Colonel Thomas Carter
Chief of Police
Colonel Thomas Carter exemplifies his dedication, leadership, and professional growth. In 2024, he joined the Tappahannock Police Department, committed to strengthening community engagement and advancing organizational excellence. As Chief of Police, he oversees all police services, focusing on professional development, reducing the fear of crime, safe communities, technological innovation, accountability, and future leadership cultivation.
Colonel Carter brings over 23 years of public safety experience. Before he arrived in Tappahannock, he served with distinction at the Petersburg Bureau of Police (PBP), rising from patrolman to Detective, Sergeant, First Sergeant, Lieutenant, and then Division Commander of the Operations Services Division. In this capacity, he led uniform patrol, bike patrol, and K-9 operations across two precincts covering seven city wards. As Operations Captain, Carter directly supervised four sergeants, four lieutenants, and all patrolmen responsible for daily city-wide patrol operations, ensuring effective law enforcement services to the community.
During his tenure at PBP, Carter also commanded the Major Crimes Unit and the VICE Unit. He led and oversaw complex investigations into violent crimes such as homicides, robberies, rapes, burglaries, sexual assaults, and abductions. Under his leadership, these units achieved significant crime reduction, bringing closure to many major cases and improving public safety outcomes. Carter’s expertise in managing major investigations, combined with his experience in tactical operations, positioned him to excel in intelligence-led policing and violent crime suppression.
His historical career includes service as a deputy sheriff with the Richmond City Sheriff’s Office and as a corrections officer with the North Carolina Department of Corrections, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. Throughout his supervisory roles, Carter has championed 21st-century policing practices, including "Hot Spot" policing, community engagement, training, effective oversight, gun violence reduction strategies, and strategic planning driven by actionable intelligence.
Carter’s specialized tactical training includes extensive experience on the Crisis Response Team (S.W.A.T.), where he developed advanced skills in firearms handling, high-risk warrant execution, and critical incident management. He personally served as on-scene commander for over 100 high-risk search warrant operations, successfully coordinating the safe apprehension of dangerous offenders and reducing the fear of crime.
A staunch advocate for transformational leadership, Colonel Carter fosters diversity, continuous education, community policing, officer health and wellness, and trust-building within the community. Having grown up in an impoverished neighborhood, he brings a deep personal understanding of perseverance and resilience. He often mentors his officers with the philosophy that “success comes with failure” and encourages them to pursue higher education and professional growth.
His exemplary service has been recognized through numerous unit citations and achievement awards. In 2025, Carter became a Certified Law Enforcement Command Executive through the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police. He received the Trilogy Award from FBI-LEEDA after completing advanced supervisory, command, and executive leadership courses. Additionally, he was honored with the Hicks/Evans Award by Carol Adams and Engine Co. #9 & Associates for his efforts in preserving community history. He is an active member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, and FBI-LEEDA.
Colonel Carter is a doctoral candidate in criminal justice (Ph.D.) at Liberty University. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Liberty University, a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Columbia College, and an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from Bright Point Community College. His robust educational background and professional affiliations continue to underscore his deep expertise, credibility, and commitment to the law enforcement profession.
Contact Us
Thomas Carter, MPA, VCLEE-CO
Chief of Police
104 Commerce Road
Tappahannock, Virginia 22560
Phone: (804) 856-1144
Email: tcarter@tapp-pd.org