Alexandria Police Chief Michael Brown To Retire

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Alexandria Police Department announced Friday that Police Chief Michael Brown will retire on June 25.

"This has been a difficult decision for me because I am so proud of the many commendable efforts within the Alexandria Police Department at this time," said Brown in a statement. "I am making this decision based upon several changing family priorities. It is very important for me to give these priorities the attention they are due."

Brown joined the Alexandria Police Department in 2017 and has 45 years of experience in law enforcement, safety oversight, and public policy. He started his career as a Los Angeles police officer in 1977 and served in roles in the California Highway Patrol, including as commissioner. Brown served as deputy secretary for public safety for California from 2008 to 2009 and became director of the Office of Impaired Driving and Occupant Protection at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2010.

Under Brown's leadership, the Alexandria Police Department embraced a 21st Century Policing Plan and has worked on building relationships with neighborhood groups and residents. According to a city statement, Brown is also credited with helping to implement the city's Vision Zero Action Plan and creating a Peer Support and Resiliency Program to address employee well-being.

Like other law enforcement around the U.S., Alexandria Police have faced scrutiny in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement after the death of George Floyd in police custody. In response, the police department released an information page on accountability and use of force. In 2020, a police officer was dismissed for what a police department statement called an "unjustified use of force while on duty." An internal survey among officers found a significant portion were not happy with police department leadership and did not agree with the officer's firing, as reported by ALX Now.

Brown is the second public safety leader to announce retirement in 2021. Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne will retire at the end of 2021, and Capt. Sean Casey is running in the election to replace Lawhorne. The sheriff position is decided by an election, while the police chief is appointed by the city government.

The City of Alexandria will search for a new police chief using an executive search firm. The process will include input from community stakeholders. An acting police chief will soon be announced by City Manager Mark Jinks. More details about the search process will be announced when available.

"I want to thank Chief Brown for his many initiatives in addressing 21st-century policing opportunities in the Alexandria Police Department," said Jinks in a statement. "Continuous improvement is a value of our City government and Chief Brown embraced that value wholeheartedly, to the benefit of Alexandria residents and businesses. He provided solid leadership through challenging times for policing and worked to build trust in the community."