VIRGINIA BEACH — A veteran Virginia Beach police officer who recently retired is now leading a new political action committee that plans to support candidates around the commonwealth who back law enforcement professionals and the victims of crime.
Brian Luciano, who recently retired as a master police officer and led Virginia Beach Police Benevolent Association Local 34, has founded Thin Blue Line Virginia.
“We’ll support the best candidates to represent the concerns of officers and victims,” he said.
Luciano is a native of New Jersey who comes from a law enforcement family. He came to Virginia Beach in 1997 to join the force here – and the chance to work on the street to fight crime was a motivator.
“I was always in patrol,” Luciano said, speaking of the “backbone” of the department. “I did not want to leave patrol. One of the reasons I wanted to work in Virginia Beach was to work in the Second Precinct. That was part of the allure.”
Luciano became active in the PBA local because he didn’t feel enough was being done for city police officers. He served 18 years on its board, including 12 years as its president, advocating for police on issues as diverse as compensation and officer wellbeing.
In the PBA, Luciano said, “We’re active in the political process to make sure officials are aware of officers’ needs.”
The new political action committee, effectively, hopes to broaden that mission.
Thin Blue Line Virginia initially will focus on local and General Assembly races and hopes to be a factor in this year’s election cycle, Luciano said. The PAC formed in December and is only now getting up and running.
In recent years, Luciano has felt the profession hasn’t always had the support it needs while it grapples with community tensions about policing and policies that weaken the profession.
“I would say some of it has been very harmful for the officers,” Luciano said.
The PAC can help address issues such as defending the rights of officers and countering policies that lead to a “revolving door” for some criminals, while also addressing the rights of victims.
Luciano said the committee will engage in state issues while understanding that these effect local officers and committees, too. Actions may include interviewing candidates and grading them, among other plans for the organization.
Among those who have signaled support for the effort are Virginia Beach City Councilmember Michael Berlucchi, who said he appreciates the mission of the committee is to support officials who believe in policy that helps both police officers and the victims of crime.
“They risk their own safety for ours,” Berlucchi said of police. “I think those people deserve our support and respect.”
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One word: Bravo