Chief of Police - Albemarle County, VA

The Position

Albemarle County is seeking a high energy, inspiring, collaborative, and strategic law enforcement executive to serve as its next Chief of Police. This is a rare opportunity to lead a progressive department in a vibrant, growing community that actively demonstrates its support for public safety. Operating in an environment where high performance and a holistic approach meet the complexity of an expanding urban corridor and a premier research university, the next Chief will step into a department backed by community support and local investment. The County has recently made significant investments in police personnel and additional officers to better position the department for retention and growth. to support forward-looking policing strategies, enhance consistent service response times across diverse geographies, and build an enduring standard of modern policing.

Reporting directly to the Deputy County Executive and working closely with the County Executive, the Chief of Police serves as the executive leader of the Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD). The Chief oversees the strategic, operational, and administrative functions of the agency, overseeing a comprehensive departmental budget, managing personnel development, and establishing policies that reflect contemporary policing best practices and the County’s core values of community, integrity, innovation, stewardship, and learning. Supported by a leadership team of three direct reports, a Deputy Chief over the Field Operations Bureau, a Deputy Chief over the Professional Standards & Investigations Bureau, and a Chief Administrative Officer heading the Administrative Bureau, the Chief orchestrates an integrated agency structure spanning Patrol, Special Operations, Criminal Investigations, Internal Affairs, Recruitment & Training, Crime Analysis, Police Services, and specialized co-responder teams like the Human Services Alternative Response Team (HART).

The new Chief takes the helm at an opportune moment to prioritize and implement key findings of a Police Staffing Study. Key responsibilities and measurable operational priorities woven into the role include evaluating deployment strategies to manage multiple incidents concurrently, aligning shift schedules to peak geographic and calls-for-service demand, and addressing response-time and service levels across both densely populated suburban corridors and expansive rural sectors. The Chief will champion strategic civilianization, leveraging dedicated professionals in crime analysis, records, and administrative roles to return sworn personnel to core proactive policing. In addition, the Chief will foster a healthy organizational culture through structured succession planning, officer development, competitive retention and recruitment strategies, enhanced supervisory oversight across all shifts, increased internal communication, and comprehensive officer health and wellness initiatives.

Collaboration extends well beyond the department. The Chief serves as a vital member of the County’s leadership team, working closely with the County Executive’s Office, County department heads, and regional public safety and community partners. Building and maintaining strong intergovernmental relationships is essential, particularly with the City of Charlottesville Police Department, the University of Virginia Police Department, the Albemarle County Sheriff’s Office, and regional 911 and emergency management entities. As the primary public face of the department, the Chief proactively engages with civic groups, business leaders, and diverse community organizations, fostering open dialogue, transparent communication, and mutual trust.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Police Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field, and 10 or more years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience. Candidates must possess at least five years of senior-level management, administrative, and supervisory experience in a law enforcement agency (e.g., at the rank of Captain, Commander, Major, Deputy Chief, or higher). Candidates must hold or be eligible to obtain certification as a law enforcement officer through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) within one year of appointment, and possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Executive Leadership, or a related discipline, alongside executive leadership development credentials from premier institutions such as the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP/PERF), the Southern Police Institute (SPI), or Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command. Other preferred experience includes service in a growing, diverse, mixed-density community (suburban/rural balance) and in a department that partners closely with university and municipal law enforcement agencies. Well-rounded supervisory experience in all areas of policing, including working with social service teams, is also preferred.

Residency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is required by County policy after appointment and while serving in the position.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring range is $190,000 – $ 205,000, depending on qualifications, with an excellent benefits package. Albemarle County offers a robust benefit package, including paid vacation and sick leave, an employee health clinic with 2 locations, multiple health insurance options (health, vision, and dental), and Virginia Retirement System (VRS) benefits. This is a full-time FLSA Exempt position. County-paid life insurance and deferred compensation are available.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning November 16th. Interviews will be held early to mid-January.