Deputy Police Chief

Compensation Grade:

P15

Salary Range:

$136,979.00-$226,016.00

Opening Date:

September 25, 2026

Closing Date:

October 10, 2026

Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As Deputy Chief of Police for the Airports Authority, you manage a police bureau with the goal of developing and administering programs and activities to ensure the safety and security of the airport community.

Deputy Police Chief

This is a sworn position.

Works under the general supervision of the Chief of Police.

Serves in the Police Department in the Office of Public Safety and oversees staff at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Police Headquarters, and the Dulles Toll Road.

Manages a police bureau, with accountability for its operations and personnel. Integrates the work of subordinate units to produce results and achieve objectives through a unified organizational effort. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides senior-level leadership and makes final decisions to further the Department’s goals and objectives.

Manages a bureau with responsibilities for planning, organizing, staffing, developing, coordinating, reporting and budgeting .

Ensures effective and responsive operations to the airport community.

Ensures legal and regulatory compliance with Office of Public Safety policies and procedures.

Develops and implements bureau policies and procedures; helps develop department guidelines.

Delegates common and ad hoc projects; reviews and approves results.

Oversees or leads the planning and managing of special events at the Airports Authority.

Reviews disciplinary issues, implementing performance improvement plans.

Resolves issues or disputes between officers and civilians.

Provides recommendations for promotions.

Advises the Chief of Police and others on management-labor relations and the practical aspects of specific management and union issues, proposals, and agreements; provides input on grievances to be decided at higher echelons.

Regularly visits field locations to monitor, inspect, and provide command and control, as required.

Provides credible testimony in court, preparing for cases as appropriate.

Works closely with federal, state and local law enforcement partners.

Participates, coordinates and collaborates in drills and exercises to comply with FAA mandates.

Directly and indirectly contribute to the accreditation (VALEPSC, CALEA) process by supporting and guiding staff in meeting accreditation goals and timelines.

Acts as Chief of Police in his/her absence.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Eight years of progressively responsible experience supervising police department functions.

Included in these eight years of experience must be at least three years of experience commanding a major police unit such as a bureau or division.

Be a Citizen of the United States of America.

Knowledge of supervisory principles and general law enforcement standards of conduct to manage the operations and programs of the Police Department and provide leadership and guidance to subordinate employees.

Knowledge of and ability to apply Constitutional law to law enforcement operations.

Knowledge of and ability to apply law enforcement administration principles, methods, and research.

Knowledge of law enforcement accreditation (such as Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission [VALEPSC] and Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement [CALEA]) and ability to guide law enforcement officers in meeting accreditation goals and timelines.

Knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS) and ability to coordinate a cohesive incident management team.

Commitment to ethics and integrity in the public service to ensure ethical and transparent unit operations.

Be able to:

successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation; and

pass a comprehensive medical examination including drug screening and vision standard.

Ability to analyze data and information and formulate decisions.

Skill in using a computer, modern office suite software, and databases.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Certified (or previously) certified Law Enforcement Officer by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice.

A Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice or other related field.

Familiarity with the development and implementation of Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD) Systems and Records Management Systems (RMS).

Successful completion of the FBI National Academy or the PERF Senior Management Institute for Police.

EDUCATION

A Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science, Criminal Justice, or related field.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver’s license in good standing.

Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services within 12 months of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.

Certification in firearms proficiency within 60 days of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.

Certification as a Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) Operator within 60 days of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Works under pressure and maintains emotion self-control during emergencies.

Work requires short bursts of intense physical effort. 

May be subject to potential hazards common to the airport environment and police work. Wears personal protective gear, as necessary.

May be subject to hold over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies.

Work is reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

#WP

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.