Chesterfield Police 2001 Annual Report

Office of the Chief of Police

The Chesterfield County Police Department is organized into functional command areas. This provides divisions that are manageable in terms of size while structuring teams that are staffed with suitable levels of expertise. With the reintroduction of community policing in our neighborhoods and schools, this structure staffs our bureaus, divisions and sections with experienced personnel attuned to the unique demands of their area of responsibility. See the Chesterfield County Police Department organizational chart.

The Office of the Chief of Police consists of the Chief of Police, Deputy Chief of Police, Watch Commander Program, and the Office of Professional Standards. The Chief and Deputy Chief are responsible for the overall planning, development and direction of a complete program of police administration.

As an office, they will prepare the operational Departmental Performance Planning and annual budget, administer, direct and coordinate the department's activities according to State and local law and Department/County administrative policies. Colonel

Carl R. Baker has occupied the position of chief of police since his arrival in 1996. Baker earned a bachelor of science degree from Siena College, NY and obtained a master’s degree in public administration from the State University of New York.

Lieutenant Colonel Dennis G. McDonald, a 25-year veteran of the department, serves as deputy chief of police. McDonald earned a bachelor’s degree from the University
of Richmond, VA and obtained a master’s of science degree in administration of
justice from Virginia Commonwealth University.

The Colonel's Command Staff

From Left to Right: 1st Row - Capt. Ben Mize, Capt. Alice Berry, Capt. Thierry Dupuis, Commander Lou Moore
2nd Row - Division Manager Barbara Mayfield, Major Jim Bourque, Lt. Colonel Dennis McDonald, Colonel Carl Baker, Capt. Mike Spraker, Major Dave Hope, Capt. J.T. Nowlin
3rd Row - Capt. Steve Neal, Capt. John Austin, Major Warner Williams, Major Steve Davis, Capt. Andy Scruggs, Capt. Karl Leonard

Watch Commanders

Two captains are assigned to the Watch Commander Program that reports directly to the Office of the Chief of Police. These staff officers provide command level representation during the evening and early morning hours and are responsible for overseeing all department functions during their tours of duty.

Office of Professional Standards

The Office of Professional Standards provides an independent internal inspection service for the chief of police and members of department management concerning the effective discharge of their responsibilities. The internal service involves inquiries, investigations and research in preparation for furnishing analyses, appraisals and recommendations to the chief of police and command personnel in areas of operational policy, procedure and practice. Also, the office is responsible for the internal-affairs, or self-policing, function. It provides citizens with a fair and effective avenue for redress of their legitimate grievances against officers or the department by receiving, tracking and investigating complaints made by citizens and employees regarding capricious acts, misconduct or abuse of authority committed by members of the police department. The office also administers the department's efforts toward maintaining with the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission accreditation.

Accomplishments

• For the fourth consecutive year we have maintained our VLEPSC accreditation. This achievement requires strict adherence to 214 professional law enforcement standards and has been attained by only 9 percent of all the law enforcement agencies in Virginia.

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