Following a nationwide search and intensive interview process, Wake Forest Town Manager Kip Padgett is pleased to announce that Interim Police Chief Julius Jefferson has been appointed permanent Police Chief. Jefferson had served as Interim Chief since Jeff Leonard’s retirement on February 1.

“Chief Jefferson has shown outstanding leadership throughout his nearly 20-year tenure with the Wake Forest Police Department,” said Padgett. “He has built tremendous trust with officers, command staff, professional staff, the Town’s leadership team, and our community. I am confident he will continue to lead the department with integrity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to our community’s safety.”

A Warren County native, Jefferson started his career with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office in 1996 as a Detention Officer. In 1999 he was promoted to Detention Sergeant, a position he held until starting Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) at Vance-Granvile Community College in January 2006. He graduated from BLET later that year.

In September 2006, Jefferson began working with the Wake Forest Police Department as a Patrol Officer. Since then, he has worked as a Patrol Sergeant, Impact Sergeant, Traffic Sergeant, Impact Lieutenant, and Impact Captain. He has also served on the Wake County Traffic Safety Task Force.

Jefferson earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Vance-Granville Community College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from UNC Pembroke. He also attended the 69th session of the Administrative Officers Management Program through NC State, FBI-LEEDA Trilogy (Executive Leadership, Command Leadership, and Supervisor Leadership), FBI Command College, and Ethical Leadership and Leadership on the Line.

When he’s not working, Jefferson enjoys watching movies, carpentry, cleaning cars, and attending car shows.

A community “meet and greet” with Jefferson is being planned for later this year. To contact Chief Jefferson email jjefferson@wakeforestnc.gov.

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[WAKE FOREST, NC] The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to announce Julius Jefferson as its Interim Police Chief. Jefferson, who had served as Captain since 2020, succeeds Jeff Leonard who retired February 1.

A Warren County native and WCHS graduate (1992), Jefferson began his career with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office in 1996 as a Detention Officer. In 1999 he was promoted to Detention Sergeant, a position he held until starting Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) at Vance-Granvile Community College in January 2006. He graduated from BLET later that year.

In September 2006, Jefferson began working with the Wake Forest Police Department as a Patrol Officer. Since then, he has worked as a Patrol Sergeant, Impact Sergeant, Traffic Sergeant, Impact Lieutenant, and Impact Captain. He has also served on the Wake County Traffic Safety Task Force.

Jefferson earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Vance-Granville Community College in 1996 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from UNC Pembroke in 2023. He attended the 69th session of the Administrative Officers Management Program through NC State in 2014, FBI-LEEDA Trilogy (Executive Leadership, Command Leadership, and Supervisor Leadership) 2020-21, FBI Command College in 2022, and Ethical Leadership and Leadership on the Line in 2023.

When he’s not working, Jefferson enjoys watching movies, carpentry, and attending car shows.

“Julius Jefferson’s experience and community knowledge make him the perfect person to succeed Chief Leonard,” said Town Manager Kip Padgett. “He is highly capable and highly respected. He has also demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout his career with the Wake Forest Police Department. I am confident he is the right person to serve as our Interim Chief.”

A permanent police chief will be named later this year following a comprehensive search process.

Source: Wake Forest Police Department Facebook

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