Public Safety and Courts

Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.
Page updated on December 11, 2023 at 8:47 AM
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Fire Department

The Alexandria Fire Department holds a special place in the history of The City of Alexandria. Founded in 1774, it counts George Washington among its early members. The first paid professional firefighters were hired in 1855.

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Police Department

Alexandria maintains a modern, highly trained, technically skilled, energetic, diverse and well-equipped police department, with a current authorized strength of 311 sworn, 104 full-time civilian employees and 28 part-time civilian employees. The mission of the Alexandria Police Department is to provide competent, courteous, professional and community oriented police services.  

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Sheriff's Office

The Alexandria Sheriff's Office is responsible for the operation of the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center, security of the Alexandria Courthouse, service of court legal documents, execution of court orders, transportation of prisoners, and general public safety and law enforcement. The Sheriff's Office is accredited by the American Correctional Association, National Commission on Correctional Health Care, and Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

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Courts

Information on the Circuit Court, General District Court, Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, Court Service Unit, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

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Alexandria Criminal Justice Services (ACJS) is a vital agency of the City's criminal justice system. The program serves two purposes: supervising offenders and defendants in the community on behalf of the court system, and providing the courts information on defendants during the arraignment/bond review process. The program fulfills its mission from two operational components -- local probation and pretrial services.

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The Commonwealth's Attorney serves as the chief prosecutor and also serves as legal advisor to the Sheriff and the Police Department with regard to criminal matters.

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Emergency Information

  • Emergency & Customer Communications (911) - Ensures the effective delivery of routine and emergency calls for service to the City’s public safety departments.
  • Emergency Management  - Provides emergency mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery services to City residents.

Health

Protecting and promoting health and well-being in Alexandria’s communities

  • Health Department
  • Health Department Complaints and Concerns
  • Environmental Health Services - Issues permits, regulates and inspects various types of businesses, including restaurants, pools, hotels and marinas. It also assists with mosquito control, tick identification and follow up on animal bites and other possible rabies exposures.
  • Food Safety Program – The program conducts plan reviews, complaint investigations and food safety assessments of food service establishments such as restaurants, grocery stores, school kitchens and caterers.
  • Public Health Emergency Management - Public Health Emergency Management enhances readiness and resilience in communities throughout the City of Alexandria through emergency planning, training, drills/exercises, and outreach. 

Code Administration

Planning to build or renovate a home or business? The following pages include City Code requirements, processes and links to related agencies.

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Adult Detention Center

The William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center houses all individuals committed by the courts to the Sheriff’s custody.