The City of Charlottesville recently announced that it has appointed Inez M. Gonzalez as the next Executive Director of its Police Civilian Oversight Board (PCOB). 

The PCOB provides oversight of the police department that is civilian-lead, independent, and objective with the goal to “enhance transparency and trust, to promote fair and effective policing, and to protect the civil and constitutional rights of the people of the City of Charlottesville.”

“Ms. Gonzalez brings to the Office of Oversight over twenty-eight years of experience in law enforcement, including in Internal Affairs,” said Michael C. Rogers, the Charlottesville Interim City Manager.

“We are excited to both welcome Inez to the City and to ensure that our Police Civilian Oversight Board has proper staffing to engage in their work as outlined by our City Council.  Thank you to Chair William Mendez and Board Member James Watson of the Police Civilian Oversight Board for participating in all areas of this important hiring process,” he continued. 

Gonzalez worked at the Newark police department for over 25 years. During her time there, she served as a Sergeant and Internal Affairs Investigator and Domestic Violence Coordinator; a Lieutenant and Integrity Control Officer; and a Commander in the Office of Internal Affairs. 

While there, she became the department’s first Latina Lieutenant and Captain. Newark’s population is over 36% Latino. 

Gonzalez also served as a community services officer, where she was a liaison between community groups and the police department. 

She most recently served as a Regulatory Enforcement Inspector at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Enforcement and Investigations office.  

“I am genuinely excited to start my new role with the PCOB. I look forward to working with the board and other stakeholders to make meaningful changes that will positively impact the citizens of Charlottesville,” Gonzalez said of her appointment. 

Latinos make up 5.7% of Charlottesville’s population. 

Gonzalez holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security from Grantham University. She has also received several certificates including one in Community and Problem-Oriented Policing from Northwestern University. 

“We are delighted that Ms. Gonzalez has agreed to come and work for the Board. All of us who interviewed her were greatly impressed by her qualifications, experience, and demeanor. Her presence will greatly aid us in going forward with our important work,” said William Mendez, the Chair of the Police Civilian Oversight Board. 

Gonzalez will start on May 1.