Charlottesville Police Department: Difference between revisions

From Cvillepedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(+citizen review)
(19 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 6: Line 6:


==Divisions and Units<ref>"Charlottesville Police Department Organizational Chart." Chart. Charlottesville Police Department. Charlottesville Police Department, 21 July 2009. Web. 20 Oct. 2009. <http://www.charlottesville.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=12253>.</ref>==
==Divisions and Units<ref>"Charlottesville Police Department Organizational Chart." Chart. Charlottesville Police Department. Charlottesville Police Department, 21 July 2009. Web. 20 Oct. 2009. <http://www.charlottesville.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=12253>.</ref>==
*Support Services Division
*Support Services Division
**Investigations Bureau
**Investigations Bureau
Line 25: Line 26:
**Technical Investigative Support Unit
**Technical Investigative Support Unit


==Personnel==
== Personnel ==
*[[Alfred S. Thomas Jr]], Chief of Police
 
* [[RaShall M. Brackney]], Chief of Police
 
==List of former police chiefs==
The town officially became a city in [[1888]], when it incorporated and annexed surrounding land
 
{| class="wikitable"
!  !! Chief of Police !! Served !! Years of Service
|-
| # || [[John Waters]]  || 1890-1898  || 8
|-
| # || [[Spottswood M. Keller]] ||  1898-1902 || 4
|-
| # || [[Frank P. Farrish]] || 1902-1902* || 1
|-
| # || [[Thomas A. Trice]] || 1902-1914 ||
|-
| # || [[D. C. Grady]] || 1914-1917 ||
|-
| # || [[Z. L. Damron]]  || 1917-1925 ||
|-
| # || [[A. L. Henderson]] || 1918 ||
|-
| # || [[Lindsay Leafe]]  ||  ||
|-
| # || [[Maurice F. Greaver]] ||  1926 - 1953 || 24
|-
| # || [[James E. Adams]] ||  || 14
|-
| # || [[Connie O. Durham]] ||  || 3
|-
| # || [[John DeKoven Bowen]] ||  || 23
|-
| # || [[John M. Wolford]] ||  || 3
|-
| # || [[Julian W. “Buddy” Rittenhouse]] ||  || 4
|-
| # || [[Timothy A. Longo|Timothy J. Longo, Sr]] || 2001-2016 || 15
|-
| # || [[Al Thomas | Alfred S. Thomas, Jr]] ||  2016-2018 || 2
|-
| # || [[RaShall M. Brackney]] || 2018-present ||
|}
 
==Recent Timeline of Charlottesville [[Chief of Police]] appointments==
===[[2016]]===
*[[April 18]]: City Manager [[Maurice Jones]] announced Lexington Police Chief [[Al Thomas]] as his pick to head the Charlottesville Police Department, and [[Charlottesville City Council (2016-2017)]] approved Thomas, who is the city’s first black police chief. Thomas was one of 63 applicants, says Jones, in a search that was “deep” and involved three rounds of interviews. <ref>{{cite web|title=Thomas is Charlottesville’s first black police chief|url=https://www.c-ville.com/historic-hire-al-thomas-charlottesvilles-first-black-police-chief/
|author=Lisa Provence|work=News Article|publisher=|location=|publishdate=April 20, 2016|accessdate=April 18, 2021}}</ref>
*[[May 23]]: Police Chief [[Al Thomas]] started the new job.
 
===[[2017]]===
*[[December 18]]: Serving less than two years, Police Chief [[Al Thomas]] resigned. The city issued a release this Monday afternoon that said Thomas would be retiring, effective immediately. At the last regular meeting of the [[Charlottesville City Council (2016-2017)]], City Manager [[Maurice Jones]]'s announced choice of Deputy Chief [[Gary Pleasants]] as acting chief until an interim one could be named, drew complaints. Speakers at the council blasted the decision. “I think this is unacceptable,” said councilor-elect [[Nikuyah Walker]]. “There is no trust here.”
===[[2018]]===
*[[January 3]]: First regular meeting of the [[Charlottesville City Council (2018-2019)]].
*[[May 15]]: City Manager [[Maurice Jones]] recommended [[RaShall M. Brackney]] to replace [[Al Thomas]] as Charlottesville’s chief of police. Jones said Brackney was the top choice out of 169 applicants.
*[[May 16]]: In a Facebook Live video, Mayor [[Nikuyah Walker]] expressed concerns she had with the police chief selection process. In the video, Walker said there is a disconnect between the City Manager, the City Council and other leaders in Charlottesville. “We were kept out of the process,” she said, referring to the search for a police chief. “Council was not able to participate at every stage of this process.”
*[[May 21]]: At its regular Monday meeting, the [[Charlottesville City Council (2018-2019)]] formally considered Dr. Brackney's appointment. The council approved a resolution blessing the decision of City Manager [[Maurice Jones]] to hire her.<ref>{{cite-progress|title=Brackney officially chosen as Charlottesville police chief|url=http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/city/brackney-officially-chosen-as-charlottesville-police-chief/article_76636d9e-5d4b-11e8-bea8-4b7360f5ca56.html|author=Chris Suarez|pageno=|printdate=May 22, 2018|publishdate=May 21, 2018|accessdate=May 28, 2018}}</ref>
*[[June 18]]: Dr. [[RaShall M. Brackney]] was sworn in by Charlottesville Circuit Court Clerk [[Llezelle Dugger]] as Charlottesville’s next [[Chief of Police]] on Monday at 1 p.m. in [[City Council Chambers]]. <ref>{{cite-progress|title=Brackney sworn in as Charlottesville police chief|url=https://dailyprogress.com/news/local/brackney-sworn-in-as-charlottesville-police-chief/article_78bca1e0-7336-11e8-9867-23c3ae9b8c33.html|author=Chris Suarez|pageno=|printdate=June 19, 2018|publishdate=June 18, 2018|accessdate=June 18, 2021}}</ref>
::In the council-manager form of government, the [[Chief of Police]] reports directly to the [[City Manager]]. In recent years, Council has taken an advisory role in appointing the [[Chief of Police]] (and the [[City Attorney]]).


==Strategic Goals==
==Strategic Goals==
The Charlottesville Police Department has several key strategic goals as depicted in the 2009 Strategic Plan<ref>Charlottesville Police Department Strategic Planning Document. Rep. Charlottesville Police Department, 3 Mar. 2009. Web. 20 Oct. 2009. <http://www.charlottesville.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=12916>.</ref>:
The Charlottesville Police Department has several key strategic goals as depicted in the 2009 Strategic Plan<ref>Charlottesville Police Department Strategic Planning Document. Rep. Charlottesville Police Department, 3 Mar. 2009. Web. 20 Oct. 2009. <http://www.charlottesville.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=12916>.</ref>:
===Operational strategies===
===Operational strategies===
#Reduction of Open Air Drug Activity and Drug/Gun Related Violence
#Reduction of Open Air Drug Activity and Drug/Gun Related Violence
#Reduce Participation in Street Level Gangs and mitigate the level of violence and criminal behavior associated with gang activity
#Reduce Participation in Street Level Gangs and mitigate the level of violence and criminal behavior associated with gang activity
Line 36: Line 96:
#Creating positive opportunities for our youth while reducing the likelihood of youth related crime and violence
#Creating positive opportunities for our youth while reducing the likelihood of youth related crime and violence
#Strengthening public trust
#Strengthening public trust
===Internal strategies===
===Internal strategies===
#To provide a high level of customer service to both internal and external customers, and to enhance our ability to measure customer service
#To provide a high level of customer service to both internal and external customers, and to enhance our ability to measure customer service
#Create and sustain a healthy police department
#Create and sustain a healthy police department
Line 47: Line 109:


==Mall Ambassador program==
==Mall Ambassador program==
The [[City Council]] created the mall ambassador program at the end of 2012 as a way to provide more "eyes on the street" to deter crime on the [[Downtown Mall]] and to be a resource for tourists. The program was eliminated from the budget and it ended on June 30, 2016. <ref>{{cite-progress|title=Mall ambassador program cut in proposed city budget|url=http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/mall-ambassador-program-cut-in-proposed-city-budget/article_ec7b1ce4-e4d9-11e5-811b-7f400ff9c326.html|author=Lauren Berg|pageno=|printdate=March 7, 2016|publishdate=March 7, 2016|accessdate=December 31, 2016}}</ref>
Originally created at the end of [[2012]] by the [[Charlottesville City Council (2012-2013)]] as a way to provide more "eyes on the street" to deter crime on the [[Downtown Mall]] and to be a resource for tourists. On March 7, [[2016]], the [[Charlottesville City Council (2016-2017)]] eliminated the program from the budget and it ended on June 30, 2016. <ref>{{cite-progress|title=Mall ambassador program cut in proposed city budget|url=http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/mall-ambassador-program-cut-in-proposed-city-budget/article_ec7b1ce4-e4d9-11e5-811b-7f400ff9c326.html|author=Lauren Berg|pageno=|printdate=March 7, 2016|publishdate=March 7, 2016|accessdate=December 31, 2016}}</ref>Over a three-year period, the city planned to hire 22 new officers to provide more law enforcement coverage.<ref>{{cite web|title=Timeline: Major Downtown Mall developments|url=https://dailyprogress.com/news/local/timeline-major-downtown-mall-developments/article_6b7beb14-4177-11e6-b528-1f0baf6c1346.html|work=News Article|publisher=The Daily Progress|pageno=|author=Staff reports|printdate= July 3, 2016|publishdate=|accessdate=September 19, 2020}}</ref>


==Citizen review==
==Citizen review==
Since 2008, the police have been overseen by a [[Police Citizen’s Advisory Panel]]. However, the effectiveness of this board has been called into question. Council discussed a new independent panel on November 20, 2017. <ref>{{cite web|title=City Council considers creation of an independent police citizen’s review board|url=http://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2017/11/city-council-considers-creation-of-an-independent-police-citizens-review-board|author=Geremia Di Maro|work=News Article|publisher=Cavalier Daily|location=Charlottesville, Virginia|publishdate=November 25, 2017|accessdate=November 26, 2017}}</ref>
Since 2008, the police have been overseen by a [[Police Citizen’s Advisory Panel]]. However, the effectiveness of this board has been called into question. Council discussed a new independent panel on November 20, 2017. <ref>{{cite web|title=City Council considers creation of an independent police citizen’s review board|url=http://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2017/11/city-council-considers-creation-of-an-independent-police-citizens-review-board|author=Geremia Di Maro|work=News Article|publisher=Cavalier Daily|location=Charlottesville, Virginia|publishdate=November 25, 2017|accessdate=November 26, 2017}}</ref> <ref>{{cite-progress|title=Council moves forward with police review board|url=http://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/council-moves-forward-with-police-review-board/article_e73fecdc-d091-11e7-8510-6777b5c14125.html|author=Chris Suarez|pageno=|printdate=November 23, 2017|publishdate=November 23, 2017|accessdate=November 26, 2017}}</ref> Look at the [[Civilian Review Board]] page for more information.
 
 
==Facilities==
The police headquarters on [[Market Street]] has a moldy basement. <ref>{{cite-progress|title=Charlottesville police-court building has mold, leaks|url=https://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/charlottesville-police-court-building-has-mold-leaks/article_0e1db139-f8d7-5be5-b1b8-710ef687db60.html|author=Nolan Stout|pageno=A1|printdate=November 18, 2019|publishdate=November 18, 2019|accessdate=November 20, 2019}}</ref>


==History==
Organized in [[1888]], the police Department in 1969-70 had a budget of approximately $640,000, a staff of 65 and was supported entirely by City tax funds.<ref>CITIZEN STUDY PACKET NO. 1 PROPOSED MERGER OF CHARLOTTESVILLE AND ALBEMARLE COUNTY|https://www.jmrl.org/ebooks/Citizen%20Study%20Packet%20No.%201.PDF|www.jmrl.org›ebooks</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 57: Line 125:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.charlottesville.org/police/ Charlottesville Police Department]
*[http://www.charlottesville.org/police/ Charlottesville Police Department]
*[http://www.charlottesville.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=8644 Daily Police Bulletin]
*[http://www.charlottesville.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=8644 Daily Police Bulletin]
*[http://charlottesville.va.crimeviewcommunity.com/ CrimeView website]
*[http://charlottesville.va.crimeviewcommunity.com/ CrimeView website]
[[Category:Charlottesville offices and departments|Police department]]
[[Category:Charlottesville offices and departments|Police department]]
[[Category:Public safety agencies]]
[[Category:Public safety agencies]]
<references />

Revision as of 10:22, 18 June 2021


Logo-small25.jpg This article is a stub. You can help cvillepedia by expanding it.
Cville-police-logo.jpg

Mission statement

"The Department's mission is to provide the citizens of the City of Charlottesville with a modern and professional police department which will protect life and property; preserve law and order; enforce criminal, traffic, and regulatory laws; and, provide essential public safety services to our community."

Divisions and Units[1]

  • Support Services Division
    • Investigations Bureau
      • Forensics Unit
    • Neighborhood Services Bureau
      • School Resource Officer Unit
      • Traffic Unit|Traffic Unit
      • Crime Prevention Unit
    • Jefferson Area Drug Enforcement Task Force
  • Field Operations Division
    • Patrol Bureau
    • S.W.A.T.
    • Crisis Negotiation Team
  • Administrative Services Bureau
    • Crime Analysis Unit
    • Staff Development and Accreditation Unit
    • Internal Affairs Unit
    • Information and Management Services
    • Technical Investigative Support Unit

Personnel

List of former police chiefs

The town officially became a city in 1888, when it incorporated and annexed surrounding land

Chief of Police Served Years of Service
# John Waters 1890-1898 8
# Spottswood M. Keller 1898-1902 4
# Frank P. Farrish 1902-1902* 1
# Thomas A. Trice 1902-1914
# D. C. Grady 1914-1917
# Z. L. Damron 1917-1925
# A. L. Henderson 1918
# Lindsay Leafe
# Maurice F. Greaver 1926 - 1953 24
# James E. Adams 14
# Connie O. Durham 3
# John DeKoven Bowen 23
# John M. Wolford 3
# Julian W. “Buddy” Rittenhouse 4
# Timothy J. Longo, Sr 2001-2016 15
# Alfred S. Thomas, Jr 2016-2018 2
# RaShall M. Brackney 2018-present

Recent Timeline of Charlottesville Chief of Police appointments

2016

2017

  • December 18: Serving less than two years, Police Chief Al Thomas resigned. The city issued a release this Monday afternoon that said Thomas would be retiring, effective immediately. At the last regular meeting of the Charlottesville City Council (2016-2017), City Manager Maurice Jones's announced choice of Deputy Chief Gary Pleasants as acting chief until an interim one could be named, drew complaints. Speakers at the council blasted the decision. “I think this is unacceptable,” said councilor-elect Nikuyah Walker. “There is no trust here.”

2018

In the council-manager form of government, the Chief of Police reports directly to the City Manager. In recent years, Council has taken an advisory role in appointing the Chief of Police (and the City Attorney).

Strategic Goals

The Charlottesville Police Department has several key strategic goals as depicted in the 2009 Strategic Plan[5]:

Operational strategies

  1. Reduction of Open Air Drug Activity and Drug/Gun Related Violence
  2. Reduce Participation in Street Level Gangs and mitigate the level of violence and criminal behavior associated with gang activity
  3. Helping to sustain safe and healthy neighborhoods through collaborations, engagement and problem solving
  4. Creating positive opportunities for our youth while reducing the likelihood of youth related crime and violence
  5. Strengthening public trust

Internal strategies

  1. To provide a high level of customer service to both internal and external customers, and to enhance our ability to measure customer service
  2. Create and sustain a healthy police department
  3. To recruit and retain the very best candidate that we are capable of identifying
  4. To develop stronger management and leadership opportunities for the entire organization
  5. To develop a stronger infrastructure of supporting resources within the department

In the news

In 2010, the police department began charging $150 for escorting funeral processions[6].

Mall Ambassador program

Originally created at the end of 2012 by the Charlottesville City Council (2012-2013) as a way to provide more "eyes on the street" to deter crime on the Downtown Mall and to be a resource for tourists. On March 7, 2016, the Charlottesville City Council (2016-2017) eliminated the program from the budget and it ended on June 30, 2016. [7]Over a three-year period, the city planned to hire 22 new officers to provide more law enforcement coverage.[8]

Citizen review

Since 2008, the police have been overseen by a Police Citizen’s Advisory Panel. However, the effectiveness of this board has been called into question. Council discussed a new independent panel on November 20, 2017. [9] [10] Look at the Civilian Review Board page for more information.


Facilities

The police headquarters on Market Street has a moldy basement. [11]

History

Organized in 1888, the police Department in 1969-70 had a budget of approximately $640,000, a staff of 65 and was supported entirely by City tax funds.[12]

References

  1. "Charlottesville Police Department Organizational Chart." Chart. Charlottesville Police Department. Charlottesville Police Department, 21 July 2009. Web. 20 Oct. 2009. <http://www.charlottesville.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=12253>.
  2. Web. Thomas is Charlottesville’s first black police chief, Lisa Provence, News Article, April 20, 2016, retrieved April 18, 2021.
  3. Web. Brackney officially chosen as Charlottesville police chief, Chris Suarez, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, May 21, 2018, retrieved May 28, 2018.
  4. Web. Brackney sworn in as Charlottesville police chief, Chris Suarez, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, June 18, 2018, retrieved June 18, 2021.
  5. Charlottesville Police Department Strategic Planning Document. Rep. Charlottesville Police Department, 3 Mar. 2009. Web. 20 Oct. 2009. <http://www.charlottesville.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=12916>.
  6. Strong, Ted. "City Police Start Charging for Funeral Procession Escorts | Daily Progress." Home | Daily Progress. 30 Aug. 2010. Web. 30 Aug. 2010. <http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2010/aug/29/city-police-start-charging-funeral-procession-esco-ar-478716/>.
  7. Web. Mall ambassador program cut in proposed city budget, Lauren Berg, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, March 7, 2016, retrieved December 31, 2016.
  8. Web. Timeline: Major Downtown Mall developments, Staff reports, News Article, The Daily Progress, retrieved September 19, 2020.
  9. Web. City Council considers creation of an independent police citizen’s review board, Geremia Di Maro, News Article, Cavalier Daily, Charlottesville, Virginia, November 25, 2017, retrieved November 26, 2017.
  10. Web. Council moves forward with police review board, Chris Suarez, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, November 23, 2017, retrieved November 26, 2017.
  11. Web. Charlottesville police-court building has mold, leaks, Nolan Stout, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, November 18, 2019, retrieved November 20, 2019. Print. November 18, 2019 page A1.
  12. CITIZEN STUDY PACKET NO. 1 PROPOSED MERGER OF CHARLOTTESVILLE AND ALBEMARLE COUNTY|https://www.jmrl.org/ebooks/Citizen%20Study%20Packet%20No.%201.PDF%7Cwww.jmrl.org›ebooks

External links