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Culpeper Police Chief Chris Jenkins Announces Retirement

On January 1, 2023, Culpeper Police Department Chief Chris Jenkins will end his distinguished 45 year career in law enforcement and begin his next career as a retired family man.
On January 1, 2023, Culpeper Police Department Chief Chris Jenkins will end his distinguished 45 year career in law enforcement and begin his next career as a retired family man.

August 15, 1977 is the most recognized date for the start of Chief Jenkins' career in law enforcement. That's the day 18-year-old Chris was hired by then-Chief Roy Jamison to be a dispatcher. However, Chris' desire to serve as a police officer began when he was in third grade and living on Culpeper's Main St. Founded in 1956, the Culpeper Police Department was barely past its 10th year of existence when 3rd grade Chris made his decision. When he was finally old enough to join the department, Culpeper Police Department was still under the leadership of its first police chief, Chief Jamison.

In the decades since that 1977 August, Dispatcher Chris turned into Officer Jenkins then Detective Jenkins, and rose through the ranks to become Lieutenant Jenkins. In 2000, Lieutenant Jenkins served as the interim Chief of Police until the appointment of Chief Daniel Boring. When Chief Boring left in 2006, now-Captain Jenkins again served as the interim Chief until the appointment of Chief Scott Barlow. In 2010, Captain Jenkins found himself serving once more as the interim Chief until his formal appointment as Culpeper Police Department's fifth Chief of Police in September 2010.

While at the helm of Culpeper Police Department, Chief Jenkins encouraged a culture of prioritizing community, family, and dedication to the highest standards of professionalism. As the Chief of Police, he implemented multiple successful programs such as our community policing model, embedded mental health co-workers, and launching our Body Worn Camera program to name a few. As a lifelong community servant, Chief Jenkins has helped raise thousands of dollars for local non-profit organizations like Team Jordan. He also serves on, and has served on, various state and local boards and committees.

When he made his announcement to his officers and staff, Chief Jenkins wrote: “I ask that you continue to serve this community as you have: with care and respect. I believe that we have earned the respect of those we serve but you have to continue to earn it. The respect that you enjoy now can easily be erased unless you are mindful of this with each and every call for service that you answer. I am confident that you have the desire and ability to not only continue this, but also to build upon it. Each interaction that you have, is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ongoing commitment to your profession and to the citizens of this community.”

As we celebrate his career and contributions over the next month, we will share more photographs, stories, and memories. Thank you Chief Jenkins for your service and a lifetime of making Culpeper a better place!
 

Editor's Note: Last month, Chief Jenkins publicly announced that he had been recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). He had not been feeling well lately, so he underwent testing to find the root cause. He is working with the best medical professionals in the world to develop his treatment plans and is currently in good spirits. Chief Jenkins said, "I feel great and don't need anything except for your prayers." He has his family and his beagle Abby by his side preparing for the battle ahead. His family is even working on covert operations for Abby to visit him in the hospital. The department is supporting him in his battle.

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