FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - After working together with law enforcement leaders from across the world over the last three months, Lieutenant Tara May, of the Alexandria Police Department(APD) graduated on September 15, 2023, from the Cohort 2023-02 of the DC Police Leadership Academy (DCPLA) hosted by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

The DCPLA program is a three-week program, broken into two sessions, comprised of approximately 72 participants from across the US as well as international representatives. Participants engaged in shaping the future of policing by developing their leadership abilities through facilitated discourse and interactive activities.

Lt. May is a highly experienced law enforcement officer with over 23 years of service in the Alexandria Police Department. Throughout her distinguished career, she has demonstrated exceptional performance in various units, including Patrol, and Community Engagement, the Commander of the Special Investigation Section and she is the Commander of APD’s Hostage Negotiation Team. 

Additionally, she is a distinguished graduate of the FBI National Academy, where she further honed her leadership skills. Currently, Lt. May serves as a commander of the Information Services Section where she is responsible for ensuring operational efficiency and effective management for a crucial police department unit.

“This training was great, it brought to the forefront modern time leadership issues and solutions to address those issues to help move our profession forward,” said APD Lt. May. 

“By coming together to share ideas and best strategies, we give leaders the tools for success,” said Acting Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department Pamela A. Smith. “Excellence is transferrable, both within our ranks and throughout the global law enforcement community.” 

“We're appreciative of MPD for inviting Lt. May to the program and love that our officers get to work on their personal development and bring those skills back to the department, which is really a benefit to the community,” said APD Chief Don Hayes.

   ###

For media inquiries, contact Marcel Bassett, Public Information Officer, at Marcel.Bassett@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.6600. 

This news release is available at: Alexandriava.gov/go/5010