Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis joined Morning News for a year-end review, highlighting progress in reducing crime and filling department vacancies. Chief Kochis marked nearly two years in his role, noting significant changes since his arrival in January 2023. 

“Were averaging a shooting a day first three months we had 4 homicides. And so, we really kind of had to figure out, you know, come up with a crime plan. We had 30 vacancies at the time. I mean, almost 1/4 of our workforce was empty,” said Kochis, reflecting on the challenges during his initial year. “Today… Part 1 crime, which is our most serious crime right now, is down 10%, and homicides are down a little over 70%.”  

Kochis credited the turnaround to a combination of efforts, emphasizing community partnerships and stable governance. “We’ve gone from 30 vacancies to, I think today, we might have 4…. I don’t think it’s one thing, I think it was a combination of a lot of things,” he explained. “I met with every Council Member when I first got hired my first month or so here, and one of the messages I just said to them is that their words matter.” 

Kochis concluded by emphasizing the broader factors contributing to public safety improvements, such as addressing systemic issues like housing, mental health, and education, noting that violent crime is deeply rooted in poverty.  

Listen here for the full conversation: