Chesterfield Police 2003 Annual Report

Office of the Chief of Police

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 prepare the operational departmental performance planning and annual budget, administer, direct and coordinate the department's activities according to state and local laws and department and county administrative policies.

The Watch Commanders are two captains that report directly to the Office of the Chief of Police. These staff officers provide command level representation during evening and early morning hours and are responsible for overseeing all department functions during their tour of duty.

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. It 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. The office is responsible for the internal-affairs, or self-policing function. It provides citizens with a fair and effective avenue for redress of legitimate grievances against officers or the department. The office also maintains the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission accreditation.