FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2026
Charlottesville Police Department invites community to "Let’s Talk!" about public safety technology
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - The Charlottesville Police Department, in partnership with community organizations, is launching Let’s Talk! Public Safety Technology and Community Conversations, a series of neighborhood meetings where residents and officers can openly discuss the growing role of technology in public safety.
As technology continues to advance, it creates new opportunities and raises important questions about how it should be used in law enforcement. These conversations offer a welcoming space for residents to learn, ask questions, share their perspectives, and weigh the potential benefits, challenges, and community considerations of emerging tools.
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The PCOB recently sent a letter to City Council expressing support for technology that would help the department analyze data and support evidence-based approaches to policing. Let’s Talk! continues the discussion from the department’s recent technology presentations to the Police Civilian Oversight Board (PCOB) and City Council.
The goal of Let’s Talk! is to build transparency, encourage honest dialogue, and strengthen trust between the department and the community it serves, making sure community voices help shape how public safety technology is used in Charlottesville.
“Technology is changing how communities approach public safety, and those conversations must include those in our community most affected by it,” said Chief Michael Kochis. “Let’s Talk! is a chance to listen, learn, ask questions, and work through these issues together.”
Residents are encouraged to attend, bring their questions, and come ready for a thoughtful exchange of ideas.
Discussion topics
Each conversation will focus on three areas:
- What technology does the department have and currently use?
- What technology does the department have but is not using?
- Where are the department’s technology gaps and needs?
Event schedule
- Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, 6:00 p.m. – Velocity Urgent Care, Community Room, 920 E High St, virtual attendance available (visit https://albemarle-cvillenaacp.org day of)
- Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – Rose Hill Neighborhood Association/10th and Page Combined Meeting, 1104 Forest St.
- Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, 6:15 p.m. – Fifeville Neighborhood Association, Benjamin Tonsler Recreation Center, 500 Cherry Ave.
- Monday, Nov. 16, 2026, 5:30 p.m. – Venable Neighborhood Association, Gordon Avenue Library, 1500 Gordon Ave.
- Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026, 5:30 p.m. – City Space, 100 5th Street NE
- Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – Lewis Mountain Neighborhood Association, virtual (Neighborhood Association Members Only)
- Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2027, 7:00 p.m. – Fry Springs Neighborhood Association, Fry Springs Beach Club, 2512 Jefferson Park Avenue
