Bristol, Virginia, September 25, 2025
News Summary
The Bristol, Virginia Police Department is collaborating with the Bristol Housing Authority and Beyond Housing to deploy a part-time officer in public housing areas. This initiative aims to bolster public safety and trust among residents, particularly focusing on community engagement. Funded by Beyond Housing, the program seeks to sustain a consistent police presence, enhancing accessibility to resources while alleviating the financial burden on taxpayers. This progressive step marks a revival of similar initiatives from previous decades and is backed by strong support from city officials.
Bristol, Virginia
The Bristol, Virginia Police Department (BVPD) is enhancing community policing through a new partnership with the Bristol Housing Authority and Beyond Housing. A part-time police officer will patrol public housing areas, marking a significant step towards improving public safety and resource accessibility for residents.
Police Chief Byron Ashbrook indicated that this initiative is reminiscent of a similar program that was in place during the 1990s and early 2000s. The partnership with Beyond Housing aims to establish a consistent officer presence in the community, offering residents a familiar face to approach for assistance and building trust, especially among children and elderly residents.
Beyond Housing’s Executive Director, Lisa Porter, noted that the part-time officer will have an office at the main administrative offices of Beyond Housing. This location will facilitate better communication and connections between the officer and the residents, as the officer is expected to be familiar with the available community resources and also serve as an ambassador for these resources.
This collaborative effort is the result of discussions and planning between Lisa Porter and Chief Ashbrook, who emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity in community policing rather than solely focusing on higher call volumes. The new initiative aligns with the goals set forth by the city to enhance safety and fortify trust within the community.
Importantly, the funding for the part-time officer position will come from Beyond Housing, relieving taxpayers of this financial burden. Bristol Mayor Becky Nave has expressed strong support for the initiative, reaffirming the city council’s commitment to improving resident safety. She also reported that the police department is currently fully staffed for the first time in several years, thanks to significant investments made in the department.
In a separate but notable occurrence, the BVPD recently released body camera footage related to an incident at the Hard Rock Casino. This action was prompted by social media claims from a couple, Stephanie and Josh Williams, regarding their interaction with the police. Chief Ashbrook has advocated for the transparency demonstrated through the release of the footage amidst allegations of misconduct associated with the incident.
Moreover, the BVPD has been proactive in combating drug-related crimes. A recent operation led to the arrest of Jermaine Clayton, 20, who was found in possession of over 2,000 fentanyl pills and 60 grams of fentanyl powder. The street value of these narcotics is estimated at approximately $45,000. Chief Ashbrook stated that the seizure of these harmful substances has potentially saved lives within the community.
This latest initiative by the BVPD signifies a concerted effort towards a more engaged and proactive approach to policing, representing a significant investment in the safety and well-being of Bristol’s residents.
FAQ Section
What is the new partnership between the Bristol Police Department and Beyond Housing about?
The Bristol, Virginia Police Department is partnering with the Bristol Housing Authority and Beyond Housing to enhance community policing by assigning a part-time officer to patrol public housing areas.
How will the part-time officer serve the community?
The part-time officer will be familiar with resources available to residents and act as an ambassador for those resources while in the community.
Is the position of the part-time officer funded by taxpayers?
No, the part-time officer position will be funded by Beyond Housing, not by taxpayers.
Why is the community policing initiative important?
The initiative aims to enhance public safety and foster trust, especially among children and the elderly, providing residents with a trusted and familiar face they can approach for assistance.
What recent incidents has the BVPD been involved in?
Recently, the BVPD released body camera footage related to an incident at the Hard Rock Casino involving a couple, and they also arrested Jermaine Clayton, who possessed a significant amount of fentanyl.
Key Features of the BVPD Community Policing Initiative
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Part-time Officer Patrols | Officer will patrol public housing areas for community engagement. |
| Funding | Position funded by Beyond Housing, not taxpayers. |
| Community Impact | Aims to enhance public safety and foster trust among residents. |
| Historical Context | Similar initiative in the 1990s and early 2000s. |
| Recent BVPD Actions | Released body camera footage and arrested a suspect with fentanyl. |
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Additional Resources
- WCYB
- Wikipedia: Public Housing
- Supertalk 929
- Google Search: Bodycam Footage Allegations Casino
- WJHL
- Google Scholar: Bristol Virginia Police
- WCYB
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Casino
- WJHL
- Google News: Facial Recognition Technology Bristol
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
