Who We Are – Chesapeake Sheriff's Office

THE MISSION

“It is the mission of the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office to provide our citizens with high quality law enforcement services, in an ethical and fiscal responsible manner.”

WHAT WE
STAND FOR

As we endeavor to accomplish our mission, we acknowledge the following:

The Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office exists because of the community we serve. We are an organization of professionals committed to providing the highest level of law enforcement service in a sensitive and positive manner to all.
We recognize the value of human life and the dignity of all people, and strive to treat those with whom we come in contact with fairness, compassion and respect.
We recognize the importance of working together as members of the Sheriff’s Office to maintain a work environment which promotes trust, faith, respect and interpersonal support for all.
The badge is a symbol of public trust that we wear with great pride. With this in mind, we believe it is incumbent upon each of us to adhere to a high ethical standard to maintain the confidence of the citizens of the City of Chesapeake.
Our Office mission statement characterizes the position we hold. We are committed, in partnership with the citizens of the City of Chesapeake, to the creation of mutual trust and understanding, which will allow us to work together in preventing crime, in resolving mutual concerns and in establishing a safe and secure living environment

IN OUR COMMUNITY

History

In 1963, the City of South Norfolk and Norfolk County consolidated to form the City of Chesapeake. Sheriff J. Arthur Hodges served as the Norfolk County Sheriff from 1944 to 1969 and later assumed the role of City Sergeant for the newly incorporated City of Chesapeake. A former Chesapeake Police Officer, John R. Newhart, ran for City Sergeant and won the position in 1969. Sheriff Newhart later retired in 2021, after 42 years in office. Sheriff Jim O’Sullivan assumed the duties of Sheriff in October of 2012, was elected in 2013, and retired in 2024 after 12 years in office. Sheriff Rosado assumed the duties of Sheriff in November of 2024, continuing the legacy of dedicated service and leadership within the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office.

By state statute, the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office carries a dual responsibility of corrections and law enforcement. The City of Chesapeake has a separate police department whose primary function is law enforcement, while the sheriff’s office supports the police department in its pursuit of law enforcement functions. The sheriff’s office’s primary responsibilities include operating the Chesapeake Correctional Center, transporting inmates, providing security for all courts within the city, and serving as the law enforcement arm of the courts.