The University of Virginia Police Division, along with several other departments and units responsible for keeping students, staff, faculty and visitors safe, has relocated to a central location in newly renovated Zehmer Hall. At a ribbon-cutting Thursday, University leaders said consolidating the public safety, security and emergency management teams under one roof will improve collaboration and coordination.
UVA interim President Paul Mahoney said the central location will assist police and other public safety personnel in their mission to protect the University community.
“I firmly believe these improvements will make Grounds safer and will enable leaders to make timely, well-informed and coordinated decisions in an urgent situation,” Mahoney said.
While there will be no changes to phone numbers or websites, members of the University community or the public requiring in-person assistance should now visit Zehmer Hall, located at 104 Midmont Lane, near Alderman Road.
University Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer “J.J.” Wagner Davis, left, cuts the ceremonial ribbon with UVA Police Chief Tim Longo. The renovated Zehmer Hall consolidates all of 鶹ƽ public safety functions in one location to improve collaboration. (Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)
“This project is about more than just a newly renovated building,” Board of Visitors Rector Rachel Sheridan said. “It represents thoughtful stewardship of our resources, creative problem-solving and the collaboration of many partners who recognized an opportunity to strengthen how we support our community. By bringing key public safety functions together under one roof, we are enhancing coordination and improving response capabilities.”
University Police Chief Tim Longo said he noticed years ago, when he was Charlottesville’s chief of police, that UVA needed a central headquarters. Longo became 鶹ƽ police chief in 2019.
“And here we are 20 years probably after those first conversations, in this beautiful new building,” Longo said of the renovated space. “We hire talented people to work in Facilities (Management), and we hire talented leadership to guide that work. And this is a product of that. So, thank you.”
