City officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, to mark the completion of the permanent Shoreline Operations Station (SOS) at Buckroe Beach. Mayor Jimmy Gray, City Manager Mary Bunting, and other city representatives attended the event. The SOS began operating as a pilot program for the 2025 beach season under the Hampton Police Division in partnership with the Hopeful Hampton collaborative.
The station has been open since Memorial Day and is designed to support safety and provide information for residents and visitors at Buckroe Beach. Assistant Police Chief Jason Price said that between Memorial Day and Labor Day, staff at the SOS interacted with more than 2,000 beachgoers. They offered safety guidance, first aid assistance, and helped reunite several lost children with their families.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Anton Bell stated: “Twenty-three hundred visitors came, and they were greeted and they were served. We put a priority on this building. Public safety, and just as important the perception of public safety, is a priority in this city.”
The facility offers a central location where people can interact with police officers, seek minor medical help or hydration, and report concerns. Assistant Chief Price noted that many guests also asked about career opportunities within the Hampton Police Division. The presence of the station acts as a deterrent to those considering disrupting public safety.
Mayor Gray commended all who contributed to launching the SOS project successfully. He mentioned that surveys are underway among teens regarding their preferences for public space at Buckroe Beach; these surveys will expand into high schools during this year.
Located between the playground and main performing stage at Buckroe Beach, the SOS will now operate on weekends from 4 p.m. until sunset following the end of summer beach season.
