There’s a new leader at the top of the Alexandria Police Department (APD).
On Friday, Feb. 9, Assistant Chief Raul Pedroso was sworn into office.
Today APD’s Assistant Chief Raul Pedroso took the oath to serve our city as Interim Chief of Police. He is a proven leader who champions community engagement and operational excellence, values core to our department. Please join us in welcoming Chief Pedroso to his new role. pic.twitter.com/d4q6ofxTu4
— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) February 9, 2024
Pedroso replaces Police Chief Don Hayes, who stepped down to take a job as chief of the law enforcement unit at the Federal Reserve Board.
Hayes had been police chief since 2022 and was acting chief for one year after former chief Michael Brown left.
Pedroso joined the department last fall as assistant chief and commander of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, coming to the department from the Coral Gables Police Department in Florida.
“During his 30-year tenure there, he held various commands and strived to foster cohesive working relationships where everyone would collaborate and develop problem-solving initiatives,” a release said. “He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy with a master’s degree in criminal justice.”
Pedroso will serve as interim police chief until a replacement is hired in a national search.