Sheriff Eric Atkins has devoted his entire professional career to the administration of justice. Beginning in 1984 as a deputy with the City of Salem Sheriff’s Office, “Ric” as he is affectionately known, completed Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy’s Fifth Law Enforcement Basic School in November 1985. He was appointed to the position of Chief Deputy in September 2000. In December 2007 Ric became Sheriff and was duly elected to office in a Special Election in May 2008 and again in the General Election in November 2009.

Sheriff Atkins has completed numerous educational and professional training schools as well as executive leadership programs including the Professional Executive Leadership School of the University of Richmond.

As accreditation manager, then Chief Deputy Atkins was instrumental in leading his office to accredited status, initially in 2005 and most recently as Sheriff in February 2009. Under the banner of the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission, Ric achieved the designation of Master Agency Assessor regarding this highly respected program for police departments and sheriff’s offices.

Holding to the tenet that competent exercise of authority and leadership comes not by happenstance, but by extensive and continuous training, Sheriff Atkins is a proponent of curricula that challenge the mind and the body simultaneously. To this end, he continues to serve as a member of the Governing Council of the Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy and a member of the Board of Directors for the newly instituted Western Virginia Regional Jail Authority. Sheriff Atkins also serves on the Board for the Court Community Corrections of the Roanoke Valley as well as the Regional VASAP and Drug Court Advisory Boards. Sheriff Atkins is a long-time member of the Salem Rotary Club and currently serves on its Board of Directors.

Sheriff Atkins believes in the guiding principles that not only drives his office, but also should be the force behind any accreditation effort. Those are Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and commitment.

"It is my personal belief that achieving accredited status through the VLEPSC is the highest honor that can be achieved by any law enforcement agency in Virginia and is for the ultimate benefit to the citizens we serve."

Sheriff Atkins, a native of this area, is married to his high school sweetheart Teri. They are blessed with twin sons, Cameron, a graduate of the University of Virginia, and Tyler, a graduate of Virginia Tech.

Return to the Executive Board page.