RADFORD – The City of Radford has announced that Jeffrey Dodson, Jr., will serve as its next police chief.
Dodson comes to Radford after serving the Culpeper Police Department for 16 years in an upwardly progressive track, moving from patrol officer to police lieutenant.
Dodson has a Masters in Criminal Justice Management, a Bachelor of Science in Management and Leadership and an Associate’s Degree in Police Science. He is law enforcement certified and is a Crime Prevention Specialist.
Radford City Manager David Ridpath said Dodson has a strong background that will serve him well in his new role.
“I am pleased Jeff has accepted the role as Radford Police Chief,” said Ridpath. “His strong background of progressive leadership training, academic education, police management and supervisory assignments will be an asset to our Police Department. Jeff has a keen eye on community policing and connections to the public, qualities that are important to our community. I appreciate (interim chief) Angie Frye’s dedication, experience, and service during this search and transition phase.”
Dodson was selected after a three-month process that included assistance from the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police. The process involved several rounds of interviews including appearance before a chief peer review panel and a citizens’ committee.
“I am honored and excited to serve as the Radford City Police Chief,” Dodson said. “I look forward to continuing the great work done by my predecessor Chief Goodman, who retired in January 2019.”
“I am ready to meet the Radford community and look to gain their support,” the new chief said. “I believe my experience in community policing and crime prevention will foster positive working relationships throughout Radford and result in a continued tradition of excellence in public safety.”
Dodson also has experience as a communications officer for Orange County and as an assessor for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement (CALEA). Dodson currently serves as a Board Member on the Virginia Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) and is on the Culpeper Human Services Board.
Radford Mayor David Horton said Dodson should be a good fit for Radford.
“We are really excited to welcome Jeffrey Dodson to Radford,” the mayor said. “His experience and community policing outlook are a perfect fit for the needs of our city. We look forward to his leadership with our outstanding Police Department.”
“I would like to thank Angie Frye for her service as Interim Chief over the course of 2019,” Horton said. “In this role and as deputy chief, she has helped Radford stay a safe place in which to live and work.”
Dodson will begin his duties on Jan. 8, 2020.
