Timothy Longo, Chief of Police, City of Charlottesville

Where were you born (and raised, if different)? 
I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland.
 
When and why did you move to the Charlottesville/Albemarle area? 
I was sworn in on February 26, 2001 as the Chief of Police for the City of Charlottesville.
 
What neighborhood do you live in now? 
I live in Locust Grove.
 
Family (spouse, kids, etc.)? 
My wife’s name is Robin and we have four children; Tim (26), Alexandra (23), Joey (15), and Claire (13). We also have two grandsons; Jonathan (2 years, 8 months) and Julian (10 months).
 
What is your alma mater and when did you graduate? 
I earned a Bachelor of Science from Towson University in 1986, and Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1993.
 
What were you doing before you came to work for the city? 
I retired from the Baltimore City Police Department as a Colonel and the Chief of Technical Services in March of 2000. I worked for a global strategic management firm in Rockville for about 9 months before being hired in Charlottesville.
 
Your job title is Chief of Police – what, in your own words, would you say you do? 
I am the Chief Law Enforcement Officer for the City of Charlottesville. In addition to serving as the hiring authority for the department, I also serve as the principal policy maker. As a practical matter, I see myself as a teacher, servant leader, policy maker, risk manager, problem solver, mediator, facilitator, guidance counselor, sometimes a disciplinarian, and always the example of what I would expect from others in the organization.  
 
What is the best part of your job? The most difficult part? 
The best part is the people; the most difficult part is the people (compounded by the politics of local government).
 
How does your job most directly impact the average person? 
Legitimacy and procedural justice are two ways. Legitimacy is how our citizens view our department; procedural justice is how the view the manner in which they are treated by our officers. Both are a direct reflection on me.  
 
What is the most interesting project or work experience that you’ve had while with the city? 
There is no one project or experience. My work here has further shaped my view of the profession and highlighted that work yet to be done.
 
What is a little-known fact about you? 
I love to cook.
 
What do you do outside of work hours – hobbies, etc.?
I love to exercise at ACAC. I also do a considerable amount of training around the country and serve as a police practices expert for both plaintiffs and defendants in police related litigation.