Officer in charge
Capt. William Ray
Field Operations Commander
Phone
Fax 304-256-1731
Main 304-256-1720
Coverage
24 hours, every day
Three shifts
Location
501 Neville Street
Beckley, WV 25801
Overview
About the Unit
The backbone of the Beckley Police Department is its patrol officers. While other specialty areas may receive more attention, it is the officers on patrol who interact with and serve the community every day.
Each year Beckley patrol officers respond to or self initiate well over 25,000 calls for service in the City of Beckley.
Patrol operates around the clock with three shifts providing 24 hours of continuous coverage. The division is commanded by Capt. William Ray and three shift lieutenants.
The unit's work
What This Unit Does
Provides police protection across the city
Responds to calls for service 24 hours a day
Enforces local ordinances and state laws
Handles traffic enforcement and monitors traffic problems
Runs three shifts for continuous coverage every day of the year
Leadership
Officer in Charge
Capt. William Ray, Field Operations Commander
Capt. William Ray
Captain William Ray is a 27 year veteran of the Beckley Police Department. He was promoted to Captain on January 27, 2025, and serves as Field Operations Commander. In that role he is responsible for the Patrol Division, including day, evening, and night shift patrol units, the PRO officer at Woodrow Wilson High School, the SRO officers at Park and Beckley-Stratton Middle Schools, the Domestic Violence Officer, the Highway Safety Officer, the Community Service Officer, and the K-9 unit.
Ray graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1993 and went on to attend Mountain State University and the University of Charleston, earning a certificate in Senior Law Enforcement Leadership. He joined the Beckley Police Department in 1998 and completed the 102nd basic class in January of 1999.
Ray has served most of his career in the Patrol Division, with a period on the R.U.D.E. task force. He most recently served as evening shift commander, and has worked out of the East Beckley Precinct as patrol area supervisor, working closely with the community, organizing community watch programs, and allocating resources to meet departmental goals. He has been recognized by the Southern Regional Highway Safety Program with several safety awards.
Division command
Command and Shift Supervisors
Contact
Contact the Patrol Division
Patrol operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. In an emergency, call 911.
Unit contact
Officer
Capt. William Ray
Field Operations Commander
Mailing address
Beckley Police Department
501 Neville Street
Beckley, WV 25801
Coverage
24 hours a day
Seven days a week
Main line
Fax
304-256-1731