Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Charlottesville Commonwealth’s Attorney Joe Platania joined Morning News to weigh in on recent criminal cases and share broader perspectives on public safety and rehabilitation. While unable to speak directly about an ongoing vandalism case, Platania explained the seriousness behind such charges, noting that “you can’t go around destroying or defacing property that belongs to someone else.” He also emphasized how actions like defacing traffic signs could pose real hazards, making such incidents more serious than they might appear at first glance.
Platania praised recent police work, including arrests made following gunfire on Hardy Drive. He highlighted the importance of presence and responsiveness, sharing an anecdote where “just the presence of uniformed officers… solved the problem” and prevented potential violence. He also defended the city’s use of flock camera systems as a valuable tool for law enforcement, despite pushback from some on City Council. “I hope we don’t take a tool out of the toolbox that’s working very effectively,” he said…