Jonathan Shenk

Background

About Jonathan Shenk

My professional career in law enforcement incorporates 31 years of experience as a civilian police officer and 3 years as a military police officer. My civilian career began in the small college town of Lexington, Virginia where I worked for 11 years. I then worked for 13 years for the Albemarle County Police Department. During my career, I have been a general instructor, a firearms instructor, and a field training officer. I have worked in patrol, general criminal investigations, narcotics investigations, and internal affairs investigations. I progressed up the ranks through supervisory positions at the corporal, sergeant, and first sergeant levels and acquired experience in supervising patrol, crime prevention, school resource and training, and professional development units. This progression has culminated with my appointment as the Chief of Public Safety with the Charlottesville – Albemarle Airport Department of Public Safety in 2018. My experience has made me well-rounded in this profession and I enjoy mentoring officers in their careers and I am a firm believer in continuing education. My experience at the airport has expanded my knowledge of many areas within the airport industry. I have worked on several projects in construction, technology, and airport administration. Some highlights of my strengths and offerings include the following: Targeted evolving priorities as Chief of Public Safety— Travel safety, community engagement/relations, officer recruitment and training, budgeting, and technology/equipment upgrades—while overseeing the Charlottesville – Albemarle Department of Public Safety staffed by 11 employees and operating with and planning an annual budget. Oversaw operations encompassing Records/Evidence, Personnel and Human Resources, Research/Crime Analysis, Facilities Management, Criminal Investigations, Public Information, and Patrol. Instituted professional performance and ethical standards while revamping policies for inappropriate conduct and introducing new policies focused on cultural sensitivity and awareness. Lastly, I have a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University and a Master’s Certificate in Law Enforcement Administration at Arizona State University. I received my Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University in Criminal Justice/ Business Administration in which I graduated Magna Cum Laude. I have completed the West Point Leadership Program and I am currently an Adjunct Professor at Liberty University where I teach criminal investigations.