Charlottesville Police Department’s Awards and Recognition Program

Members of the Charlottesville Police Department make every effort to perform their duties in a competent, courteous, and professional manner. Frequently, many of our department members exceed the expectations of the public in the performance of their duties. The Charlottesville Police Department recognizes department members for exemplary performance through the use of formal recognition. Formal recognition improves departmental morale and helps challenge department members to perform their duties in a manner above and beyond the normal call of duty.

Medal of Valor - The highest award bestowed by the Charlottesville Police Department and may be awarded to sworn and non-sworn personnel. It shall be awarded only in exceptional cases where an employee who willing and selflessly distinguish themselves through an act of courage, involving risk of imminent serious personal injury for the purpose of saving or protecting human life. This award will consist of an award certificate, a letter of commendation from the Chief of Police, and a pin that may be displayed on the uniform. In addition, the employee will be nominated to represent the police department in a formal City awards ceremony.

The Meritorious Police Service Award - Awarded to a department member who, in the line of duty, distinguishes himself or herself by the performance of an act of courage involving significant personal hazard in protecting or saving human life, or a similar act which is necessary to effect an arrest or prevent an escape of a person who committed an act which seriously exposed any person to death or serious physical injury. Further, the Meritorious Police Service Award may be awarded to a member of the department for performing a highly creditable and unusual police-related task. This award will consist of an award certificate, a letter of commendation from the Chief of Police, and a pin that may be displayed on the uniform. In addition, the employee will be nominated to represent the police department in a formal City awards ceremony.

Life Saving Award - Award provided to sworn and non-sworn personnel. It shall be given only in cases where the employee was considered instrumental in directly contributing to the saving of a human life. This award will consist of an award certificate, a letter of commendation from the Chief of Police, and a pin that may be displayed on the uniform. In addition, the employee will be nominated to represent the police department in a formal City awards ceremony.

Commendation Award - Award provided to sworn and non-sworn personnel. It shall be given only in cases where employees who have performed their duties in a manner which surpasses that which is normally expected. This award shall consist of an award certificate, and a letter of commendation from the employee’s supervisor. Based on the level of the employee’s actions, the award may also include a gift certificate if recommended by the issuing supervisor and approved by the Chief of Police. In addition, the employee may be nominated to represent the police department in a formal City awards ceremony if recommended by the issuing supervisor based on the level of the employee’s actions.

If you would like to tell us about service that you received or witnessed that was worthy of recognition, you may write to the Chief of Police at the address below or respond electronically the Office of Professional Standards by clicking HERE. No matter which option you choose, please accept our thanks for taking the time to share your experience with us.

Timothy J. Longo, Sr.

Chief of Police
Charlottesville Police Department
606 E. Market Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902