Fairfax City Hires Raul Pedroso to Lead Police Department
Published on July 24, 2025
The City of Fairfax is pleased to announce that Raul Pedroso has been selected to serve as the chief of the City of Fairfax Police Department. Pedroso’s law enforcement career spans 32 years, including 19 years at the executive and senior command level, and he has served as the assistant police chief for the City of Alexandria, Virginia, since 2023. He will begin his new role on Aug. 11.
The City of Fairfax conducted a national search for its next police chief, a key position that has been held in an acting capacity by Captain Natalie Hinesley since the former police chief retired in January. The city’s low crime rate, strong relationship with residents, and its professional police force attracted many qualified candidates.
“The pool of applicants was very deep, and we conducted a very robust review and selection process. Raul rose to the top and was selected for his leadership qualities, his infectious energy, and his commitment to fairness and transparency." - City Manager Bryan Foster
Pedroso began his career in law enforcement in Coral Gables, Florida, where he worked his way up from patrol officer, serving and leading all major areas of policing including uniform patrol, criminal investigations, and professional standards. As Alexandria’s interim police chief in 2024, Pedroso led the department through a transformational period and strengthened relations among city leadership, police department personnel, and the community. Under his leadership, the department focused on crime reduction, improved investigations, and cultivating a culture of collaboration and accountability.
“Being selected to lead the City of Fairfax Police Department is a great honor, I am excited to get to know agency staff and to meet the city’s residents and business owners. I look forward to continuing the department’s tradition of excellent community service." - Raul Pedroso
Pedroso holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Florida, a master’s degree in criminal justice from Florida International University, and he is an FBI National Academy graduate.