7 Critical Updates From The Albemarle County Police Department That Impact Your Community Now

The Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) is currently undergoing a period of significant strategic modernization and leadership transition, making it a critical time for residents to understand the department's operations and new initiatives. As of late 2025, the department has achieved a major milestone in professional recognition and has doubled down on its community-focused strategies, ensuring that law enforcement efforts are more localized and responsive than ever before. This article, updated for December 2025, provides a deep dive into the most vital changes and programs shaping public safety across Albemarle County, Virginia.

The commitment to excellence is clear: the ACPD is focusing on officer retention, community engagement, and data-driven policing models like Geo-Policing to address the unique challenges of a large, diverse county. From new leadership under Colonel Sean Reeves to a groundbreaking financial program to help officers afford housing, these are the current, up-to-the-minute details that define the state of policing in Albemarle County today.

ACPD Leadership, Professional Recognition, and Core Structure

The Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) has solidified its leadership and professional standing with several key developments in 2025. These changes underscore a commitment to transparency, strategic operations, and high standards of service to the community.

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Colonel Sean Reeves: The Sixth Chief of Police

The department is currently led by Colonel Sean Reeves, who was promoted and sworn in as the sixth Chief of the Albemarle County Police Department. His tenure marks a continued focus on professional development and community-oriented approaches.

Achieving State Accreditation in 2025

One of the most significant professional achievements in late 2025 was the ACPD's attainment of State Accreditation. The department was officially accredited by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) on December 4, 2025. This first-time award validates the ACPD's adherence to a comprehensive set of professional standards, covering everything from policy and administration to operations and support services. The accreditation manager overseeing this rigorous process is Sgt. Jason Freishtat.

The Geo-Policing Model: A Localized Approach

The foundation of the ACPD's operational strategy is its Geo-Policing model, first implemented in 2012. This community-based policing model divides the county into two distinct patrol districts, ensuring that officers are consistently assigned to specific areas, fostering stronger relationships with residents and businesses. The two patrol districts are:

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• The Jefferson District: Covering the eastern and northern portions of the county.
• The Blue Ridge District: Encompassing the western and southern parts of Albemarle County.

This strategy is supported by the Virginia Community Policing Act Data, which the department tracks to ensure accountability and effectiveness in its localized efforts.

Groundbreaking Initiatives for Officer Retention and Community Trust

To maintain a high level of service, the ACPD and its affiliated foundation have launched innovative programs aimed at recruiting and retaining the best law enforcement talent, particularly in a region with a high cost of living. These initiatives are crucial for long-term public safety.

The $20,000 Officer Residency Program

Recognizing the challenge of recruiting officers who can afford to live in the county they serve, the Albemarle County Police Foundation (ACPF) created a dedicated housing program. This program is a substantial incentive, offering eligible officers up to $20,000 in down payment or closing cost assistance to enable them to reside within Albemarle County. The goal is to ensure officers are truly invested in the community, leading to better community-police relations and faster response times.

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Focus on Community Engagement and Transparency

Community engagement remains a core pillar. The ACPD offers the Citizens Police Academy, allowing residents to get an inside look at what it's like to be an officer and understand the department’s rigorous vetting and training processes. Furthermore, the ACPD leverages technology and transparency, including the use of body-worn cameras and actively sharing information about recent investigations, such as the December 2025 sexual assault investigation and ongoing fraud schemes in local parking lots.

Key Crime Statistics and Operational Highlights from the 2024 Annual Report

The release of the Albemarle County Police Department 2024 Annual Report provides a clear, data-driven picture of the department's operational tempo and success in reducing certain types of crime. The report, which was released in early 2025, is a vital tool for assessing the efficacy of the department's strategic goals and initiatives.

Overall Calls for Service and Officer Activity

The department saw a slight decrease in overall activity, with a total of 75,403 calls for service in 2024, down from 77,793 in 2023. This reduction in calls for service is coupled with a high level of proactive policing: approximately twenty-seven percent of all calls handled by the ACPD were self-initiated by officers, demonstrating a commitment to proactive patrol and intervention rather than just reactive response.

Encouraging Crime Reduction Trends

The 2024 Annual Report delivered encouraging news regarding major crime categories. The report indicated that both major crimes and fatal traffic crashes were down. Specifically, the county saw a reduction in fatal crashes and a decrease in speeding violations within school zones, which highlights the effectiveness of targeted traffic enforcement and safety campaigns. While one report noted an 18.6% increase in violent crime, the overall trend emphasized a reduction in major incidents.

Key crime figures reported in 2024 included:

• Homicides: 2
• Robberies: 10
• Rapes: 3
• Arson Incidents: 1
• Total Arrests: 1,196

These figures are essential for the ongoing development of the department’s strategic plan, which is supported by specific objectives and initiatives designed to address crime trends and community needs.

Future Focus and Community Resources

The ACPD continues to look forward, focusing on technology, community partnerships, and preparing for future challenges. The recent winter weather, for example, caused delays in installing a new siren system for the Sugar Hollow Dam High Water Alert System, demonstrating the department's involvement in broader public safety infrastructure.

The ongoing success of the Albemarle County Police Department relies heavily on community involvement. Residents are encouraged to utilize resources like the ACPD's commendation/complaint process, review the Virginia Community Policing Act Data, and stay informed through the Community Digest newsletter. By maintaining a transparent, accredited, and community-focused approach, the ACPD, under Colonel Reeves' leadership, is strategically positioned to ensure the safety and security of Albemarle County for years to come.