Sergeant Carol Adams

Carol Adams, a Sergeant in the Community Care Unit of the Richmond Police, is a self-professed shy, introspective, adventurous and solitary person. She has a deep commitment to her assignment to the Community Care Unit and a goal to demystify the police to her community and reveal the essence of the community to her co-workers and trainees.

At age 8, her family moved to Richmond from Emporia, settling in the Carver neighborhood. As the oldest of two girls, Carol reports having periods of rebellion due to early expectations that she would handle leadership duties in her home. At that time, Carol had little interest in the police due to her family’s experiences with domestic violence which ended tragically when her father murdered her mother in her presence.

Carol’s young adult life was also shaped by teen motherhood and the responsibility of caring for her sister. “My Grandmother saved my life by teaching me forgiveness. Her teachings deeply influenced my view of people, God, the importance of service, and launched my servant journey.” In her twenties, she worked as a Deputy Sheriff in the Youth Detention Center where she became aware of her ability to understand the perspectives of both the civilian and law enforcement worlds and began to see herself as a translator. Her tenure as a Deputy Sheriff also gave her a love for working with youth.

Carol’s attraction to the Richmond Police Force came from her understanding of the increased opportunities to serve, support and impact the future of her neighbors and others like herself. She quickly became devoted to demonstrating her caring, respectful, and humanistic approach to interacting with people as a police officer. “I love police work because when people call you, they need help”.

Members preparing for the Carol Adams Foundation’s 6th Annual Fashion Show to raise awareness about domestic violence.

When appointed to Community Care, she threw herself into relationship with children, youth and their families. She has touched youth through experiences and prides herself on exhibiting consistency and caring. “I want everyone to feel my love and respect and all of the children to know and experience the same love I share with my six grandchildren”. As a supervisor and a trainer, Sgt. Adams has taken her translator job seriously using her time “at the table of leadership” to represent her people ensuring that their presence is both heard and felt there. Carol considers her opportunity to be a part of the leadership of the Richmond Police Department a blessing. Her work with other officers instills in them the importance of self-care. She is also positioned to share her values and opinions on successful community policing with new officers. “Successful police work is based on mutual interaction and engagement.”

Sgt. Adams cannot rest from her personal journey and is present for both her community and her co-workers.

Carol Adams …Valiant, Forthright, Honest, Passionate, God-Fearing, and on assignment. She is unashamedly living her life, intentionally in the service of her God, and loves RVA’s youth.