Alexandria Assistant Police Chief Raul Pedroso has been hired as Chief of Police for the City of Fairfax. He takes on the role effective Aug. 11.
Alexandria Assistant Police Chief Raul Pedroso has been hired as the new Chief of Police for the City of Fairfax. He takes on his new role effective Aug. 11.
Pedroso came to Alexandria in 2023 as assistant Chief of Police and took on the role of interim Chief of Police in 2024. His law enforcement career spans 32 years, including 19 years at the executive and senior command level.
“Being selected to lead the City of Fairfax Police Department is a great honor,” Pedroso said in a statement. “I am excited to get to know agency staff and to meet the city’s residents and business owners. I look forward to continuing the department’s tradition of excellent community service."
The City of Fairfax conducted a national search for its next police chief, a key position that has been held in an acting capacity by Captain Natalie Hinesley since the former police chief retired in January.
“The pool of applicants was very deep, and we conducted a very robust review and selection process,” said Fairfax City Manager Bryan Foster. “Raul rose to the top and was selected for his leadership qualities, his infectious energy, and his commitment to fairness and transparency."
Pedroso began his career in law enforcement in Coral Gables, Fla., where he worked his way up from patrol officer, serving and leading all major areas of policing including uniform patrol, criminal investigations, and professional standards. As Alexandria’s interim police chief in 2024, Pedroso led the department through a transformational period and strengthened relations among city leadership, police department personnel, and the community. Under his leadership, the department focused on crime reduction, improved investigations, and cultivating a culture of collaboration and accountability.
Pedroso holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida, a master’s degree in criminal justice from Florida International University, and he is an FBI National Academy graduate.