Chief Bernard Richardson
Chief Bernard Richardson became the Chief of Police of the Emporia Police Department on May 4, 2006. Chief Richardson joined the Emporia Police Department on October 1, 1971. He worked 3 years as a patrol officer where he was involved in a variety of street and investigative assignments. He then rose in the ranks as an investigator for 17 years, before advancing to Sergeant in 1994. He held this position until his retirement in 2001. After 5 years in the private sector, he was hired as Police Chief in May of 2006. Chief Richardson has been a pillar in the community for almost 60 years. He is dedicated to his family and his church.
Chief Richardson has earned an Associates Degree in Police Science from Southside Virginia Community College and a Bachelor's Degree in Religious Education from Howard University. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Fraternal Order of Police. He is on the Board of Directors for Southside Regional Jail and is a member of the Improvement Association Regional Youth Advisory Council for Emporia-Greensville, Southside Community Criminal Justice Board, and a member of the Virginia Gangs Intelligence Association.
Chief Richardson is married to Linda Richardson and they have four children: Butch, Theresa, Bernita, Candress and three grandchildren: one fifteen and two six year olds.