Don Hayes Named Permanent Alexandria Police Chief

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Acting Police Chief Don Hayes has been appointed as Alexandria's permanent police chief, effective Monday.

The appointment was made by City Manager James Parajon. Hayes has been the acting police chief since June 2021 after former Police Chief Michael Brown retired.

Hayes has been with the Alexandria Police Department since 1981, becoming a sergeant in 1996 and overseeing the community-oriented policing and internal investigations sections. In 1999, Hayes earned the promotion of lieutenant and led the special operations, information services, and public services divisions. He was promoted to captain in 2013, served as patrol commander and oversaw the parking enforcement, traffic, special events, and community relations divisions. In 2019, he became assistant chief, overseeing all parts of the police department.

“Chief Hayes’ 40 years as a leader and public servant with the Alexandria Police Department, as well as his deep commitment to our community, makes him the right choice to serve Alexandria as Chief of Police,” said Parajon in a statement. "His experience and connections throughout our city will be invaluable in our work to protect and serve all, and enhance the relationship between our police department and the community."

Parajon said the "trust and confidence" Hayes has within the department is crucial as the police department seeks to recruit and retain police officers. Pay competitiveness has been a concern raised by public safety employees' unions in Alexandria. The proposed city budget for fiscal year 2023 has proposed staff pay raises.

Hayes has lived in Alexandria for nearly 30 years and is active with various community organizations focused on youth empowerment, diversion and offender’s aid programs. The police chief has a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Johns Hopkins University, a master’s degree in divinity from Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bowie State University. He graduated from the FBI National Academy, has numerous certifications, and is active in the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives; the International Association of Chiefs of Police; and the FBI National Academy Associates.