New police chief shares goals for CPD
One day after appointing Warrenton Police Chief Michael Kochis as Charlottesville’s next chief, the city held a press conference so Kochis could share his priorities and goals for the department.
Kochis, who has led the WPD since 2020, said he met former CPD chief RaShall Brackney for the first time and had a “very cordial conversation” with her at the city’s police chief candidate forum on November 28, but has not spoken with her since. Brackney has filed a $10 million lawsuit against the city and 10 individuals, alleging she was wrongfully terminated on the basis of her race and gender.
“I don’t know the details of what happened,” said Kochis of Brackney’s lawsuit. “I will say that the accusation of racism … should be taken very seriously. That accusation [against] anyone deserves a full and thorough investigation. And if I had any evidence that that would be occurring, it would be dealt with.”
The new chief said he will immediately begin developing a strategic plan for the department, and directly involve CPD staff, the Police Civilian Oversight Board, community members, and other stakeholders in the process.
Acknowledging the rift between the CPD and the community, Kochis emphasized the importance of facilitating “real-life conversations” between police and area residents, as well as requiring officers to spend time in the community, to build trust. He also suggested creating a community action team, a reform he implemented in Warrenton, and utilizing the department’s citizens police academy.
“In order for me to understand your expectations, it’s going to take a lot of conversations, me being present in those communities, and listening to a lot of people,” said Kochis. “[This] is a community that is screaming to be … involved in their police department.”
To put an end to the recent spike in shootings in the city, the department and residents must work together, especially regarding juvenile gun violence, Kochis said. Police need to alert parents to the warning signs that their child is “going down the wrong path,” and speak with both youth and parents to get their ideas on preventing gun violence.
“We need to sit down and understand what types of programs we have in the city that allow law enforcement … to be involved with youth at a young age so they see them as a positive role model … other than what they may see from another gang member,” said Kochis.
The new chief also expressed support for violence intervention and prevention efforts, like the B.U.C.K. Squad.
“[The squad] can meet with youth that will talk with them and maybe not talk with the police, and they can prevent a crime. … I think it’s a great thing,” said Kochis. “I hope we can partner with them.”
Additionally, recruitment and retention are among Kochis’ top priorities—the CPD has a severe staffing shortage. He stressed the importance of creating a positive public image to attract quality candidates.
Kochis’ first day on the job is January 16.
In brief
Name changes
After two years of public feedback, Venable and Clark elementary schools are getting new names, selected by third- and fourth-grade students at both schools. Venable—named for Confederate officer Charles Venable, who supported slavery and promoted the Lost Cause myth—will become Trailblazers Elementary, honoring the Charlottesville Twelve, the first Black students to desegregate the city’s white schools. At Clark—named for Revolutionary War officer George Rogers Clark, who led militias that slaughtered Indigenous people and stole their land—students chose Friendship Elementary, celebrating the importance of friendships and referencing the Friendship Court public housing community, where many Clark students live. Because Friendship won by just five votes, the Charlottesville School Board is seeking public input on the choice between that name and Summit, a nod to the school’s view of the mountains. To weigh in on the decision, email schoolboard@charlottesvilleschools.org before the board’s January 5 meeting.
UVA shooting update
On December 8, University of Virginia shooting suspect Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. attended his second court hearing, and revealed he had not yet hired his own attorney. Though Jones asked the court last month to give him time to secure a lawyer, he will continue to be represented by public defender Liz Murtaugh until he finds other counsel, reports NBC12. A preliminary hearing is now set for March 30, 2023. The same day as the hearing, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares announced that law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan, LLP, will lead an external review of the shooting. Former U.S. Attorney Zachary Terwilliger will also serve as a special counsel for law enforcement issues.