BS in Criminology, Law and Society

Maggie DeBoard, 1986

The annual Distinguished Alumni Reception recognizes the accomplishments of an exemplary alum from each of the academic programs in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Those honored are nominated by department chairs, faculty and staff, based on criteria that includes professional accomplishments, awards, philanthropy, service and contributions to the college and university community. In Fall 2017, the Department of Criminology, Law and Society honored Maggie DeBoard.

DeBoard is a 31-year law enforcement professional who spent the first 26 years of her career as a law enforcement officer with the Fairfax County Police Department, retiring as a Deputy Chief. She is currently serving as the Chief of Police for the Town of Herndon Police Department.

Maggie has held a multitude of leadership positions throughout her law enforcement career, including the command and supervision of the Helicopter Unit, Major Crimes Bureau, Northern Virginia Regional Intelligence Center, and Special Operations Division, where she commanded Fairfax County Police’s SWAT and Explosive Ordinance Disposal teams. She has developed innovative programs for law enforcement throughout her career, including a progressive Safety Officer Program, which was highlighted in Police Chief Magazine. She is certified as a master instructor for the Department of Homeland Security and has taught nationally on a variety of law enforcement related topics.

Maggie received her bachelors of science degree in criminology from Mason in 1986 and completed her master of arts degree in homeland security and defense from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2015. She is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Maggie is a board member for the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, and sits on several statewide committees.  She was recently appointed by Governor McAuliffe to serve as the law enforcement representative on the Virginia Forensic Science Board. She also continues to serve as the President of the Police Unity Tour – Chapter IV, a nonprofit organization that honors officers killed in the line of duty.