Chief Joe Crawford joined the St. Albans Police Department in 1986 and became chief in July of 2006. Prior to joining this department Chief Crawford was a member of the Dunbar Police Department.

Chief Crawford attended West Virginia State University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Chief Crawford is a member of the SWAT Team, has worked in the detective bureau, and as an undercover officer with a multi-jurisdictional drug task force. Chief Crawford is a volunteer firefighter and certified scuba diver. Chief Crawford is currently Vice-president of the West Virginia State Fraternal Order of Police Lodge.

When off duty Chief Crawford enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid golfer.