Fredericksburg Appoints Interim Chief Mason As New Police Chief

Chief Betsy Mason, who has served the department since 2012, formally assumes the role after serving as interim chief since January 2026.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The City of Fredericksburg, Virginia has appointed Betsy Mason as the new Chief of Police. Mason has been serving as the interim chief since January 2026 and previously worked as a deputy chief and in other roles within the Fredericksburg Police Department since 2012. Prior to joining the Fredericksburg force, Mason worked for seven and a half years with the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office.

Why it matters

The appointment of a new police chief is an important leadership transition for the Fredericksburg Police Department, which is responsible for providing professional law enforcement services and protecting the community. Mason's prior experience and credentials suggest she is well-qualified to lead the department.

The details

City Manager Tim Baroody announced the appointment, stating that Mason is the "right person for the job" and that he is "proud to appoint her as Fredericksburg's next Chief of Police." Mason expressed gratitude for the opportunity and said she looks forward to continuing to strengthen public trust through transparency, collaboration, and partnership between officers and the community.

  • Mason has served as a sworn member of the Fredericksburg Police Department since 2012.
  • Mason was selected to serve as deputy chief in 2023.
  • Mason has been serving as interim chief since Chief Brian Layton's retirement on Jan. 1, 2026.

The players

Betsy Mason

The new Chief of Police for the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Mason has served the department since 2012 and previously worked for the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office.

Tim Baroody

The City Manager of Fredericksburg, Virginia who announced the appointment of Betsy Mason as the new Police Chief.

Brian Layton

The former Chief of Police for the Fredericksburg Police Department, who retired in January 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Chief Mason has been a leader within our police department and was previously selected as Deputy Chief after a statewide search. She is the right person for the job and I am proud to appoint her as Fredericksburg's next Chief of Police.”

— Tim Baroody, City Manager (patch.com)

“I am truly honored and humbled to be appointed as the next Chief of Police for this great city. I want to thank our city leadership for the confidence they have placed in me to lead this department.”

— Betsy Mason, New Police Chief (patch.com)

“I am proud of the dedicated men and women of our nationally accredited police department, and I look forward to working alongside those whose professionalism and commitment make our city safer every day. As chief, I will continue to strengthen public trust through transparency, collaboration and partnership between our officers and the community we serve.”

— Betsy Mason, New Police Chief (patch.com)

The takeaway

The appointment of Betsy Mason as the new Police Chief of Fredericksburg represents a leadership transition for the city's police department, which is focused on providing professional law enforcement services and building trust with the community. Mason's prior experience and credentials suggest she is well-positioned to lead the department and continue its mission of keeping the city safe.