Chief of Police - Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)

Washington, DC

Washington, D.C., is more than the nation's capital. It is rich in local history, culture, and community—one of the nation's most distinctive cities. Home to approximately 700,000 residents across eight wards, D.C. is known for its vibrant neighborhoods, historic institutions, and strong sense of civic pride. As the seat of the federal government, Washington also welcomes millions of visitors annually to historic events, demonstrations, celebrations, and international gatherings.

The District sits at the heart of the diverse and interconnected region of approximately 6.5 million people commonly known as the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia). Its economy extends well beyond the federal government, with higher education, health care, nonprofits, technology, and media contributing to the region's vitality. Extensive transportation networks, daily commuters, and close relationships with neighboring jurisdictions create a dynamic environment with distinct public safety responsibilities.

THE OPPORTUNITY The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) protects and serves District residents and visitors. Its responsibilities span seven police districts and include coordination with regional and federal law enforcement partners. The department’s FY 2026 approved operating budget was approximately $599.1 million, with 4,920 budgeted full time–equivalent positions across sworn and professional functions.

Minimum Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, public administration, public policy, business administration, or related field OR education/experience equivalency
- Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including significant senior command or executive leadership experience in a complex police organization




- Demonstrated success modeling healthy organizational culture; developing effective leadership teams; and building a department grounded in integrity, professionalism, transparency, accountability, and service to the community
- Proven record of reducing crime, strengthening investigative effectiveness, and implementing evidence-informed policing strategies that integrate enforcement with community-based violence prevention and intervention efforts
- Demonstrated commitment to community-based policing, with experience building and sustaining relationships with residents, neighborhood organizations, faith-based institutions, businesses, and youth while ensuring community perspectives inform policing priorities and practices
- Comprehensive knowledge of constitutional policing, civil rights, de-escalation, and use-of-force standards
- Demonstrated experience ensuring accurate crime reporting, addressing misconduct, implementing corrective action, and working effectively with independent oversight authorities
- Demonstrated success improving recruitment, retention, and workforce development to address staffing and deployment challenges, manage overtime, support employee wellness, and expand professional growth and leadership opportunities
- Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with demonstrated accessibility; transparency; and the ability to build trust with residents, elected officials, community stakeholders, sworn and professional personnel, and the media
- Ability to satisfy all applicable District of Columbia requirements for appointment and service as Chief of Police

Preferred Qualifications

- Master's degree in criminal justice, public administration, public policy, organizational leadership,



business administration, or related field or education/experience equivalency
- Demonstrated knowledge of the District of Columbia's diverse neighborhoods, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, governmental structure, and unique public safety environment (including the intersection of local and federal responsibilities) or ability and commitment to develop that knowledge quickly
- Completion of advanced police executive leadership training, such as the FBI National Academy, PERF's Senior Management Institute for Police, Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, or a comparable executive leadership program

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS. The starting salary is $270,000 annually, with compensation negotiable based on qualifications and experience. The District of Columbia’s goal is to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce by providing generous health care and other benefits to eligible employees. APPLICATION PROCESS The District of Columbia has retained the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) to conduct this national search. Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive résumé and cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position, along with five professional references, to [email protected] protected email by Sunday, November 29, 2026.

For more details about this position, please see the following link: https://perf.memberclicks.net/assets/MPDChiefofPolicePosition.pdf.

Questions About The Process May Be Directed To

Antoinette Tull: [email protected] protected email (804)640-0323

Rebecca Neuburger: [email protected] protected email (202)997-6287

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN EMPLOYMENT. The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration in accordance with DC OHR protected traits.

The detailed list of these traits can be found here: https://ohr.dc.gov/page/protected-traits.

📌 Chief of Police - The Metropolitan Police Depar... (Bucaramanga)
🏢 National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)
📍 Bucaramanga