New Fairfax City Chief Of Police Lauded As Man Of Character

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Raul Pedroso, Fairfax City's new chief of police, was sworn in Monday during a ceremony at the Stacey C. Sherwood Community Center, which is located just across the parking lot from police headquarters.

"When I read about the City of Fairfax, there was an immediate excitement in me," Pedroso said, on Monday. "It's a department that is clear about its pride, about its rich traditions, the professionalism that the officers show every day."

When Pedroso first moved to Northern Virginia, he lived in Fairfax City and watched the city's police officers at the Independence Day Parade and as they responded to calls for service. He told the audience at Monday's ceremony he was always impressed about how sharp and professional they appeared in every way.

"I'm very excited about what we're going to do together," he said. "I'm very enthusiastic, and I look forward to everything that we'll share and build onto everything that you've done up to this point, which is very impressive."

Pedroso assumed his new role on Monday, taking the reins from Capt. Natalie Hinesley, who was serving as an interim chief following the retirement of former Chief Erin Schaible earlier this year.

Fairfax City conducted a lengthy interview and evaluation process in choosing its new chief, according to City Manager Bryan Foster.

"When we were doing our due diligence, and when I was asked others about Raul, I most often heard comments about his high integrity and character, his ability to connect with people, his passion for law enforcement, his ability to collaborate in his high energy," he said. "I'm very excited that Chief Pedroso is joining our team, and I look forward to his leadership in the department and in our community."

Before City Clerk Melissa Shinaberry administered the oath of office to Pedroso, Mayor Catherine Read spoke about how much the city values and loves its police force.

"It is positive things that we as the council hear from our community about the services our law enforcement team provides, day in and day out," she said. "Our police force is valued in this community. We turn over to you a wonderful senior leadership team and wonderful officers and wonderful support staff to support your vision for what we can do in our community to continue to make our citizens feel seen safe and welcome."

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With 32 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, Pedroso began his career in Coral Gables, Florida, where he went from a patrol officer to leading all major areas of policing. This included 19 years at the executive and senior leadership levels. He most recently served as an assistant chief with the City of Alexandria Police Department.

Pedroso holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Florida International University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.