City Manager James F. Parajon has announced the appointment of Tarrick McGuire as the new Chief of Police for the Alexandria Police Department. With over two decades of experience, McGuire is nationally recognized for his commitment to enhancing community relations and meaningful engagement as a cornerstone of crime reduction. He was selected following a comprehensive nationwide search that also included significant input from the community and department. 

“It is vital that our public safety leadership possesses the expertise and vision to implement effective interventions that safeguard our residents,” Parajon said. “Chief McGuire is a proven leader who will continue to lead our police in effectively serving our community.” 

McGuire transitions from his role as Assistant Chief of the Arlington, Texas Police Department. Previously, he served as Deputy Chief since 2018 and has 11 years of command-level experience. During his tenure, he spearheaded the creation of Mentoring Arlington Youth, a multidisciplinary program that significantly reduced crime rates and garnered national recognition from the Department of Justice's COPS Office as a model for 21st Century Policing. 

He has also implemented crime reduction strategies in partnership with community members, state, and federal law enforcement, contributing to annual declines in violent crime. Additionally, he directed the Safe Roads Initiative, aligning the police department with public works and state agencies to develop strategies aimed at reducing crashes and fatalities on local roads. 

Chief McGuire has held various positions within the Arlington, Texas Police Department, a department of 900 employees, accumulating specialized experience in patrol, investigations, and community relations. In 2016, he was appointed as an IACP Law Enforcement Fellow for the National 21st Century Policing Reform initiative. In 2020, he was appointed to the Council on Police Reform and Race by the National Police Foundation (now the National Policing Institute) in Washington, D.C., and previously served as chairperson of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Committee. 

In 2022, he was inducted into the Evidence-Based Policing Hall of Fame. As a Fellow here in Alexandria, he collaborated with police departments nationwide, the Department of Justice, and the Obama Administration to implement the recommendations of the 21st Century Task Force on Policing. 

“I am honored and grateful to accept the position of Police Chief of the Alexandria Police Department,” McGuire said. “I believe in a community-oriented approach to policing, building public trust through transparency, and emphasizing communication and collaboration. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated officers, community leaders, and residents to create a safer Alexandria for everyone. I am excited to begin this journey together.”

Chief McGuire holds a Doctorate in Public Administration from California Baptist University, an M.A. from Criswell College, and a B.A. from Oklahoma State University, where he played football for the Cowboys. 

He will officially assume the role of Chief of the Alexandria Police Department effective November 25. He succeeds former Chief Don Hayes, who stepped down in early 2024.