Police Department - About Us

Police History

Tappahannock Police Department
The Profound Journey of Growth and Adaptation

The history of the Tappahannock Police Department reflects the evolution of law enforcement in the community, dating back to the role of the Constable in the early 1800s. Constables were the first law enforcement officials, responsible for maintaining order and enforcing local laws and regulations. They played a crucial role in addressing community issues when the population was smaller and resources were limited.

As Tappahannock grew, the need for a more structured police force became evident, leading to the establishment of the position of Town Sergeant. In this role, the Town Sergeant served as the executive command of the police agency, overseeing law enforcement activities and ensuring public safety. This position marked a transition toward a more organized approach to policing, reflecting the town's development and the increasing complexity of its law enforcement needs. Many Town Sergeants served dual roles while in their law enforcement capacity. These roles consisted of Town Manager and Town Treasurer. Others were called to serve in Acting Town Sergeant roles until permanent positions could be filled. Historians have discovered that some of their pay in the 1900s consisted of $75-$80 per month, with a $ 1,000 bond.

Eventually, the formalization of the police department led to the establishment of the Chief of Police role, further solidifying the agency's structure and leadership. The Chief of Police now serves as the executive head, responsible for managing the department, implementing modern policing strategies, and fostering community relations.

Throughout its history, the Tappahannock Police Department has consistently adapted to the community's evolving needs, continually striving to maintain public safety and uphold the law. Each of these roles, Constable, Town Sergeant, and Chief of Police, has played a significant part in shaping the department's legacy and commitment to serving Tappahannock. Today, the Department continues to provide 24-hour service to the citizens of the Town of Tappahannock. The Police Department is located at 104 Commerce Road, Tappahannock, Virginia. There are three divisions: Administrative, Operations, and Investigations. The leadership team consists of the Chief of Police, referred to as “Colonel,” the Division Commander, referred to as “Captain,” and two Sergeants. Officers work a Pitman schedule, and each has their own assigned vehicle. There is a Detective, and the agency is a member of the Chesapeake Bay Task Force, which focuses on narcotics investigations and violent crimes. The fleet consists of the modernized Ford Explorers and Dodge Durangos. Officers receive extensive training, including specialized skills such as Field Training Officers, General Instructorship, FBI-LEEDA command schools, and comprehensive investigations. 

Disclaimer:

While we have made diligent efforts to compile the history of the Tappahannock Police Department, there are gaps in the available data. Unfortunately, some historical records related to the roles of various Town Sergeants and Chiefs of Police are incomplete or missing. This may result in breaks in the timeline and a lack of detailed information about specific individuals and their contributions. We encourage community members to reach out with any additional information or resources that may help fill these gaps and enhance our understanding of the department's rich history. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to piece together this important narrative. 

Pictured Above: Joseph Russell Parr, Sr. (1924-2012)

Joseph “Joe” Russell Parr was a proud native of Essex County, Virginia. In 1954, he attended the Central Police Training Center in Richmond and soon after became the Town of Tappahannock's second police officer and its first night shift patrolman.

Officer Parr dedicated himself to public safety by patrolling the town’s streets at night while simultaneously working in construction during the day. In 1958, he founded Parr Construction Company, which he successfully operated alongside his police duties until 1966. After 12 years of honorable service to the Tappahannock Police Department, he stepped away from law enforcement to focus entirely on his growing business, which he later passed down to his son, Jody, upon his retirement in 1995.

Joe Parr often reflected on his time in law enforcement, sharing lighthearted stories with his children. He recounted how mischievous local youth would set off firecrackers on one end of town, only to dash off and repeat the prank elsewhere before he could catch them, keeping him busy but always with good humor and no harm done. Another fond memory he shared was of a night patrol near St. Margaret’s School. Hearing voices outside the dorms, he discovered seven pairs of shoes under a tree. Looking up, he found seven boys hiding among the branches. With calm authority, he told them to climb down and go home before they got into real trouble.

Parr was also a U.S. Army veteran who served during World War II, a lifelong Tappahannock/Essex County Volunteer Fire Department member, and an active member of Upper Essex Baptist Church. He raised five children with his beloved wife and had eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

We honor Officer Joseph Russell Parr for his dedicated service to the Town of Tappahannock and express our gratitude to his family for preserving and sharing his legacy with the department and the community.

Members of the Tappahannock Police Department would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Historians, Town Clerk Patsy Scates, and James “Jimmy” Sydnor for their dedicated research into the history of the Tappahannock Police Department. Your hard work and commitment to uncovering the details of our town's law enforcement legacy are truly commendable.