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On Bold Leadership: Order Without Justice is Not Peace
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Tarrick McGuire
Tarrick McGuire

Chief Tarrick McGuire serves as the 16th Chief of Police for the Alexandria Police Department, leading the 7th largest law enforcement agency in the Commonwealth of Virginia. A forward-thinking public safety leader, he assumed command during a period marked by consecutive years of rising crime and quickly set a new course through strategic, data-informed policing and strengthened community partnerships.
Guided by a belief that effective policing is rooted in fairness, transparency, and respect, Chief McGuire has emphasized building legitimacy through procedural justice and meaningful engagement. Under his leadership, the department achieved measurable reductions in both violent and property crimes, reversing troubling trends while reinforcing public trust. His approach reflects a balance of strong enforcement with empathy, communication, and responsiveness to community needs.
Chief McGuire has overseen several high-profile investigations, demonstrating a commitment to accountability, operational excellence, and ethical leadership. His focus on collaboration—both within the department and across partner agencies—has strengthened the city’s overall public safety ecosystem while ensuring that policing strategies remain both effective and community-centered.
A champion of community-oriented policing, he has elevated civic engagement efforts and helped Alexandria earn national recognition as a top-performing city for National Night Out participation. His leadership underscores the principle that public safety is a shared responsibility, built through collaborative governance.
Chief McGuire’s expertise has been recognized through published scholarship, consultation at the highest levels of government, and appearances on local and national television, where he has provided critical insight on crime, police reform, leadership, and modern policing practices. His commitment to leading with integrity, adapting to evolving challenges, and prioritizing trust and legitimacy in policing continues to distinguish him as a respected voice in law enforcement nationwide.
Chief McGuire earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications from Oklahoma State University, where he played tight end for the Cowboys and was a three-year football letterman. He also holds a Master of Science degree from Criswell College and a Doctor of Public Administration degree from California Baptist University.

Columns by Tarrick McGuire
Permalink to On Bold Leadership: Order Without Justice is Not PeaceOn Bold Leadership: Order Without Justice is Not Peace
On Bold Leadership: Order Without Justice is Not Peace

In this keynote excerpt from the American Society of Evidence-Based Policing Conference, Chief Tarrick McGuire draws on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail to argue that “order without justice is not peace”—and that protecting democracy demands moral, not merely operational, leadership from those who wear the badge. Chief McGuire calls on his colleagues to confront the hard truths facing modern policing, from immigration enforcement and officer trauma to disinformation and public trust, and to lead boldly enough to help form the “more perfect Union” the Constitution promises.