"Lead, Innovate, and Inspire"

About Karen

Sheriff Karen Bowden is a native of Smithfield, Virginia and has been a resident of Hampton, Virginia for many years. She is a graduate of Smithfield High School and received her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Norfolk State University.

Over 30 years ago, Karen walked into the Hampton Sheriff's Office to begin her career in law enforcement. Even though Sheriff Bowden started as a deputy operating the front desk in the office, her work ethic was the impetus for one promotion after another. She became a Lieutenant, later a Major with the title of Jail Administrator supervising 123 employees and managing over 350 inmates. Continuing to excel at each assignment, by 1998 Sheriff Bowden was again promoted to Colonel, with the title of Undersheriff, making her second-in-command of the Hampton Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Bowden was appointed Sheriff by Hampton City Council in 2021 upon the passing of Sheriff B.J. Roberts.

Karen was subsequently elected by voters in Hampton in 2021, and now she's running for reelection in 2025.

Sheriff Bowden currently supervises and manages a staff of approximately 183 sworn and civilian staff members and an average daily inmate population of 265 for FY 2020. Her duties also include the development and management of an annual budget of approximately $9.3 million dollars.

Sheriff Bowden is married to her husband Larrine and they are the parents of a son, affectionately known as “TJ.” She is a member of First Gravel Hill Baptist Church.

Sheriff Bowden looks forward to writing a book on leadership, and becoming a national leadership trainer.

Education

Certificate - Myers-Briggs Type Indicator - November 2020
Certificate - Virginia Sheriff’s Institute, VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs - April 26, 2018
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA - May 2011
Certificate - Virginia Sheriff’s Association, Richmond, VA, Courthouse Security Assessment - December 2005
Certificate - Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Hampton, VA, Leadership Institute of the Virginia Peninsula - June 2002
Certificate - National Institute of Corrections, Longmont, CO, Executive Excellence Program - January 2001
Certificate - American Correctional Association, Alexandria, VA, Certified Jail Auditor - September 2001
Certificate - American Jail Association, Hagerstown, MD, Certified Jail Manager - November 2001
Certificate - National Institute of Corrections, Longmont, CO, Correctional Leadership Development - September 1997
Certificate - Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, Newport News, VA, General Instructor - December 1994

Professional Experience

Sheriff, City of Hampton, Virginia, January 2021 -
Undersheriff, Hampton Sheriff’s Office, Hampton, Virginia - June, 1998 - January, 2021
- Provides general oversight and leadership for the Corrections, Court Services, Professional Standards & Training, Administration and Medical areas of the office. The Undersheriff upholds the charge to embrace the Hampton Sheriff’s Office brand of “committed to excellence” with emphasis on safety, security, performance management and accountability.
- Essential Functions
  - Formulate organizational strategy and strategic budget planning
  - Assist the Sheriff in the leadership and supervision of the Command Staff and Line Staff - manage a staff of 177 civilian and sworn members
  - Administration of the Finance, Procurement and Payroll
  - Provide leadership in special projects and initiatives of the Sheriff
  - Responsible for the development and management of an annual budget of approximately 9.3 million dollars
  - Responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Office
  - Ensure policies and procedures are evenly applied
  - Generate, articulate, communicate, and sustain a vision for all staff members
Sworn Officer, ascending ranks, Hampton Sheriff's Office, Hampton, Virginia, 1984 - 1998

Notable Achievements

Launched a Quality Assurance Team
Launched and Completed a Business Plan
Launched a Jail Assessment Team
Met all management and operating standards for the Virginia Department of Corrections
Received an “unqualified opinion” on annual financial statements
Developed new recruitment and orientation efforts
Developed and implemented leadership training for new leaders/managers
Developed and implemented Policy Review Committee
Selected for key leadership roles in the Sheriff’s Office, in addition to; ensuring the management and operations of the Hampton Sheriff’s Office is properly supervised , managed a staff of approximately 183 sworn and civilian staff members, and an average daily inmate population of 281 for Fiscal Year 2019. Further, the task includes the development and management of an annual budget of approximately $9.3 million dollars.

Professional Affiliations

Peninsula Powerhouse Speakers - Toastmaster Member
Past Member of the Planning Committee for the Hampton Roads Regional Jail
Hampton Roads Regional Jail Board - Member
Hampton Roads Regional Jail Authority - Alternate Member
American Correctional Association - Member
American Correctional Association - Auditor
American Jail Association- Certified Jail Manager (CJM)
American Jail Association – Past Certified Jail Commissioner Member & Chairperson
National Sheriff’s Association - Member
National Organization of Black Law Enforcement - Member
Virginia Correctional Association - Member
Virginia Sheriff’s Association - Member

Volunteer/Mentoring

Barrett-Peake Heritage Foundation Distinguished Leadership Award
Historical Foundation of Aberdeen Garden - Board of Directors
Y.H. Thomas Athletic Association
American Heart Association
Hampton Sheriff’s Office Planning Coordinator - Cardiac Arrest Event
Early Intervention Program
Senior Informational Program
Special Olympic Polar Plunge