Virginia Beach Sheriff Rocky Holcomb has resurrected the long-dormant major position in the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office (VBSO) with the goal of providing additional oversight and transparency in all inmate-related services within the VBSO.
Capt. Joseph Bartolomeo, who oversees the VBSO Professional Standards Office, will be promoted to major at the end of November and will assume duties on Dec. 2, 2024. He will report to the Chief Deputy of Operations. The major position has been open since 2004.
Bartolomeo’s oversight as Major will include:
- All inmate-related services in Correctional Operations
- Criminal Intelligence Unit
- Classification
- K9 Unit
“Over the past several months with the help of my Executive Leadership Team, we decided that the rank of Major is needed to bring more oversight and direction to day-to-day Correctional Center operations and all inmate services. I know Capt. Bartolomeo will provide that structure and leadership to the VBSO Captains, Lieutenants, Sergeants and Deputies,” Holcomb said. “He also will be transparent in his duties and Correctional Operations oversight and will serve in advancing our mission and values of T.R.U.S.T. (Transparency, Respect, Unity, Service and Training). I also continue to ensure that the safety and security of inmates and those who oversee them remain top priorities. “
Bartolomeo has 22 years of experience with the VBSO and has served in leadership positions in Correctional Operations, Correctional Support, the Criminal Intelligence Unit/K9 Unit/Classification, Court Security and Training where he was responsible for implementing body-worn cameras. As the Professional Standards and Accountability Captain, he is responsible for internal investigations, developing and implementing policies and procedures, and maintaining compliance with state accreditation and Virginia Department of Corrections standards. In addition, he served 13 years on the VBSO Emergency Response Team and is certified by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services as a General Instructor and Defensive Tactics Instructor.
Bartolomeo earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and business from Virginia Military Institute and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session 260.
Bartolomeo is a strong advocate for fitness and completes the VBSO LawFit program twice per year. He’s also an avid sports fan. He’s married with two children.
Media interested in doing a story on this promotion should contact Public Information Officer Toni Guagenti at tguagenti@vbso.net or 757-385-8446 .