The Charlottesville Police Civilian Oversight Board (PCOB) is hosting a community town hall on Apr. 29 to hear questions, concerns and suggestions on ways to improve relationships between the police and the community, according to the event announcement.
The event aims to promote transparency, and board members and PCOB Executive Director Inez Gonzalez will answer questions from the public. They will also “address any misconceptions regarding the scope and limitations of the PCOB’s authority,” the news release said.
“This town hall is designed to create an open dialogue between the community and the oversight board,” said Gonzalez in the announcement. “We want to hear directly from residents about their concerns and ideas for strengthening police-community relationships.”
The Police Civilian Oversight Board is a volunteer body established to provide an additional check on Charlottesville law enforcement and to promote transparency and accountability.
The PCOB is currently in the process of reviewing its operational procedures to clarify the division of responsibilities between the volunteer board members and the Board’s executive director, a city employee. At this point, the civilian volunteers are unable to conduct independent investigations due to procedural limitations, however, they can offer input on broader police policy. The executive director has additional powers, including reviewing police records and observing internal Charlottesville Police Department investigations.
The PCOB was created in the aftermath of the 2017 “Summer of Hate,” when far-right and white nationalist groups marched through Charlottesville, culminating in the death of Heather Heyer and the injury of many others. Some community members were critical of the police department’s response, and local activists pushed for the creation of a civilian board to promote police accountability and transparency.
“Community input is vital to the PCOB’s mission of enhancing accountability and improving police services in Charlottesville. All residents are encouraged to attend and participate in this important conversation,” the release said.
To support members of the Spanish-speaking community, interpreters will be available throughout the event.
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Do you have questions, concerns or suggestions for the Charlottesville Police Civilian Oversight Board, a civilian volunteer body tasked with promoting transparency and accountability of local law enforcement?
They are hosting a town hall meeting on Tuesday, Apr. 29, 2025. The event will take place at the Carver Recreation Center, located at 233 4th St., NW, Charlottesville, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Spanish-language assistance will be provided. Read more information about the town hall here.
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More about the PCOB
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