Mayor Levar M. Stoney announced today the appointment of Dawn Barber as the Director of the City of Richmond Department of Justice Services.

A former assistant police chief for the City of Newport News, Barber brings more than 31 years of professional experience in justice services and law enforcement to the City of Richmond Department of Justice Services.  Most recently, Barber served as the Director of Juvenile Services for the City of Newport News. In addition to her experience in city government, she serves as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy Reserves.

In her new role, Barber will oversee the city’s services for adults facing potential incarceration and youth who are either at risk of involvement in the juvenile justice system or who have been formally processed by the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. These services include prevention and diversion efforts, in-home services, monitoring and surveillance, secure confinement, counseling and case management. Barber will report directly to Reginald E. Gordon, DCAO for Human Services.

“The Department of Justice Services has the challenging task of supporting Richmonders at a critical inflection point in their lives,” said Mayor Stoney. “Dawn’s experience in both public safety and justice services programming gives her the right balance of discipline and compassion needed for the job.”

Barber obtained a Bachelor of Science in Governmental Administration and Criminal Justice Administration from Christopher Newport University. She is also a certified PREA Auditor through the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. 

“I am both humbled and excited to be selected to serve as the Director of Justice Services. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to and partner with the other city agencies and the community at-large to ensure the department provides the highest level of service to the citizens of Richmond,” said Barber.