Colonel Thomas Carter
Chief of Police
Colonel Thomas Carter brings more than 24 years of public safety experience and has served as Chief of Police for the Tappahannock Police Department since 2024. Under his leadership, the department has focused on professional development, community engagement, accountability, technology, crime reduction, and developing future leaders.
Since joining Tappahannock, Colonel Carter has strengthened community partnerships, renovated the police department, obtained significant grant funding, expanded training and professional development, advanced technology initiatives, and promoted organizational accountability. His leadership has emphasized building trust, improving public safety, and preparing the department for the future.
Prior to joining Tappahannock, Colonel Carter spent numerous years with the Petersburg Bureau of Police, progressing through the ranks from Patrol Officer to Detective, Sergeant, First Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Division Commander. During his career, he served in patrol and investigative roles and commanded the Major Crimes and VICE Units, overseeing investigations involving homicides, robberies, sexual assaults, burglaries, and other violent crimes. As a division commander, he also supervised patrol operations, K-9, bike patrol, and specialized operations.
Earlier in his career, Colonel Carter served with the Richmond City Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina Department of Corrections, providing him with experience across multiple areas of the criminal justice system.
Colonel Carter is a Certified Law Enforcement Command Executive through the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and a recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and is a doctoral candidate in Criminal Justice at Liberty University (2027). His doctoral research examines the impact of emerging technology, particularly mobile data terminals, on job stress and job satisfaction among police officers in rural Virginia.
Colonel Carter is committed to professional excellence, accountable leadership, officer development, and building a safe and engaged community.
Contact Us
Thomas Carter, MPA, VCLEE-CO
Chief of Police
104 Commerce Road
Tappahannock, Virginia 22560
Phone: (804) 856-1144
Email: tcarter@tappahannock-pd.gov