Police Administration Last updated or reviewed on November 24, 2025 View the Department’s Organizational Chart Interim Chief Jackie Stepp Interim Chief Jacquelyn “Jackie” Stepp Deputy Chief Jacquelyn “Jackie” Stepp was named interim police chief on November 21, 2025. She started with the Asheville Police Department (APD) in October 2005. Before holding the rank of Deputy Chief, she held the ranks of Captain, Lieutenant, and Sergeant. She is the Department’s only female firearms instructor and the first female Deputy Chief and Interim Chief. As Captain, she oversaw the Community Engagement Division and, before that, the Patrol Division and Finance and Support Division. As a Lieutenant, she served as the West Asheville District Commander, the Recruitment and Career Development Commander, and the Professional Standards Section Commander. Before being promoted to lieutenant, she was a sergeant in the Downtown Bike Unit and Internal Affairs. Early in her career, she held various assignments, including the Bike Team, Crowd Control Team, Field Training Officer, and Community Resource Officer. Interim Chief Stepp is a Hendersonville native and North Henderson High School graduate. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Western Carolina University. She is also a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute, the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Trilogy Program, the Internal Association of Chiefs of Police Women’s Leadership Institute, and the WNC Law Enforcement Leadership Academy. Contact Information: Office: (828) 259-5915 jstepp@ashevillenc.gov Deputy Chief Sean Aardema Deputy Chief Sean Aardema Deputy Chief Sean Aardema started with the Asheville Police Department (APD) in July 1999. He has served as an officer with the department for over 24 years. Before holding the rank of Deputy Chief, he held the ranks of Captain, Lieutenant, and Sergeant. As Captain, he oversaw the Patrol Division. As a lieutenant, he served as the Criminal Investigations and Professional Standards Section Commander. Before being promoted to Lieutenant, he was a Sergeant over the Major Crimes Unit and South Central Patrol Unit. He has also served as a Basic Law Enforcement Instructor in the department. Deputy Chief Aardema is an Asheville native and T.C. Roberson High School graduate. He received his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and is an FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Trilogy Program graduate. Contact Information: Office: (828) 259-5423 saardema@ashevillenc.gov
