational innovation.
• Lead bureau wide change initiatives and manage internal and external projects to ensure program effectiveness.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with City departments and community stakeholders.
• Represent the Department at community meetings, professional conferences, boards, and advisory groups.
• Provide leadership during critical incidents, emergencies, and large-scale events, coordinating multi-agency resources and communication.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, departmental policies, and law enforcement best practices.
• Represent the Department internally and publicly with professionalism and transparency.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Executive leadership and strategic management experience in a modern law enforcement agency
• Strong change-management skills and the ability to implement innovative solutions
• Knowledge of policing principles, community-oriented strategies, and emergency response protocols
• Excellent analytical, decision-making, and critical-thinking capabilities in high-pressure environments
• Ability to collaborate effectively with executives, cross-departmental teams, and external stakeholders
• Clear, concise, and respectful communication skills—both written and verbal
• Experience managing complex operations, programs, personnel, and budgets
• Knowledge of local ordinances, Commonwealth statutes, federal laws, and Equal Opportunity requirements

About the Department

The Alexandria Police Department maintains a modern, technically skilled, and well-equipped police department, with staff that provides courteous, efficient, and timely service to residents, visitors, and businesses. The Department’s current authorized strength is 323 sworn and 113.63 professional employees. The approved FY24 budget for the APD is ~$73.5 million, with the proposed FY25 budget increasing by 0.3%.

The Department provides robust services to include investigations of crimes, deployment of specially trained units such as canine, motors, parking enforcement, and school crossing guards, and response to emergencies, alarms, reports of crimes, and all calls for service. The APD plans on expanding its community-oriented services, crime analysis, and utilization of emergency technology, which have contributed to relatively low crime rates. APD has been internationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) since 1986 and has continually been reaccredited, receiving its eleventh accreditation in July 2024.

In November 2023, the Alexandria City Council members voted unanimously to implement a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Alexandria and the Southern States Police Benevolent Association (SSPBA). This agreement is in effect from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026, and includes the formation of a union committee, market-based wage increases, and merit raises tied to performance, specialty pay for positions that require special training or experience, and the creation of a labor-management partnership for training access.

City Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (75–80% employer-paid)
• Paid administrative leave, sick leave, and bereavement leave
• Tuition reimbursement up to $3,200 per fiscal year
• Long-Term Disability (LTD), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Transit benefits, parking incentives, and on-site gym access
• Wellness programs and incentive opportunities

Minimum & Additional Requirements

• Education: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree required; a master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: Fifteen (15) years of professional law enforcement experience, including at least two (2) years as a Captain, Major, or higher rank in a mid-size to major city police department.
• Certifications: Must obtain executive-level certification from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services within one year of appointment.
• Equivalent combinations of education, experience, and certifications may be considered.

Notes

• Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package. Additional information on the City of Alexandria’s full range of employee benefits can be found here.
• This position operates in a 24/7 environment and requires availability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and during emergencies.
• Pre-employment screening includes medical and psychological assessments, drug/alcohol testing, and a comprehensive background check including FBI fingerprinting.

The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.