Public Safety Standing Committee Meeting - September 22, 2026

The Richmond City Council Public Safety Standing Committee met on September 22, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting included public comments, approval of minutes, presentations from the Commonwealth's Attorney and the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response (DECPR), and consideration of two legislative items. The committee voted to forward both items to the full Council with recommendations for approval.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jennifer Fields – Expressed frustration with police and 911 response, citing an incident where a man exposed himself in her car (case not resolved), a girl pulling a gun on her (no action taken), and animal control refusing to respond to a dog left tied outside for 24 hours. She stated that Councilwoman Trammell contacted the Chief of Police to intervene. Trammell apologized for not contacting the Deputy of Animal Control and noted the chief was present to speak with her.
• Richard Watkins (Daiichi Shotokan, Virginia LLC) – Described ongoing issues at his dojo in Plaza View shopping center: loitering, public marijuana smoking near children, a vehicle crashing into the storefront, graffiti, and an uncooperative landlord. He requested city assistance. Trammell encouraged him to speak with the Commonwealth Attorney present and offered to relay his concerns.
• Ed Davis (also from Daiichi Shotokan) – Echoed Watkins' concerns, noting the neighborhood's decline and potential violence risk. He urged the committee to investigate. Trammell again offered to connect them with the Commonwealth Attorney.
• Keith Andes (President, Richmond Professional Firefighters Association) – Announced that after collective bargaining, the city restored firefighter daily minimum staffing from 115 to 118, effective October 12, 2026. He thanked the mayor, CAO, Chief Siegel, and city taxpayers. He also praised 911 dispatchers and noted a moment of silence held for Battalion Chief Robert Baumgardner Jr. (deceased January 2, 2025). Trammell thanked him and acknowledged Council President Newbell's role in the staffing restoration.

Approval of Minutes

• The minutes from the July 28, 2026 Public Safety Standing Committee meeting were approved without amendments.

Discussion Items

• Commonwealth's Attorney Annual Update – Collette McEachin presented her FY28 budget request. The only requested increase ($65,000) is for an Axon software contract that integrates body-worn camera footage. She reported that the office handled over 50,000 cases last year, closed 32 murder cases with a 91% conviction rate, and has nearly 80 murder cases pending. Violent crime is down overall, but aggravated domestic assault is up due to reclassification of strangulation cases. She proposed a Richmond Family Justice Center to support domestic violence victims, with a $500,000 startup commitment from the mayor and an additional $700,000 sought through a DCJS grant, plus in-kind contributions. Council members expressed support and noted the need for partnerships with RPS and other agencies.
• DECPR Emergency Dispatch Calls for Fire and Police – Tory Maye, Kenya Washington, and Jackie Crotts presented an overview of the 911 center. Key statistics: DECPR operates the second busiest PSAP in Virginia, handling over 450,000 calls for service per year, 265,000 contacts (voice and text to 911), and 162,000 non-emergency calls. The center answered 91.1% of calls within 20 seconds (APCO standard: 90% within 20 seconds). Vacancy rate is 3.3%; turnover is 14%, below the national average. Richmond Ready sign-ups reached 16,351. Non-emergency AI system handled 111,000 callers, with 19.3% resolved without transfer to a communications officer. They discussed training (480-hour basic academy), CALEA accreditation, quality assurance, and future technology initiatives (P25 radio system, CAD upgrade, expanding AI to handle 50-60% of non-emergency calls). Council members asked clarifying questions about call answer time benchmarks and district-specific data.

Papers for Consideration

1. Resolution 2026-R031 – To adopt the City of Richmond's updated Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). Presented by Ed (DECPR) and Amar Marino Massa (Haggerty Consulting). The plan was developed with stakeholder input, addresses lessons from the 2025 winter storm and water disruption, and establishes a functional EOC structure, a Joint Information Center (JIC), and a city council liaison. It moves toward a five-year review cycle (changed from four). The committee discussed external communications strategies (Everbridge, Richmond Ready, Wireless Emergency Alerts) and placeholder sections that would be filled before adoption. No public speakers. The committee voted to forward to full Council with recommendation to approve (motion carried).
2. Ordinance 2026-211 – To accept a $50,000 grant from Virginia Department of Emergency Management (no city match) for the FY27 GIS Data Enhancement Project. The project will convert static PDF building floor plans into interactive GIS data for the CAD system at five pilot sites (including City Hall and two VCU hospitals). Council members questioned long-term costs and building selection. Jackie Crotts and Danny Dean explained it builds on prior school mapping and is a one-time grant. No public speakers. The committee voted to forward to full Council with recommendation to approve (motion carried).

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved – July 28, 2026 minutes approved without change.
• Resolution 2026-R031 – Forwarded to City Council with recommendation to approve (unanimous).
• Ordinance 2026-211 – Forwarded to City Council with recommendation to approve (unanimous).
• Staff report noted – Items for future meetings include updates from fire, police, and animal care and control.