The Position

The City of Lynchburg is seeking an exceptional, experienced leader to become its next Police Chief, guiding a department that is already recognized as a gold standard in Central Virginia policing. This is an executive opportunity for an individual prepared to sustain and advance existing achievements, as the Lynchburg Police Department (LPD) is a high-performing department. The Chief reports directly to the City Manager and serves a community characterized by its service orientation, historical depth, traditional values, and modern growth. Lynchburg is seeking a leader who can sustain and advance existing achievements and an individual prepared to guide a department that is already committed to operational excellence and strong community partnerships. This role is instrumental in guiding the department's future, ensuring its strategies meet the evolving law enforcement needs of the community while fostering a relationship of trust and transparency.

The core mission of the Police Chief is to provide the visionary and strategic direction necessary to maintain the department's effectiveness and ethical foundation. This involves inspiring a diverse team of sworn and professional personnel, actively cultivating a culture defined by high professionalism and unwavering accountability. While the Chief ensures all policies and procedures are rigorously upheld, the internal focus is primarily on elevating personnel through mentorship, actively championing professional development, fostering positive employee relationships, and delegating management responsibilities to a competent team.

The department values collaboration and responsiveness, maintaining excellent relationships across all City departments, and actively engaging community leaders and residents through initiatives like bike events, school programs, and neighborhood walks. Officers are trained to interact with the public with dignity and respect, building trust and empathy even in sensitive situations. Equally critical is the Chief’s role as the department’s primary public face and relationship builder. This leader must bring strategic awareness and relationship-building expertise to engage City leadership and regional law enforcement partners, continuing the strong interagency communication that exists across the City, counties, and surrounding regional entities. This level of engagement extends outward to establish vital working relationships with other law enforcement agencies at the regional, state, and national levels. Administratively, the position requires demonstrating excellence in human resource management—from interviewing and hiring to performance evaluation—and rigorously maintaining compliance standards, especially ensuring transparency and fidelity to bias-free policing principles through data collection and training.

Ultimately, the successful Chief will strategically guide the department to meet evolving community needs while successfully upholding and advancing its legacy of trust and transparency.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience Required: A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, business, public administration, or a related field is required, along with extensive policing experience, including five years at the commander/management level.

Preferred Qualifications and Training: A master's degree is preferred. Also desired is continuing professional education in a law enforcement program such as the FBI Academy or the Southern Police Institute.

Other Requirements: The successful candidate must reside in the City of Lynchburg. Relocation assistance will be provided. They must satisfactorily complete all required background checks.

Compensation and Benefits

The City of Lynchburg offers a competitive salary package for the Police Chief position, which will be dependent on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. The hiring range begins at $175,000 depending on qualifications, with an excellent benefits package. In addition to a competitive salary, the City offers a robust benefits package to full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS); paid time off and holidays; and additional programs such as life insurance, deferred compensation, flexible spending accounts, parental leave, and tuition assistance—underscoring the City’s commitment to employee well-being. Review the benefits brochure here and cost of living, housing, and relocation support information here.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.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 December 19, 2025. The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

City of Lynchburg

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