Alexandria City Manager Jim Parajon has hired Tarrick McGuire as Alexandria’s new police chief.
McGuire, the assistant chief of police in Arlington, Texas, has been with that department since 2003 — just three years before Parajon started working in that city government in 2006. There was no mention of their relationship or knowing each other in the release to the public.
McGuire, who starts work on Nov. 25, was chosen after national search began when former Alexandria Police Chief Don Hayes retired earlier this year.
“In feedback during the recruitment process, you told us APD needed a capable leader with integrity who can effect organizational change while connecting with employees,” Parajon wrote in an internal email to APD staff. “I am confident his steady hand will guide APD for years to come.”
Parajon also thanked interim Chief Raul Pedroso, who was in the running for the position.
“I would also like to thank Interim Chief Raul Pedroso, who has done a very commendable job leading APD during our transition,” Parajon wrote. “Chief Pedroso’s empathy, candor and responsiveness exemplify the qualities we seek in senior leadership. We are extremely grateful for his incredible work ethic, excellent communication, and deep committment to Alexandria.”
Ebony Fleming, the city’s director of communications, sent ALXnow the following note after the release.
The City of Alexandria conducted a national search utilizing the International Association of Chiefs of Police to recruit and facilitate the search process for the Chief of Police position. The process included input from community stakeholders, feedback from Police Department employees and a rigorous multi-stage interview process with key city staff and regional public safety leaders. This extensive process informed the decision to select Mr. McGuire who served as an officer in the City of Arlington, Texas Police Department for over two decades. This overlapped with Mr. Parajon’s time in Arlington. Mr. Parajon worked with Mr. McGuire in his capacity as part of the executive management.
McGuire said in a city release that he is “honored and grateful to accept the position.”
“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.”
McGuire has a doctorate in public administration from California Baptist University, a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Criswell College, and a degree from Oklahoma State University.
