Chief of Police
Chief Amanda R. Behan
Chief Amanda R. Behan began her law enforcement career with the Winchester Police Department in 2001. After being appointed Chief of Police in October, 2022, Chief Behan has implemented several programs to enhance community safety. Those programs include Addiction Response Officer, expansion of Crime Analysis Program, Facility Liaison Program, and Officers carrying Narcan. Further, Chief Behan removed the outdated vision statement and created a value statement that focuses on her employees and the community. To address quality of life, Chief Behan is working to implement a homeless tracking software that will provide resources to this population.
Before taking her first leadership role in 2007 as a Sergeant, Behan's assignments included being a patrol officer and a detective for the Northwest Regional Drug Task Force and General Investigations Unit. After being promoted to Lieutenant, she served in the Administration Division, Patrol Division, and Office of Professional Standards, where she focused on a significant expansion to community outreach and the re-development of Department policies. In 2020, she was promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division, where she commanded General Investigations, Special Investigations, and Crime Analysis Program. During this time, she acquired the Department's first therapy canine for the Special Victims program. When she was promoted to Deputy Chief of Police for Operations, she oversaw the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, Crime Analysis Program, and other specialized Department functions that include the School Resource Officers, Special Weapons and Tactics Team, and the K9 program.
Chief Behan is a dedicated wife and mother to two children. She enjoys being a mentor in her professional and personal life, where she has been a volunteer sports coach. Chief Behan is on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Chiefs of Police and an Executive Committee Member of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition. Her education includes an Associate of Arts Degree in Paralegal Studies, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Business Management, and a Master of Arts Degree in Executive Leadership. She also holds a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion in HR Management.