FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2023
30-Year Veteran of Charlottesville Police Honored for his Contribution to Civilian Oversight
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The Charlottesville Police Civilian Oversight Board (PCOB) will be issuing a citation for outstanding public service to Major Tito Durrette of the Charlottesville Police Department at its meeting Thursday evening. The citation recognizes Major Durrette (a 30-year veteran of the department) for his contribution to improved civilian oversight of policing during his tenure as Interim Chief. The citation credits him (in part) with:
“… establish[ing] strong lines of communication with the Board and its Executive Director, and sending a clear message that just and fair policing was a basic value of the Charlottesville Police Department” as well as “affording the Civilian Oversight Board unprecedented cooperation and support in the pursuit of its mission…"
Bill Mendez, the PCOB Chair, stated that before Major Durrette became Interim Chief, the relationship between the Board and the Police Department was often strained and distrustful, with limited communication. “During his tenure, our two organizations began to talk with one another much more openly and we established a very constructive working relationship, greatly assisting the PCOB to fulfill its mission.”
Major Durrette joined the Charlottesville Police Department at age 20, at which time he was the youngest African American officer ever hired. Rising through the ranks, he was the second African American ever to serve as Lieutenant in the Department. He went on to hold a number of leadership posts in the Department, being promoted to Captain in 2019 and Assistant Chief in 2021.
The PCOB meeting will be held tonight at CitySpace, 100 5th St. NE, Charlottesville, starting at 6:30 PM.
Media Contact
Police Civilian Oversight Board
City of Charlottesville
pcob@charlottesville.gov
