Division of Capitol Police Names a New Assistant Chief

November 16, 2007 | Virginia News

Former Patrol Officer to Serve as Second in Command

RICHMOND, VA – The Division of Capitol Police is announcing the appointment of a new Assistant Chief of Police, Major Kenny J. Harper. A former Capitol Police Patrol Officer, Harper will help oversee the administration and operation of the Virginia Capitol Police; a police force comprised of more than 80 officers.

“With his extensive and diverse background in law enforcement he brings essential knowledge and skills to this post, making him the ideal choice for this leadership position,” said Colonel Kimberly S. Lettner.

A native of Richmond and resident of Louisa County, Major Kenny J. Harper joined the Division of the Virginia State Capitol Police in 2000. A former Sheriff of Louisa County, his more than 32 years of law enforcement experience includes being an undercover narcotics officer with a Virginia State Police multi-jurisdictional task force, extensive training in emergency management and homeland security issues, and experience in forensic investigation. With formal training from Northwestern University and Central Shenandoah Criminal Justice Academy, Harper also holds a vast array of specialized certifications in emergency management, anti-sniper and survival training, hostage negotiations, and forensic science.

Quickly moving through the ranks in the Louisa County Sheriff’s office, in 1983 at the age of 26 he became the youngest person to become an investigator. During his tenure in the Sheriff’s office he played a role in more than 200 narcotics cases resulting in felony indictments and convictions, formed the sheriff’s first Scuba Unit, and created training sessions for local law enforcement agencies. In 2000, Harper left the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office to join Virginia’s Division of Capitol Police as a patrol officer.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for me at this stage in my career,” said Major Kenny J. Harper, Assistant Chief of Police. “To be able to help guide an agency’s direction in providing for the safety and security of visitors to Capitol Square, state employees, and dignitaries is truly an honor for me.”

Virginia’s Division of Capitol Police is the nation’s oldest police department dating back to 1618 at Jamestown, Virginia. Providing police and security services in and around Capitol Square, the Division of Capitol Police is a full service law enforcement agency.