Police chief outlines tactics, data and outreach after West Haven, South First Street shootings

Charlottesville Police Chief Conyers told the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority board on July 8 that gun-related crimes across the city are down about 40% on a three-year average but that recent incidents, including one that involved about 30 rounds fired on a lot with small children, underscore continuing local safety concerns. "Gun violence incidents across the city wide are down on a 3 year average about 40% right now," Conyers said.

The chief presented patrol and deployment data to explain how the department places resources in neighborhoods with spikes in calls. He said South First Street sees most spikes Friday–Saturday between 5 p.m. and 1 a.m., while West Haven spikes Thursday–Saturday between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. Conyers described a policing approach that emphasizes officers leaving vehicles, walking the neighborhood and building relationships rather than simply sitting in cars.

Why it…