Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a civil paper served?
To have a paper served, submit two (2) copies of each document to be served to the Sheriff's Office (either in person or by mail). One copy is to be served and the second is for return to you. Include a stamped envelope listing the address you wish the second copy to be mailed once it is served. The service fee for in-state (Virginia) documents is $12.00 per document, payable by check, money order or cash, if paying directly at the Sheriff's Office. The Office does not accept cash sent through the mail. The out of state fee (for any document originating from another state) is $75.00 per document per person, in certified funds only. Checks for service fees are to be made payable to the Alexandria Sheriff's Office.
Depending on the type of document being served, service fees may be included with the fees submitted to the issuing Court Clerk's Office. Check with the issuing Clerk for clarification. Please note that certain Alexandria addresses are not actually located in the City of Alexandria's jurisdiction. Call 703.838.4120 if you are unsure whether the Alexandria address is within the City's limits, or if you have any other questions about legal process service.
Who do I call to find out if someone is being held at the Detention Center?
Call the Detention Center daily between the hours of 6:00 am and 6:00 p.m. at 703.746.5000 for charge, bond and court date. After business hours, you may call 703.746.5050.
How do I visit an inmate at the Detention Center?
All inmate social visits must be prearranged through the inmate. Therefore, you may not visit with an inmate unless he or she has already advised that you are coming. Prior to your visit, the inmate must sign you up for a specific date and time on the visitation schedule. Visitors must be 18 years of age unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Visitation hours are:
Mon, Wed, Thu - 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
No visiting on Friday and Tuesday
What items can be sent through the mail to an inmate at the Detention Center?
The Detention Center only accepts letters through the mail. You may send pictures of the non-polaroid type, no larger than 4" x 6", however, each inmate may have only 10 pictures in their possession. Money orders or cashier's checks may also be sent for inmate canteen purposes. Be sure to put the inmate's name and your name and address on the money order or cashier's check. You may not send cash to an inmate at the Detention Center.
What is the process for participating in an alternative program?
Individuals wishing to participate in Work Release, Modified Work Release or Home Electronic Monitoring should call the Alternative Programs Section at 703.838.4018 or 4019 for information.
Can I drop off items or money for an inmate?
Money orders may be dropped off at the Detention Center's Visitor Center 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Be sure to put the inmate's name and your name and address on the money order or cashier's check. You may not bring personal items to an inmate, however, in certain circumstances, the Detention Center will accept clothing for an inmate to wear to court, or medically indicated items cleared by the Detention Center's Medical Unit. For further information, call the Detention Center at 703.746.5043.
What can I bring in with me to the courthouse?
Items not allowed in the Courthouse include:
- Firearms of any kind
- Sharp objects (ie. knives, forks, razor blades, scissors, etc.)
- Tools (ie. screwdrivers, cutters, hammers, etc.)
- Cameras
- Glass bottles
- Mace or pepper spray
- Aerosol cans or spray bottles
- Combustible or potentially explosive item
How do I schedule an eviction?
After having complied with the process to request eviction from the court, and you have a Writ of Possession, the Sheriff's Office will serve the Writ on your tenant. The fee for service is $12.00 per tenant, made payable to the Alexandria Sheriff's Office in check, money order, or cash, if paying directly at the Sheriff's Office. The Office does not accept cash sent through the mail.
After the appeal period has lapsed, a Deputy Sheriff will contact you to arrange a date for the actual eviction to take place. On the day of eviction, you will be required to do one of the following:
- Have a crew present to move the tenant's property to the public way (public sidewalk) and a locksmith, if needed, to change the lock(s) on the door(s) to the unit, OR
- Change the locks, but permit access by the tenant(s) for a period of 24 hours so that the tenant can move their property themselves, after which any remaining property must be disposed of according to the rules specified by the building management or local ordinance.
For further information on evictions, call:
Can I be notified when an inmate is released from jail?
The Sheriff's Office does not otherwise give out in advance inmate release dates. If you want to know if a person is being released that day, you may call the Sheriff's Office at 703.746.5050. If, however, you are a victim of a crime committed by an inmate at the Detention Center, you will receive a telephone call and written notification of that inmate's scheduled release date. In order to receive this notification, you must register with the Commonwealth's Attorney's Victim/Witness Assistance Program. That number is 703.838.4100.
Can I leave a message for an inmate at the Detention Center?
Inmates may not receive incoming calls, however, for verifiable emergencies, a message may be left for an inmate by calling the Detention Center's 24 hour number at 703.746.4099.
Can inmates receive books or magazine subscriptions?
Inmates may not receive books through the mail, however, they may receive magazine or newspaper subscriptions if mailed directly from the publisher.
How do I contact the company in charge of the inmate telephone system? Do I need to set up a telephone account?
In order to receive telephone calls from an inmate at the Detention Center, you must call Securus Technology, the inmate telephone service provider, at 800.844.6591 and set up a pre-paid or direct bill account.
Can I pick up property or have it sent to me from an inmate at the Detention Center?
The inmate must contact the Detention Center's Property Deputy to authorize persons to pick up property. If the inmate has money and wishes to do so, he or she can pay to have the property sent to you. No property will be sent out or allowed to be picked up if the inmate has not provided written permission for the release.
How do I compliment or make a complaint about a Sheriff's Office employee?
We encourage your feedback about how well we are serving you. To make a complaint or give a compliment, please call the Sheriff's Office's Public Information Office at 703.746.5009 or 5014, or you may send an email.
How can I become a volunteer?
The Sheriff's Office welcomes volunteers as vital to our Operations. To volunteer, please contact our Volunteer/Programs Coordinator at 703.746.5105, or send an email. All volunteers must submit a volunteer application, undergo a criminal history background check and participate in an orientation session.
How can I become a Deputy Sheriff?
The Sheriff's Office maintains open recruitment for the position of Deputy Sheriff. The process for becoming a Deputy Sheriff is explained elsewhere on this website under "Become a Deputy Sheriff?"
What are the addresses, telephone numbers and directions to the Sheriff's Office?
You may telephone the Sheriff's Office as indicated below:
Mailing Addresses:
- Administration - Alexandria Sheriff's Office
2003 Mill Road
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
- Courthouse - Alexandria Sheriff's Office
520 King Street, Suite 308
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
- Detention Center - Alexandria Detention Center
2001 Mill Road
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Directions To Detention Center and Administration: Take I-95 (Capital Beltway) to Exit 2B (Telegraph Road/North), turn right to Pershing Avenue, then right to Stovall Street, left to Eisenhower Avenue, right to Mill Road, enter the Public Safety Center at 2001/2003 Mill Road.
Directions To Alexandria Courthouse: Take I95 (Capital Beltway) to Route 1/North exit toward downtown Alexandria, turn right to King Street, then proceed to 520 King Street.
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