Alexandria Police Chief Don Hayes To Leave For Federal Role

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria's Police Chief Don Hayes will be stepping down from his role on Feb. 9 after two and a half years and decades with the police department.

Hayes, who became the acting police chief in June 2021 after former Police Chief Michael Brown retired and permanent police chief in spring 2022, will be taking a job at the federal level. That job has not been publicly announced yet.

"Chief Hayes has been a capable leader and committed public servant who genuinely cared about the department’s people and its relationship to our community," City Manager James Parajon said in a statement. "He built upon years of experience to lead APD through some challenging times including ever-increasing demand for services. We wish him well in his next endeavor."

Hayes has been with the police department since 1981, achieving the sergeant rank in 1996 and overseeing community-oriented policing and internal investigations. He received the captain rank in 2013 and served as patrol commander, as well as overseeing parking enforcement, traffic, special events, and community relations divisions. His last role before police chief was assistant chief in 2019.

"It’s been an honor to dedicate my life to this community," said Hayes. “I truly believe there is no greater calling than to serve on behalf of the people. Doing so alongside the men and women of this department for the past four decades has been my greatest accomplishment.”

Assistant Chief Raul Pedroso will serve as interim chief after Hayes leaves the police chief role.

No immediate information has been shared about a search process for a new police chief.