ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Chief Don Hayes grew up in the Alexandria City Police Department. But after more than 44 years, he decided it was time for a new chapter.
Hayes, who served in the chief role for more than two years, has accepted a new job as the chief of the law enforcement unit at the Federal Reserve Board in D.C. He admitted his announcement in January was sudden, but Hayes said he's excited to work in the District.
“Change is a challenge, but I think it’s good,” Hayes said. “I’ve always wanted to work in Washington, D.C. I think there’s something fascinating about the city and so the opportunity presented itself.”
Hayes admitted the stress of working in a “high impact” job slightly played a role in his decision-making. He spent his last moments on the job saying goodbye to colleagues including Assistant Chief Raul Pedroso, who will serve as the interim chief.
Hayes is leaving the department confident that he led with empathy. His biggest accomplishments included his time being involved in the community.
“I hope I made an impact on the lives of people by not arresting them, but by helping them in situations when they needed help,” he said. “We must always remember when we’re encountering those who have called us to them, that it could be the most significant event in their life. We’re there to help them because they’ll remember their encounter with a police officer for the rest of their life, and we have a chance to make a positive impact.
He also touted being the first Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) officer.
The chief is leaving at a time when he said juvenile crime remains one of the biggest challenges in the city. He wants more collaboration among different departments.
“We have to find a way to reach them before they get involved,” he said.
Like other police departments, the Alexandria force continues to see staffing shortages. Hayes said there are about a dozen vacant positions with 12 officers in the academy, 18 in field training and other positions in the department who are unable to hit the streets.
The idea of staffing came up as Hayes discussed the proposed Monumental Sports site at Potomac Yard.
Aside from having more funding to provide additional officers in case the $2.8 billion sports and entertainment district is approved, he believes another police station is necessary.
“With the population growing over there, you need a substation or satellite to just deal with some of the issues that come with those types of venues,” Hayes said.
Despite mounting concerns and pressure for lawmakers not to approve a sports authority bill that would oversee the funding, Hayes agrees with supporters that the project is beneficial for Alexandria.
“The truth of the matter is, you need a revenue-generating entity to give the city the ability to be competitive,” he added.
By moving to a different chapter, Hayes said he can focus once again on becoming a pastor. He currently is preaching at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Arlington.
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