Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis joined WINA Morning News to commend his officers on recent efforts to curb violence in the community, highlighting arrests of individuals with dangerous weapons, including a machine gun and AK-47. Kochis emphasized the resolve of his department, saying, “If you pick up a firearm in this community and commit a crime, we’re going to hold you accountable…our officers are out there apprehending individuals just in a very tough situation.”

Dr. Brian Williams, a professor at the University of Virginia and founder of the “Public Engagement in Governance: Looking, Listening, and Learning Lab,” also joined the conversation, and echoed the commitment to community-led safety initiatives. He described his philosophy, explaining, “My lab is all about how we can be proactive in a coactive way without being reactive. So we’re focusing upstream and not downstream.” This initiative is aimed at addressing and ultimately reducing gun violence in a proactive, collaborative way. 

The event on Saturday, “Peace Up, Guns Down,” will include a screening of “Juvenile of the Five Stories” as part of the Virginia Film Festival, followed by discussions and resources aimed at empowering youth and families to address and prevent gun violence in Charlottesville. 

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