FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2021
A national search will begin immediately for Charlottesville’s next Police Chief
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - Charlottesville City Manager Chip Boyles announces that Assistant Police Chief James Mooney will manage the Police Department as the City commences a national search for its next Police Chief.
“As I mentioned Wednesday, James Mooney has agreed to continue in his position as Assistant Chief to assist with this transition,” said Boyles. “Major Mooney has said he will not be a candidate for the Chief’s position; however, he has committed to helping keep the department moving in a positive direction.”
On Wednesday, Mr. Boyles announced he was terminating the contract of Chief RaShall Brackney, exercising his right to terminate the Chief’s employment contract, upon 90 days’ notice. She is on paid administrative leave for the next 90 days, until November 30, 2021.
“I want the community to understand that I fully supported the difficult personnel decisions made recently by Chief Brackney,” said Boyles. “I also supported the publication of her letter on August 20 that shared background information with the community on these departmental and staffing changes. Promoting transparency and fostering trust are also important values for me as City Manager.”
“However, in order to dismantle systemic racism and eliminate police violence and misconduct in Charlottesville, we need a leader who is not only knowledgeable in that work, but also is effective building collaborative relationships with the community, the department, and the team at City Hall,” added Boyles. “While very good work and progress has been made, I ultimately decided new leadership was required to continue the City’s progress towards building a new climate and culture within the department.”
The City Manager will share with City Council more details about the Police Department’s transition plan next week.
“We have many dedicated employees in law enforcement that do very difficult jobs every day and who embrace our vision for reform,” said Boyles. “I want them to know that I share their goal of having both a department and a leadership team that they can be proud to serve.”
Media Contact
Brian Wheeler
Director of Communications
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3129
wheelerb@charlottesville.gov