Programs & Community Initiatives

The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney leads and supports key programs and initiatives—including the Annual Community Academy, Operation Ceasefire, the Victim-Witness Assistance Program, Alexandria Recovery Court, and the Mental Health Initiative—to strengthen public safety, support victims, and engage the community through education, prevention, and collaborative justice efforts.
Page updated on November 20, 2025 at 11:05 AM
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Specialty Docket- ARC

The Alexandria Recovery Court is a specialty docket that offers eligible participants a treatment-focused alternative to incarceration.
https://www.alexandriava.gov/courts/alexandria-recovery-court

Mental Health Initiative

The MHI is a collaborative effort that supports early identification of mental health needs within the criminal justice process.
https://www.alexandriava.gov/commonwealths-attorney/mental-health-initiative-mhi

Victim Services

Our systems-based programs support victims and witnesses with advocacy, resources, and guidance throughout the criminal justice process.
https://www.alexandriava.gov/commonwealths-attorney/victim-witness-assistance-program-vwap

Operation Ceasefire

Aimed at reducing gun violence through a coordinated approach that combines law enforcement, community engagement, and social services.
https://www.alexandriava.gov/commonwealths-attorney/operation-ceasefire-grant-program-ocgp

Commonwealth's Attorney Community Advisory Board

The purpose of the Community Advisory Board is to provide the Commonwealth's Attorney with diverse community input and ideas regarding criminal justice reform and strategies for addressing criminal activity. The Board meets quarterly and comprises of 15-20 members who live or work in Alexandria. The board members serve for a term of one year and may serve multiple terms if inclined. Openings on the board will be filled as they arise. Applications are currently closed for this term, but for more information, please check back again soon.

 

OCA Community Academy

The Community Academy is a one-day program held each spring and fall that gives residents a behind-the-scenes look at the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Participants learn about prosecutorial responsibilities, public safety initiatives, and services for victims and witnesses. The next academy will be in Spring 2026 (date and time TBD).

For more information, contact Ashley Milanes, Director of Special Programs, at ashley.milanes@alexandriava.gov or (703) 746-4100.

Request a Training or Presentation

OCA provides training and presentations to community stakeholders on the criminal justice system, victims’ rights, and public safety. To request a session, contact Ashley Milanes, Director of Special Programs, at ashley.milanes@alexandriava.gov.

Community Partnerships

The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney partners with local agencies, nonprofits, and community groups to strengthen public safety, support victims, and enhance justice in Alexandria.

Law Enforcement & Public Safety

  • Alexandria Police Department
  • Sheriff’s Office
  • Court Services Unit / Probation and Parole
  • Fire & Emergency Medical Services (for certain initiatives)

Court & Legal Partners

  • Alexandria General District and Circuit Courts
  • Public Defender’s Office
  • Victim-Witness Assistance Program (VWAP)
  • Specialty Dockets (Recovery Court, Mental Health Initiative)

Community & Nonprofit Organizations

  • Domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy groups
  • Substance use and mental health service providers
  • Youth outreach organizations
  • Neighborhood associations and civic groups

City & Government Agencies

  • Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services
  • Alexandria Health Department
  • City Council
  • Department of Criminal Justice Services
  • Office of the Attorney General of Virginia

Community Connection

OCA engages in awareness efforts, recognizes and honors victims, and actively participates in the Alexandria community through events and initiatives that promote safety and connection.

National Crime Victims' Rights Week

Every April, OCA’s Victim Services Program leads community engagement in Alexandria for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), commemorating victims, promoting advocacy, and raising awareness of victims’ rights. In 2026, NCVRW is April 19–25.

The Silent Witness Alexandria Candlelight Vigil

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, OCA’s Victim Services VSTOP program collaborates with the Alexandria Domestic Violence Program to host a Silent Witness Vigil at City Hall, honoring lives lost and raising awareness through a visual memorial.

National Night Out

National Night Out (NNO) celebrates community and public safety partnerships. OCA joins Alexandria residents, police, firefighters, and city officials for neighborhood events including cookouts, block parties, and more.

Alexandria Pride

Each June, OCA participates in the Alexandria Pride celebration alongside the Alexandria LGBTQIA+ Task Force, the Library, the Department of Community and Human Services, and community partners at the annual Alexandria Pride Fair.”

Bring OCA to Your Community

If you would like OCA to participate in your community event, please contact Ashley Milanes, Director of Special Programs, at ashley.milanes@alexandriava.gov.
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Community Resources

The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office (OCA) provides community resources to support Alexandria residents, victims, and families, including victim advocacy, legal help, mental health and substance use services, domestic violence support, and food and housing assistance.

Volunteer & Intern Opportunities

OCA offers volunteer and internship opportunities for individuals seeking hands-on experience in criminal justice, victim advocacy, and public service. Participants gain exposure to prosecution, community initiatives, and court operations.

Get Involved!

Opportunities require an extensive background check  and an interview process. For more information or to apply, please contact Ashley Milanes, Director of Special Programs, at 703-746-4100 or ashley.milanes@alexandriava.gov.