7 Key Ways The Manassas City Police Department Is Evolving Under Chief Keen's New Vision

Contents

The Manassas City Police Department (MCPD) is currently undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a renewed focus on community engagement, technological integration, and a clear strategic vision. As of this update on December 19, 2025, the department’s leadership has implemented several high-impact initiatives designed to modernize policing, enhance transparency, and ensure the safety of Manassas, Virginia, residents. The department’s commitment to excellence was recently affirmed by achieving a prestigious national accreditation, setting a high benchmark for law enforcement agencies across the region.

This deep dive explores the core pillars of the MCPD's evolution, highlighting the leadership steering these changes, the measurable impact on local crime rates, and the cutting-edge programs being rolled out across the city. From a new mission statement to the deployment of advanced traffic safety technology, the MCPD is actively redefining its role in the community, moving toward a model of proactive and collaborative public safety. Understanding these developments is crucial for anyone interested in the future of law enforcement in Northern Virginia.

Manassas City Police Department Leadership and Strategic Profile

The Manassas City Police Department operates under the guidance of a dedicated leadership team, appointed by the City Manager in collaboration with the Mayor and City Council. This structure ensures alignment between law enforcement strategy and the broader goals of the Manassas city government.

Colonel Douglas W. Keen: Chief of Police

  • Role: Chief of Police, appointed by the city manager.
  • Key Initiatives: Colonel Keen has been the driving force behind the department's new mission, vision, and core values, signaling a significant strategic shift within the MCPD.
  • Focus: His vision emphasizes modern policing principles, community trust, and operational efficiency.

Ms. Tina Laguna: Assistant Chief of Police

  • Role: Assistant Chief of Police.
  • Function: Works closely with Chief Keen to manage the department’s various divisions and implement strategic goals.

Recent Leadership Restructuring

In a move to streamline communication and operations, the MCPD announced a significant leadership reorganization, including the appointment of a new Public Information Officer (PIO). This structure is designed to improve internal communication and enhance the flow of updated news and announcements to the media and the public.

The New Strategic Vision and Core Values of the MCPD

Chief Keen has spearheaded a complete overhaul of the department's foundational principles, unveiling a new mission, vision, and set of core values. This strategic pivot is more than a change in wording; it reflects a commitment to 21st-century policing principles and a deeper partnership with the Manassas community.

1. Commitment to National Accreditation

A major achievement in 2024 was the MCPD securing its eighth National Law Enforcement Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). This voluntary process signifies that the department meets a rigorous set of professional standards, covering policy, procedures, administration, and operations. Achieving this accreditation eight times demonstrates a sustained commitment to best practices and professional excellence.

2. The Multi-Year Strategic Plan

The department is actively implementing a Multi-Year Strategic Plan. This plan is a living document, revised to incorporate various initiatives and police services identified through an ongoing assessment of city needs. It serves as the roadmap for the department’s future, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to address emerging public safety challenges.

3. Focus on Community Services and Outreach

The Community Services Section is a critical component of the new vision. This section is tasked with coordinating all crime prevention and community outreach initiatives. Programs are designed to foster positive relationships, build trust, and encourage residents to be active participants in public safety, moving beyond traditional enforcement models.

Impact on Crime and Public Safety Statistics (2024 Data)

The strategic shift appears to be yielding positive results, with key performance indicators showing encouraging trends in the City of Manassas. The departmental focus on strategic enforcement and community engagement is reflected in the most recent data.

4. Measurable Reduction in Key Activities

According to recent reports, the MCPD saw a notable decrease in several operational metrics, which can indicate a more efficient and targeted approach to policing:

  • Total arrests fell by 14%.
  • Officer-initiated activity decreased by 11%.
  • Traffic enforcement dropped by 25%.
  • Calls for service were down 5%.

While a drop in arrests and enforcement might seem counterintuitive, the reduction alongside stable or decreasing crime rates suggests a move toward preventative policing and problem-solving, rather than simply reactive enforcement.

5. Manassas City Crime Rate Snapshot

A review of the 21st Century Policing Principles data, including traffic stop data, indicates that the overall crime rate in Manassas City for 2024 was approximately 21 crimes per 1,000 residents. This figure is a key metric the MCPD uses to gauge its effectiveness and allocate resources.

6. New Traffic Safety and Speed Enforcement Initiatives

In a direct public safety initiative, the MCPD has rolled out a new Red Light Camera Program and Speed Enforcement Cameras. This project is aimed at reducing dangerous driving behaviors and increasing safety at high-risk intersections. A key new intersection for this program is Liberia Avenue and Richmond Avenue. These cameras are part of the broader strategy to reduce traffic-related incidents without relying solely on officer-initiated stops.

Departmental Excellence and Community Recognition

The commitment to high standards within the Manassas City Police Department is frequently recognized at both the local and state levels, underscoring the quality of the department's personnel.

7. Prestigious Attorney General's Award Recipients

In a highlight of 2024, two members of the MCPD were recognized for their outstanding service: Master Police Officer Shauna Moller and Master Police Officer Thomas Rodriguez. Both officers received the prestigious Attorney General's Award, a high honor that recognizes exceptional contributions to law enforcement and public safety in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This recognition reflects the caliber of officers serving the Manassas community.

The Role of Police Officers and Civilians

The Manassas City Police Department employs a dedicated force of police officers and civilians. With approximately 3.07 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, the department is slightly below the national average of 3.25. This fact highlights the importance of the department's focus on efficiency, technology, and community collaboration to maximize the impact of every member of the force.

Future Outlook: Public Safety Facility and Continuous Improvement

The MCPD continues to look forward, with plans for a New Public Safety Facility mentioned as part of the ongoing infrastructure improvements for the city. This new facility will support the department’s expanding operational needs and its commitment to providing modern police services. Furthermore, the department’s continuous engagement with the public through its Press Center and Public Information page ensures that residents are kept up-to-date with all new developments and announcements.

The Manassas City Police Department, under the strategic leadership of Chief Douglas W. Keen, is clearly on a path of modernization and increased community accountability. Through national accreditation, targeted technology deployment, and a measurable reduction in certain enforcement activities, the MCPD is setting a new standard for effective and transparent law enforcement in Northern Virginia.

7 Key Ways the Manassas City Police Department is Evolving Under Chief Keen's New Vision
manassas city police department
manassas city police department

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