Department History

A brown faded photo of an older Winchester Poilce Department from the 1900s

Winchester is the oldest city in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In 1716, Virginia’s governor led a band of explorers across the mountains at Swift Run Gap. Colonel James Wood founded Winchester as a town in 1744. In 1755, as a colonel commanding the Virginia Militia in Winchester, George Washington was given the task of defending the western Virginia frontier. In 1788, Virginia became the tenth state admitted into the Union.


In 1822, the City of Winchester Police Department was first created. It consisted of one officer, known as the Town Sergeant.


Today, the Police Department is comprised of 77 full-time officers. The Department is a leader in the community policing philosophy and is dedicated to professional public service.

Photo Albums

View some of our favorite photos taken throughout the year as well as historical photos for a look back at the history of the Winchester Police Department.

 

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Fallen Heroes

Since 1999, the WPD has lost several teammates who were close friends, members of the WPD family, and local heroes. We will never forget and our service to the community is in your honor every day.

 

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