City Council names James Walker director of police civilian oversight

City Council names James Walker director of police civilian oversight

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The City of Charlottesville is pleased to announce that City Council has appointed James Walker as the permanent director of the Office of Police Civilian Oversight, following a recommendation from the Police Civilian Oversight Board (PCOB) and City Manager Sam Sanders.

Walker has served as acting director since August 2025, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Office of Police Civilian Oversight and supporting the board's mission to provide independent, objective civilian oversight of the Charlottesville Police Department (CPD). During his time as acting director, he has strengthened the office's operations, advanced proposed updates to the city's police oversight ordinance, and fostered a collaborative working relationship with CPD while positioning the board for expanded community engagement.

"James has demonstrated thoughtful leadership and a strong commitment to our community during his time as acting director,” said Assistant to the City Manager Steve King. “His collaborative approach makes him well suited to lead the Police Civilian Oversight Board. We look forward to his continued leadership as the board continues its important work.”

Dr. Jeffrey Fracher, PCOB chair, added, “He has been instrumental in jumpstarting the work of the PCOB, preparing the proposed ordinance changes, and forging strong cooperation with Chief Michael Kochis and the Police Department. He is extremely competent, proactive, conscientious, and committed to the City and our mission, and he meets or exceeds my standards on every measure.”

Before joining the City of Charlottesville, Walker built his career in public education at Prince Edward County Public Schools, where he held leadership roles focused on organizational operations, data analysis, and strategic planning. That experience has informed his approach to police civilian oversight, helping him strengthen processes, analyze information objectively, and foster collaboration among city leadership, CPD, and the PCOB.

Outside of his role with the city, Walker enjoys spending time with his wife and two children exploring all that Charlottesville has to offer. Whether they’re attending Fridays After Five, visiting the local parks and green spaces, or shopping at the Charlottesville City Market, he values staying connected to the community he serves.

Walker assumes the permanent role as the PCOB enters a new chapter with all eight board seats filled. The fully seated board continues its work to strengthen accountability, transparency, and public trust through civilian oversight, community engagement, policy review, and recommendations to city leadership and CPD. As part of that commitment, the board is encouraging community members to share their experiences with CPD by completing a brief survey. Feedback from residents will help inform the PCOB's priorities and guide ongoing efforts to promote meaningful, community-centered oversight.

The city congratulates James Walker on his appointment and looks forward to his continued leadership in advancing the mission of the Office of Police Civilian Oversight.