Buena Vista Receives Certified Crime Prevention Community Designation
August 4, 2026
Buena Vista, VA (August 2026) – The City of Buena Vista is proud to announce that it has been recognized as a Certified Crime Prevention Community by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, becoming one of fewer than 20 communities in Virginia to receive the designation and the first in the Rockbridge area.
The designation recognizes communities that demonstrate a comprehensive, collaborative approach to crime prevention through partnerships between law enforcement, local organizations, schools, businesses, and residents.
The Buena Vista Police Department began pursuing the certification in May 2025, dedicating more than a year to documenting existing initiatives, strengthening community partnerships, and expanding local crime prevention efforts before earning the designation.
To earn the certification, Buena Vista documented 12 mandatory core elements, including community policing initiatives, Neighborhood Watch programs, school safety audits, and other established crime prevention efforts. These were supplemented by 7 approved optional elements designed to address the unique needs of the Buena Vista’s community.
The certification process was led by Community Resource Officer Corporal Josh Guttmann, who serves as Buena Vista’s Crime Prevention Specialist. To prepare for this role, Corporal Guttmann completed more than 120 hours of specialized training, becoming the area’s certified Crime Prevention Specialist through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.
Throughout the certification process, Corporal Guttmann worked to organize and document the many crime prevention initiatives already taking place throughout Buena Vista while also expanding opportunities for community engagement. Existing efforts, including police-led presentations on topics such as scam awareness and Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE), were incorporated into the application. He also helped establish new partnerships and programs, including working alongside law enforcement agencies in Lexington and Rockbridge County to create a regional chapter of TRIAD, strengthening collaboration with community organizations across the region.
Although the designation was awarded through the Buena Vista Police Department, this achievement belongs to the community as a whole, as emphasized by Corporal Guttmann.
“This certification isn’t just an award for the Police Department- it’s a recognition of the entire Buena Vista community. It reflects the partnerships we’ve built with our schools, businesses, organizations, and residents, and everyone’s commitment to making Buena Vista a safer place to live, work, and visit”
The designation remains in effect for three years, during which the City will continue building on its crime prevention efforts to maintain the certification.
In addition to recognizing Buena Vista’s commitment to public safety, the certification provides meaningful benefits for the community. It has the potential to support lower insurance premiums for residents through participating insurance providers and may strengthen the City’s competitiveness when pursuing grants and other funding opportunities.
The Certified Crime Prevention Community designation reflects Buena Vista’s continued commitment to proactive crime prevention and strong community partnerships. By building on programs already in place, developing new initiatives, and bringing law enforcement and community partners together, Buena Vista is strengthening its approach to public safety and creating a safer, and more connected community for everyone.
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