Published: February 3, 2026
By: Alexia Stanbridge
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Lynchburg police are changing the way they interview victims and witnesses with the launch of two new “soft interview rooms” designed to create a calmer, more supportive environment for some of the department’s most vulnerable individuals.
The Lynchburg Police Department unveiled the rooms on Tuesday at its headquarters. One room is designed for adult victims and witnesses, while the other is tailored specifically for children.
“These rooms right here are absolutely designed for victims of crime, not suspects, but our most vulnerable victims,” Police Chief Ken Edwards said.
Police said the rooms are meant to reduce stress and help victims and witnesses feel more at ease during interviews, particularly juveniles and others who may be experiencing trauma. The department said creating a comfortable, non-threatening space can help build trust and encourage open communication.
“Often we are asking people to come in and talk about what may be the worst day of their lives,” Detective Sara Bond said.
The adult interview room features comfortable furniture, artwork, sound-absorbing panels, a diffuser and blankets to help create a soothing atmosphere. The juvenile room is filled with toys and activities meant to help children feel safe during difficult conversations.
“It doesn’t feel like you are in a police station,” said Chris Boswell with Mustaches for Kids, one of the groups that helped support the project.
Eugene Wingfield, president of the Lynchburg Police Foundation, said the rooms help set a positive tone from the moment someone walks through the door.
“A great room for them to come in and get on the right foot to start with,” Wingfield said.
Bond said asking victims to recount traumatic events can be overwhelming, making the setting especially important.
“It may be the worst day of their lives. We are asking them to come and relive that experience and take us through that experience in detail. We want them to be comfortable doing that,” Bond said.
The rooms were furnished through support from the Lynchburg Police Foundation and Project Beloved, a nonprofit focused on survivor advocacy. Project Beloved was founded by parents who experienced personal loss and now work to improve how survivors are treated during the reporting process.
In a statement, the organization said the soft interview room is meant to provide a space where survivors can share their stories in an environment that feels safe and supportive, especially when they are being asked to come to a place they may not want to be and relive painful experiences. The group said using a trauma-informed approach helps show survivors they are believed and supported.
Edwards said the department’s goal is to make victims feel heard throughout every step of the process.
“Our goal for when the victim comes here is to feel safe, to feel supported, and to feel heard down here at the police department,” Edwards said.
The police chief added that similar rooms are used by Child Protective Services and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, but having them all in one location helps streamline the process and makes it easier and more efficient for victims and investigators.