Karen E. Bowden

Karen E. Bowden is the incumbent Sheriff for the City of Hampton and a veteran of the Hampton Sheriff's Office for over 38 years. She was appointed Sheriff by the Hampton City Council on December 28, 2020, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the city's history, and was subsequently elected by voters in 2021. Her career began at the front desk, and she rose through the ranks, serving as a Lieutenant, a Major, and as the Undersheriff (second-in-command) for 22 years. Bowden earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Norfolk State University. As Sheriff, she manages a staff of approximately 183 members and an annual budget of about $9.3 million.