On December 15, 2005, The Honorable Vanessa Reese Crawford was sworn in as the first female Sheriff for the City of Petersburg. Sheriff Crawford was born and raised in the city of Petersburg. She was re-elected on November 3, 2009 and started her 2nd term as Sheriff, January 1, 2010. She ran unopposed for the office of Sheriff in 2013 and began her 3rd term January, 2014.
As the Sheriff, a mother, aunt, cousin, friend and business woman, Sheriff Crawford has excelled beyond many expectations. She entered the demanding world of criminal justice and law enforcement where she worked her way to the top from a counselor within the Department of Corrections to where she was the first female Superintendent to run an all male correctional facility. She retired after 28½ years of service with the Department of Corrections.
Since her tenure in office as Sheriff, she has acquired certification as a National Certified Jail Manager, through the Jail Manager Certification Commission by authority of the American Jail Association.
Sheriff Crawford is a member of the Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Petersburg, where she serves on the Trustee Board. She is the President of the Petersburg High School Boosters Club, Past President of the Petersburg Kiwanis Luncheon Club and former Vice Chair of the Petersburg School Board. In 2010, she was elected, unanimously, by all of the Virginia Sheriff’s to serve as the President of the Virginia Sheriff’s Institute. In 2012, she was unanimously elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Sheriff's Association. She is also a member of the Petersburg Chapter #33, Order of the Eastern Stars and a member of the Women’s Committee of the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, and also organized her neighborhood watch association. She has also been re-elected for the second time as Chairman of the Petersburg-Dinwiddie Crime Solvers and to the Petersburg Kiwanis luncheon club Foundation Board of Directors.
Sheriff Crawford was recognized by the 2012 Virginia General Assembly who prepared 2 resolutions in her honor, for her dedication and community service, which were, House Joint Bill 332 and Senate Joint Bill 182 and was named as one of the Allen & Allen Law Firm 2012 Hometown Heroes. Most recently, Governor Terry McAuliffe just appointed Sheriff Crawford to the Criminal Justice Services Board. She was also featured in "O" (Oprah) magazine as one of "12 Most Politically Unusual" in this country last year.
Sheriff Crawford is married to Leon, a retired military officer and they have 5 children, Latricia, Roderick, Cornell, II, Leon and Courtney and 13 Grandchildren and 2great-grandchildren. Her mother is retired educator Esther T. Reese (deceased in 2000).
She believes the scripture “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
Sheriff Crawford was recognized by the 2012 Virginia General Assembly who prepared 2 resolutions in her honor, for her dedication and community service, which were, House Joint Bill 332 and Senate Joint Bill 182 and was named as one of the Allen & Allen Law Firm 2012 Hometown Heroes. Most recently, Governor Terry McAuliffe just appointed Sheriff Crawford to the Criminal Justice Services Board. She was also featured in "O" (Oprah) magazine as one of "12 Most Politically Unusual" in this country last year.
Spring, 2013 – Named “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year” by YOVASO (Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety)
August, 2013 – Elected to serve on the Board of FeedMore, Richmond, Va.
July, 2014 – Appointed by The Honorable Terry McAulliffe, Governor of Virginia to serve on the Criminal Justice Services Board
August, 2014- Named the Unsung Hero by the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Beta Xi Sigma Chapter
Sheriff|
Petersburg Sheriff's Office
From January 2006 to Current • 20 year(s)
Administers and coordinates activities of Petersburg City Sheriff's Office, managing 91 employees across multiple divisions including jail operations, court security, and warrant service.
Agency Management Lead Analyst|
Department of Corrections
From January 2000 to December 2002 • 2 year(s)
Analyzed laws and legislation for impact on Department of Corrections regarding bed space and budget, and formulated the Department's Strategic Management Plan.
Institutional Superintendent, Senior|
Pocahontas Correctional Unit 13
From May 1991 to January 2000 • 9 year(s)
Planned and directed operation of correctional field unit, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures while managing budgetary needs and inmate treatment programs.
Institutional superintendent|
New Kent Correctional Unit 16
From March 1989 to May 1991 • 2 year(s)
Planned and directed operation of correctional field unit, determining and developing adherence to policy and procedures while monitoring fiscal compliance.
Assistant Superintendent|
Dinwiddie Correctional Unit 27
From May 1987 to March 1989 • 2 year(s)
Responsible for care and custody of inmates and entire facility operation, performing daily inspections and addressing personnel problems and emergency situations.
Assistant Superintendent/Institutional Rehab. Counselor|
Chesterfield Community Correctional Unit
From July 1978 to May 1987 • 9 year(s)
Responsible for overall operation of correctional work release unit, conducting daily inspections and supervising security and counseling staff.
Social Worker|
Central State Hospital
From July 1974 to June 1978 • 4 year(s)
Assisted mentally ill patients with securing community living arrangements upon release and assessed their needs while hospitalized.
