Darrel W. Stephens was appointed Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief in September 1999. The CMPD is a consolidated city-county department of more than 2000 employees serving more than 713,000 residents and countless others visiting for work or leisure.  

He has served as police chief in St. Petersburg, FL (1992-97), Executive Director of the Washington, DC based Police Executive Research Forum (1986-92), police chief in Newport News, VA (1983-86), police chief in Largo, FL (1979-83), assistant chief in Lawrence, KS (1976-79), and  police officer, sergeant, and unit commander in Kansas City, MO (1968-76).  He also served for two years as the St. Petersburg, FL City Administrator (1997-99).  He is recognized nationally for his contributions to community problem oriented policing which has its roots in Newport News while he served as chief. 

Chief Stephens is engaged in both community and professional activities.  He has been an active advisory board member of Charlotte's United Agenda for Children and Right Moves for Youth. Professionally he is actively involved with improving policing in America. He is the president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association. He has co-authored several books and published many articles on policing issues.

In 2005 Chief Stephens received the prestigious Police Executive Research Forum's Leadership Award and was also elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.  In 2006 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree from Central Missouri State University. He holds a BS degree in the Administration of Justice from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and an MS degree in Public Administration from Central Missouri State University.