Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis reflected on the dangers officers face and the importance of interagency cooperation following a recent incident where officers were fired upon while assisting Albemarle County police. “You don’t realize what just happened until you drive home from your shift that day,” Kochis said, recalling his own early-career experience with gunfire. He emphasized the department’s improvements in officer mental health support and training over the years.  

Kochis highlighted the collaboration between local law enforcement agencies, calling the partnership with Albemarle County Police and the University of Virginia Police Department “the strongest partnership I’ve ever had in my 27 years of doing this.” He discussed how mutual support helps ensure faster responses, especially in areas like Rio Hill, and stressed the increased presence of firearms at nearly every call officers respond to. Kochis added that training has evolved to keep encounters both safe and respectful. 

The Chief also touched on community feedback and efforts to reduce gun violence, sharing the story of a mother whose child was once near a shooting but now feels safer thanks to targeted policing efforts. “We haven’t had a shooting on that block… in like a year and a half,” Kochis said, attributing progress not only to arrests but to the department’s engagement with residents. He plans to present these stories and data, including a 10% drop in Part 1 crimes, to City Council as part of the department’s 2024 report. 

Listen to the full conversation here: