Charlottesville selects new Police Chief: Michael Kochis

The current Warrenton Police Chief will start work January 16

During Monday’s City Council meeting Charlottesville’s interim City Manager Micheal Rogers chose Michael Kochis, current Warrenton Police Chief, as Charlottesville’s new Police Chief. City Council voted unanimously to approve.

According to recruitment materials, Charlottesville was seeking a "visionary, dynamic leader" with an understanding of "21st Century policing" to be its next Chief of Police. Someone with "impeccable" communication and listening skills and "exceptional knowledge" regarding media relations. A consensus builder. And someone with a "deep commitment" to forming strong relationships with the public.

After being prompted by Mayor Lloyd Snook to provide further details on received recommendations, Rogers said he spoke with church leaders, BLM activists, and the NAACP in Warrenton who all gave "glowing reports" about Kochis. Mayor Lloyd Snook added that he had received a letter from the Mayor of Warrenton who told him they were sorry to lose Kochis, adding that he was r…