Sheriff Dana Lawhorne

A Message from the Sheriff

Dear Neighbors and Friends,

While the primary mission of the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is focused on operation of the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center and providing security at the Alexandria Courthouse, our strong partnerships with other law enforcement agencies enhance the public’s safety and improve the quality of life in Alexandria.

A good example of this law enforcement network comes from two recent apprehensions of wanted felons. Crime analysts at the Alexandria Police Department share crime intelligence bulletins with Sheriff’s deputies. Deputies, who are familiar with those who have served time in the jail, may recognize unidentified suspects in security camera images or encounter those who are wanted on criminal charges.

Just in the first month of this year, deputies spotted two men sought by Alexandria police in two different cases. Deputies recognized one as he entered the Courthouse and took him into custody. Then a couple weeks later, deputies working at the Detention Center recognized a man wanted for a probation violation when he came to visit an inmate. They monitored him and alerted police officers in the booking area, and the suspect was quickly arrested.

By sharing information and working closely together, Sheriff’s deputies and Alexandria police are able to truly make a difference in the community.

The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office looks forward to strengthening existing relationships with APD, Virginia State Police, the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA and other local and national law enforcement agencies. We do this knowing that through working together, we are better protectors and defenders of Alexandria and the public trust.

Regards,

Dana Lawhorne, Sheriff

The Alexandria Sheriff's Office  is responsible for the operation of the Detention Center, courthouse and courtroom security,service of all court legal documents, execution of court orders, transportation of prisoners, execution of arrest warrants, and general public safety and law enforcement. All powers, responsibilities and duties of the Alexandria Sheriff's Office derive from common law, the Virginia Constitution, the Code of Virginia and the Alexandria Charter.

The Alexandria Sheriff's Office is a highly professional organization with 215 Deputy Sheriffs and civilian personnel. The Office is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Commission on Accreditation for Corrections, and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. The Office has been honored by the National Sheriff's Association with the prestigious "Triple Crown Award" for achieving these national accreditations. The Office is also Virginia state certified by the Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Department of Corrections.  

To learn more about the Office, please see our 2010 Annual Report and our most recent newsletter.