The Richmond Police Department (RPD) is the primary law enforcement agency for the 230,436 people[1] within the 62.5 square miles (162 km2) jurisdiction[2] of Richmond, Virginia. The department employs about 750 sworn officers and about 170 civilians.[3]
Since the establishment of the Richmond Police Department in 1807, 39 officers have died while on duty.[6]
The approved general fund expenditure for the Richmond Police Department in fiscal year 2020 was $96,104,518.[7]
Chief's Office
On June 15, 2020, Mayor Levar Stoney requested and received the resignation of former Chief William C. Smith, following two weeks of protests in response to the murder of George Floyd.[8] That same day, Stoney appointed Major William Blackwell as Interim Chief of the Richmond Police Department.[9] After serving in the role for 11 days, Blackwell announced that he was stepping down on June 26, 2020. Mayor Stoney announced that day that he had hand-picked a new permanent chief, Gerald M. Smith, who would take over the role on July 1, 2020.[10]
The city of Richmond is divided into two areas consisting of four precincts and twelve sectors. As of June 2020[update], Patrol Services is under the command of Deputy Chief John O'Kleasky.[12]
Area 1 Commander: Major Darrell Goins
First Precinct Commander: Captain Richard Edwards (Sector 111, Sector 112, Sector 113)
Second Precinct Commander: Captain Jason Hudson (Sector 211, Sector 212, Sector 213)
Area 2 Commander: Major Sybil El-Amin
Third Precinct Commander: Captain Martin Harrison (Sector 311, Sector 312, Sector 313)
Richmond Police - Known for its kindness and professionalism. Community Policing at its finest.
Major Crimes includes the Forensics, Homicide, Violent Crimes, and Youth and Family Crimes Units.
Special Investigations Division includes the Gang, Narcotics, Asset Forfeiture, Vice, and Computer-Aided Crimes units.
Special Events Division includes the functional areas of traffic accident investigation and enforcement, commercial motor vehicle inspection, fatality crash investigations, homeland security, aerial patrol and transport, hostage negotiations and SWAT operations, crowd management, Neighborhood Assistance Officers, Mounted Patrol, permits (parking, street closures, parade events), and narcotic and patrol K-9 operations.[13]
Business Services
As of June 2020[update], Deputy Chief Mr. William Friday directs Business Services, which consists of the following areas:
Finance Services is responsible for the budget; grants management; payroll and accounting; purchasing and procurement; and property and evidence.
Human Resources is responsible for recruitment, personnel management, and disciplinary review. The division is composed of seven units: Background Investigations, Civilian Training, Disciplinary Review, Employee Relations, Polygraph Examinations, Risk Management, and Recruitment and Staffing.
The Planning Division is responsible for the developing and updating policies and forms; coordinating accreditation compliance; and managing RPD strategic planning, including performance measurement and preparing annual reports. The division also includes the Crime Analysis Unit.
The Records and Technology Division manages all technical hardware and software services and systems. The division also includes the department's Information Services, Warrant Services, Body Cameras, and the Records Management System team.
The Training Division is responsible for training of all department employees and oversees operations of the Training Academy.[14][15]
Community, Youth, and Intervention Services
As of June 2020[update], Captain Faith Flippo directs Community, Youth, and Intervention Services, which consists of the following areas:
