“During the past few months that Chief Longo has been leading our safety and security efforts, it became increasingly clear that we have exactly the right person in place for both these roles,” said University Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer “J.J.” Wagner Davis. “He has brought a wealth of experience and strengthened the department and the University through his leadership and community ties.”

Longo said, “UVA has become a second home to me and I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to continue working with the great team in place here. I am eager to build on the work that began in recent years to develop a comprehensive safety and security program that is positioned to meet the evolving needs of the University.”

Longo got his start in law enforcement in 1981 when he joined the Baltimore Police Department. While rising through the ranks, he earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from Towson University and a law degree from the University of Baltimore Law School.

After nearly 19 years of service, he retired from the Baltimore Police Department as the bureau chief of technical services, transitioning to consultant work in the District of Columbia before taking over as police chief in Charlottesville in 2001.

Longo retired as Charlottesville’s chief of police in 2016 after 15 years in the job and joined the faculty of UVA’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. 

The University Police Department provides safety and security for an average daily population of 47,000 students, faculty, staff and visitors, working closely with local and state law enforcement partners. The department comprises more than 130 employees.