Who We Are

Our vision is to become the premier center for public safety leadership, cooperative research, education and partnerships that advance effective responses to public safety challenges, both nationally and globally. We aspire to build a trusted network of professionals dedicated to creating safer communities through excellence, engagement, integrity and forward-thinking solutions.  

Our mission is to challenge and shape future public safety leaders and key stakeholders to improve public service and strengthen community wellbeing in a diverse and rapidly changing world. We aim to address complex public safety challenges through education, collaboration, research and innovation, strengthening public service and communities.  

Why is the Center Important Today? 

Access to high-quality education for public safety leaders can transform lives and communities. The Center for Public Safety and Justice challenges and empowers leaders and key stakeholders to improve public service and strengthen communities. 

The Center serves as a hub for innovation, bringing together educators, practitioners and scholars to explore pressing issues, drive applied research and impact public safety. Through research, fellowship opportunities and strong networks, the Center cultivates an environment of continuous learning, professional growth and real-world impact. 

Hear from Our Executive Director

Learn more about our mission from our Executive Director, Ben Haiman.

Transcript for Ben Haiman's Center Message

Thank you so much for visiting the Center for Public Safety and Justice at the University of Virginia. Whether you're here to learn about our exciting educational programs like the Master of Public Safety, the National Criminal Justice Command College, or the FBI National Academy, our research mission working to advance public safety scholarship around the country. Or opportunities for networking and innovation, bringing police chiefs and executives together to share best practices. We invite you to look at the website to meet our distinguished faculty, our esteemed board of advisors, and our students who've accomplished so much throughout the country. We look forward to connecting with you and thank you for visiting.

Our Values 

• Education: We believe the access to education has the dramatic ability to shape the future of public safety and public service – allowing our leaders to be better informed and have a more global mindset. 
• Passion: We know that passionate individuals will shape their communities and improve the lives of those within. Our practitioners are deeply dedicated to their profession.   
• Public Interest First: We prioritize our communities above all, committing to public service over personal gain. 
• Integrity and Accountability: We model ethical behavior and stewardship, ensuring transparency and responsibility in public safety. 
• Lived Experience: We engage and serve all communities with fairness, respect, and justice, valuing all aspects of background and individual rights. 
• Research-Driven Solutions: We combine academic insights with practical applications to address public safety challenges effectively. 
• Innovation for Impact: We embrace creativity and forward-thinking solutions to address the evolving challenges of public safety.  
• Excellence: We strive for professional growth and continuous improvement, recognizing that we must be excellent in everything we do.