ALEXANDRIA, VA-Tarrick McGuire is the new chief of police in Alexandria. An Alexandria eNews bulletin announced the news this morning (Oct. 9). He assumes the role on Nov. 25, succeeding former chief Don Hayes, who stepped down earlier this year.
“It is vital that our public safety leadership possesses the expertise and vision to implement effective interventions that safeguard our residents,” City Manager James Parajon said. “Chief McGuire is a proven leader who will continue to lead our police in effectively serving our community.”
McGuire’s career spans more than two decades and includes 11 years of command-level experience. He has been recognized nationally for his efforts to improve community relations and engagement to reduce crime.
McGuire comes to this city from Arlington, TX, where he served as the assistant chief of that department for six years. During his tenure, he led the creation of Mentoring Arlington Youth – a program that reduced crime rates and was highlighted by Department of Justice’s COPS Office as a model for 21st Century Policing. McGuire also implemented strategies to decrease crime through collaboration with the community, and state and federal law enforcement offices. These efforts resulted in an annual decrease in violent crime.
McGuire has familiarity with the DMV as a result of his appointment in 2020 to the Council on Police Reform and Race by the National Police Foundation (now the National Policing Institute) in Washington, D.C. Four years prior, he was chosen as an ACP Law Enforcement Fellow for the National 21st Century Policing Reform initiative. As a Fellow here in Alexandria, he collaborated with departments across the country.
“I am honored and grateful to accept the position of Police Chief of the Alexandria Police Department. I believe in a community-oriented approach to policing, building public trust through transparency, and emphasizing communication and collaboration,” McGuire said. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated officers, community leaders, and residents to create a safer Alexandria for everyone. I am excited to begin this journey together.”
SEE ALSO: Nominations Open for Washington Post Teacher, Principal of the Year
