News

Revolutionizing Public Safety

UVA's Center Unites Academia and Industry to Transform Community Wellbeing

Only three months into its launch, the Center for Public Safety and Justice at UVA’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies has already proven to be a powerful force in bringing together academia and industry under the mission of empowering public safety leaders to drive innovative solutions that improve the wellbeing of communities.  

How is the Center Making an Impact? 

Education 

The core at the heart of the Center is its long-standing public safety education programs, including the Master of Public Safety, National Criminal Justice Command College (NCJCC), and partnership with the FBI National Academy. Expansion of our programs is limitless; 2024 saw the launch of a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) in-person cohort for the Metropolitan Police Department, which provided the opportunity for police officers to complete their bachelor’s degree.   

Additional expansion of public safety education opportunities is planned for 2025 to empower more professionals and leaders to address complex public safety challenges. 

Partnerships 

Forming partnerships with leading public safety practitioners, researchers, scholars, industry organizations and agencies is key to the Center’s success in achieving its mission. In 2024, the Center launched an advisory board comprised of members who are committed to supporting the Center and who have dedicated themselves to serving their communities and impacting future generations of public safety leaders.  

2025 will see the establishment of additional key partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies​ as well as strategic partnerships with organizations like Lexipol and the National Policing Institute​. 

Research 

Engaging leading scholars, practitioners and community partners allows the Center to conduct interdisciplinary studies that provide evidence-based and data-informed insights into the most pressing issues facing the public safety field.  

In 2025, the Center will launch a research branch which will provide publications, partnerships and dissemination of findings to bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping public safety leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to implement transformative change. 

Networking and Innovation  

Launching with a highly visible and well-received panel event on October 3, 2024 which featured senior leaders in government, law enforcement and academics, the Center has expanded its events plan for 2025 to include a monthly speaker series and several conferences. Events will address challenges in today’s public safety environment, support the sharing of best practices, and developing leaders prepared to drive innovative solutions.  

We invite you to Learn more about the Center for Public Safety and Justice, including: