Richmond Police Department

Safe Exchange Zones Reminder!

While conducting business with unknown persons, the Richmond Police Department reminds the public to use Safe Exchange Zones, located at two police precincts. Safe Exchange Zones are well marked areas with a video camera recording 24 hours a day. While these cameras are not monitored live, should an incident occur, the video can be used to assist a detective’s investigation.
Safe Exchange Zones can be found here:
• Second Precinct – 177 E. Belt Boulevard
• Fourth Precinct – 2219 Chamberlayne Avenue

Start your journey to an exciting, fulfilling career by scanning the code or calling the RPD Recruitment Unit at (804) 646-0607!

In this 2025 End-of-Year Crime Briefing, RPD Chief of Police Rick Edwards addressed crime stats impacting the public and highlighted strategies that reduced major crimes by 12% in 2025. Chief Edwards gave an update on arrests from several New Year’s Eve random gunfire investigations and introduced, with the Office of Gun Violence Prevention Director Greg Hopkins, a new Spring Forward initiative to reduce youth violence during the upcoming Spring Break period.

Chief Rick Edwards describes the perils when people recklessly shoot firearms on New Years Eve and discusses the investigations, arrests and convictions which have followed. Tools are also highlighted, such as gunshot detection technology - which pinpoints locations where shootings occur and advances police response and assists investigations.

Richmond Police Department Chief Rick Edwards and Richmond Deputy CAO Al Wiggins celebrate the newest officers of RPD during the 130th Recruit Class Graduation Ceremony.

RPD Recruitment Open House

In a new format for an exciting presentation of the Richmond Police Department's extensive career possibilities, the RPD's Recruitment Unit recently hosted a Recruitment Open House. Potential applicants engaged with RPD pros in many specialized units to understand the wide range of career paths available. Watch for the next Open House - or - why wait? Call (804) 646-6733 to begin an exciting, fulfilling career with RPD!

RPD Releases Final Review of Fatal Monroe Park Shootings

The Richmond Police Department has prepared for the public a final review of the investigation into the fatal shootings that occurred in Monroe Park following the Huguenot High School graduation in 2023.

Chief Rick Edwards presents the review, a video that runs just over seven minutes, that features crime scene photos, evidence that was collected, locations at the scene of involved persons, circumstances, motive and a portion of a video presented in court.

The incident generated immense public interest, however the RPD was constrained in what details could be shared as the matter was being adjudicated. The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney has stated that no further criminal prosecutions in this case are planned, therefore Chief Edwards can fulfill his pledge to present more information to the public at the appropriate time.

“We hope this comprehensive account of this extremely complex case provides the public with the details they need to understand this tragedy,” said RPD Chief Edwards. “I have the utmost respect and appreciation for the actions of the RPD officers, VCU Police officers and VCU security staff who were present at the scene and the RPD detectives, forensic professionals and members of the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney who successfully investigated and prosecuted this difficult case.”

Sergeant Burke Centennial Memorial Service

Last week, the family of Richmond Police Department Sergeant J. Harvey Burke, killed in the line of duty 100 years ago, honored his memory with a poignant memorial service at Riverview Cemetery. The centennial memorial was produced by grandson Penn Burke, with RPD’s Chief Rick Edwards and the RPD Honor Guard in attendance.

Richmond Highway Walk to Assess Need of Community

It was a team effort on Wednesday morning as many City of Richmond departments joined RPD Chief Rick Edwards for a tour of the southern area of Richmond Highway. Business owners, city leaders and members of the public have expressed concern for some safety and quality-of-life issues in the area – and this group went on a fact finding walk to offer services and understand the scope of the issue. As you can see – the walk was a success – with more outreach efforts to come. 

First Quarter Crime Briefing

Chief Rick Edwards is joined by Richmond Mayor Danny Avula during the RPD First Quarter Crime Briefing. Mayor Avula announced the Office of Gun Violence Prevention being moved into the mayor's office and a new position for the coordinated work among all city agencies and nonprofit partners to support violence prevention efforts.

Richmond Fire Department Service to Law Enforcement Award

Chief Rick Edwards and Third Precinct leaders joined RFD Chief Jeffrey Segal at Station 24 last week to honor three firefighters with Service to Law Enforcement awards.

The trio stepped in during a dangerous encounter with an intoxicated driver, helping a Third Precinct officer safely bring the situation under control, without elevated force.

Thank you to our RFD partners for your courage and quick action!

RPD Adopts Device for Brief Control of Non-Compliant Individuals Without Use of Force

The Richmond Police Department has trained and equipped officers to use a new device that allows for brief control of non-compliant individuals.

The BolaWrap 150 Remote Restraint Device is a handheld tool designed to be used as a method to control from a distance a non-compliant individual in instances when the officer would be justified in handcuffing the subject but doing so could escalate into a struggle which could cause harm to the subject or the officer.

“This technology will allow for the safe control of a subject without a use of force,” said Chief Rick Edwards. “This reduces the likelihood that officers would need to escalate their response to higher levels of force to control a situation. It allows for safer outcomes for all.”

The device deploys a Kevlar cord with weighted anchors designed to wrap around a subject’s body to temporarily limit their mobility and ability to cause harm to themselves or another. Officers will immediately apply handcuffs to the subject and remove the cord and anchors, when possible.

When practical, the officer will loudly announce “Bola, Bola, Bola” before deploying the device. The deployment produces a loud bang sound as the cord and anchors wrap around the subject – but is designed not to cause injury.

Transparency in action! 

The Richmond Police Department has released an informative demo on the operation of the Axon body-worn cameras. Since 2016, our officers have adopted this best practice to enhance accountability and trust in our community. 🎥✨ This video guide explains how and when officers use these devices, aligning with our commitment to safety and responsible policing. Get an inside look at the technology that’s recording interactions on the front lines, providing clarity for both officers and residents. It’s not just about technology; it’s about building a stronger, safer Richmond together. 👀 Watch now to see how these cameras capture crucial moments in the field, and understand the protocols that guide their use. Your awareness is our priority.

Critical Incident Briefing Cedar Street

The Richmond Police Department has released a critical incident briefing video related to the officer-involved shooting on March 31, 2024, per the Department’s core value and commitment to maintaining trust and legitimacy through transparency. Viewer discretion is advised.

Safety Camera Program

Hey Richmond! As part of the city’s ongoing efforts to better manage speeding in school zones and on Richmond streets, safety cameras have been installed at two elementary schools. Starting March 18, speeders near Linwood Holton or Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts (the initial school zones) will begin receiving summonses in the mail. Please slow down and drive with care.

The camera installation project is a partnership between the Richmond Police Department, the Vision Zero Task Force (under the umbrella of the Department of Public Works) and with the support of the Safe and Healthy Streets Commission, the Richmond City Council, and the Mayor's Office.

A Daughter and a Legacy in Bronze

When the daughter of a fallen Richmond Police Department officer noticed the historical plaque honoring his memory went missing - she asked on social media for help in finding it. And the search was on.

In The News

Police, experts urge people to address mental health during holiday season (WWBT,NBC12)

Richmond officers stumbled upon motel fire.  They saved 10 people. (WTVR,CBS6)

RPD officers shot last June share story, will return to the force: 'do what we signed up to do...protect the community'  (WRIC,ABC8)

Mayor Stoney, Police Chief honor officers for heroism (WWBT,NBC12)

Other In The News Items

Videos

Recruitment with Major Goins

RPD Training

Crime in Richmond - By the Numbers

Weekly & Year to Date

View Internal Affairs Complaints IAD Complaints will be posted the first of each month by 9 AM (Unless it is a City Holiday).

RAIDS Online Daily Crime Reports Quick Tips

Richmond's Precinct Lineup

First Precinct

Second Precinct

Third Precinct

Fourth Precinct

Click on your precinct’s photo to view the list and contact information of those representing your neighborhood.

To find your precinct:

1. Visit Richmond Property Search
2. Type your address and select your property
3. Click the services tab. Under “Public Safety” you will find “Police Precinct” and “Police Sector.”

Click the here to view the RPD’s presentation to the CRB Task Force

Safety Camera Program | Richmond (rva.gov)