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  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
      • Women's Initiatives
    • Public Safety & 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.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
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  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
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  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
      • Women's Initiatives
    • Public Safety & 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.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
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  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
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  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
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      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City of Alexandria Academy Programs
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
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  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
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      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Alexandria West Planning
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      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
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      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
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      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
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      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
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Police Department FAQs About Accountability and Use of Force

Page updated on March 13, 2023 at 9:42 AM

Police Department

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General

What is the mission of the Alexandria Police Department?

The mission of the Alexandria Police Department is to provide competent, courteous, professional and community-oriented police services. Alexandria maintains a modern, highly trained, technically skilled, energetic, diverse and well-equipped police department, with a current authorized strength of 320 sworn and 138 civilian employees. The Alexandria Police Department has been nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies since 1986.

Each police officer in Alexandria has sworn an oath to support the Constitutions of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia, and to faithfully and impartially discharge their duties.

What general resources are available regarding the Alexandria Police Department’s approach to policing, use of force, and accountability?

The following resources are available to review online:

  • 21st Century Policing Plan
  • Annual Statistical Summary of Internal Investigations
  • Annual Use of Force Analysis
  • Annual Traffic Citation and Warning Analysis 
  • Racial Equity Plan
  • Resident Survey
  • Strategic Plan

    Department directives are linked throughout these questions and answers. Note that some portions of directives have been redacted to prevent the public disclosure of tactical plans.

How can I learn more about the Alexandria Police Department?

If you have any questions, please ask! General questions may be submitted through Alex311 online or by calling 311 or 703.746.4311. If you need immediate police assistance, call or text 911. For non-emergency requests requiring police response such as animal control, motor vehicle crashes without injuries, parking and noise complaints, lost or found property, or crimes that occurred in the past, call 703.746.4444.

The Alexandria Police Department participates in the Alexandria City Academy and operates a dedicated Community Police Academy and Youth Police Academy.  Many graduates of these hands-on training opportunities later become Alexandria Police Department volunteers.

What are some of the types of training Alexandria police officers receive?

Following the recommendations outlined in the 21st Century Policing Plan, all officers received implicit bias training in 2019 and will complete regular refresher training. Officers must also complete continuing education training over the course of each two-year period, including cultural diversity training.

Alexandria police officers receive extensive training as part of their initial training at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy, a public agency that trains public safety and security personnel from many localities in the region. In 2004, the Academy became the third academy in the nation to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Since 2007, the Academy has held the highest level of accreditation.

Alexandria police officers receive over 800 hours of basic training. Primary modules include criminal investigation, legal, patrol and skills. Recruits must maintain satisfactory scores in all modules, pass all state-mandated requirements, and pass all performance-based tests and examinations.

In addition to other topics covered in the four primary modules, academy training includes the following lecture and hands-on content:

Use of Force: (116+ hours)
Specific Use of Force – 37+ hours
General Defensive Tactics – 62+ hours
Crowd Control – 8 hours
Active Shooter – 8 hours
Bias Training: (21 hours)
Implicit Bias – 4 hours
Fair and Impartial Policing – 4 hours
Community Policing – 8 hours
Critical Incident Tactics (CIT) – 3 hours

Interpersonal Communication Training: (6 hours)
Interpersonal Communication – 5 hours
Active Listening – 1 hour

Ethics and Leadership (6 hours)
Ethics – 4 hours
Leadership – 2 hours

Communication-Specific Groups (9 hours)
Autism Awareness – 2 hours
Communicating with the deaf – 2 hours
Emotionally Disturbed Persons – 4 hours
Handicapped Persons – 1 hour

Peaceful Protests

What is the Alexandria Police Department’s position on protests?

The Alexandria Police Department supports the peaceful expression of community concerns. Chief Brown and other officers have made it clear that the killing of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, was an unacceptable abuse of power, and many City leaders have already spoken out in solidarity with protesters. Likewise, the Alexandria Police Department condemns any use of force against peaceful protesters. The Department is aware of many peaceful vigils, protests and other events planned, and will provide appropriate staffing to maintain public safety and traffic control.

Many members of the Alexandria Police Department, including the Chief, Assistant Chief and other officers and staff, have been proud to speak at recent events and stand and march alongside participants.

As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the region, the safest place to be is at home. Northern Virginia is in Phase Three of the Forward Virginia reopening blueprint, which includes a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people. Groups usually disperse when reminded to comply with the ban, and citations have not been needed for most of the pandemic.

Although organizers of protests, vigils and other similar events are asked to provide for physical distancing (including at least 6 feet between each participant and separation between each group of 10 people) there is no practical way for the Alexandria Police Department to enforce these requirements for very large gatherings. The approach that results in the greatest net benefit to public health and safety is for law enforcement agencies to work with event organizers to plan and carry out these events in a coordinated and deliberate manner.

What relationships have the Alexandria Police Department built with Black leaders and organizations?

The Alexandria Police Department active engages with many Black leaders and groups, including the Alexandria chapter of the NAACP, African American clergy, and the local and national levels of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.

Use of Force

What is the Alexandria Police Department’s position on the use of force?

The Alexandria Police Department’s policy and primary value is the preservation of human life. The use of force, whether by officers or by members of the public, is dehumanizing and should be avoided when possible, even when legally justified. Law enforcement personnel are responsible for protecting life and property and apprehending criminal offenders, but the protection of life (including officers and members of the public) must always take priority. It is the policy of the Alexandria Police Department to only use the force necessary to accomplish lawful objectives.

Related Directives: 10.32 (Use of Force)

Are Alexandria police officers required to de-escalate interactions when possible?

Yes. Alexandria police officers are required to de-escalate interactions and situations when possible, by communicating with subjects, maintaining distance, and otherwise eliminating the need to use of force.  De-escalation is also incorporated into operational planning and deployment objectives.

Related Directives: 10.32 (Use of Force), 7.3 (Impact Weapons), 11.21 (Traffic Enforcement), 11.13 (Mental Illness Cases), 13.3 Annex 5 (Demonstrations and Civil Disorders), Agency Strategic Plan

Are Alexandria police officers trained to de-escalate situations involving mental health crisis?

Yes. The Alexandria Police Department is a founding partner in the City of Alexandria’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT.)  Officers who complete CIT training are certified to recognize mental health issues and practice verbal de-escalation and active listening skills to reduce risk and avoid the use of force. Approximately 60% of Alexandria police officers are currently CIT-certified, with a goal of 100%.

Related Directives: 10.32 (Use of Force), 10.35 (Investigation of Lethal Force & In-Custody Deaths), 11.13 (Mental Illness Cases)

Are Alexandria police officers required to give verbal warnings before using firearms?

Alexandria police officers are required to announce their intention to arrest prior to doing so, unless such announcement is impractical or will threaten someone’s safety. Officers are prohibited from firing warning shots for any reason; firearms may only be used when deadly force is necessary and justified.

Related Directives: 2.2 (Rules of Conduct), 10.32 (Use of Force)

Are Alexandria police officers required to report each time they use force or threaten to use force?

Yes. Alexandria police officers are required to report, document and investigate each time they use or threaten to use force.

Related Directives: 2.2 (Rules of Conduct), 10.32 (Use of Force)

How is information about officer-involved shootings collected?

The Alexandria Police Department reports officer-involved shooting data to the Virginia State Police through the Uniform Crime Reporting program, which in turn submits this data to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Since 2019, the FBI has been compiling this data as part of the National Use-of-Force Data Collection and intends to begin publish summaries at least twice a year.

Are Alexandria police officers required to intervene and stop excessive force used by other officers and report these incidents immediately to a supervisor?

Yes. Alexandria police officers are required to base their actions on proper and equitable application of the law.  Officers must not only report the improper actions of other officers and employees, but also their own improper actions that are in violation of policy or the law.

Related Directives: 2.4 (Non-Biased Policing), 4.19 (EAP/Early Intervention Program), Directive 2.2 (Rules of Conduct), 2.3 (Complaints and Disciplinary Action)

Are Alexandria police officers permitted to use choke holds or neck restraints?

Because choke holds and neck restraints may cause lethal injury, Alexandria police officers are not permitted to use these tactics unless deadly force can be justified in a given situation. Deadly force is never permitted to retrieve evidence or detain a person who does not pose a substantial danger to others.

Related Directives: 10.32 (Use of Force)

Are Alexandria police officers permitted to shoot at moving vehicles?

Alexandria police officers are prohibited from shooting at or from a moving vehicle, except as a last resort in the most extreme and exceptional circumstances when required to avoid immediate and clearly foreseeable danger of death or serious injury.

Related Directives: 10.32 (Use of Force)

How often is force used by Alexandria police officers?

During 2019, Alexandria police officers used force against 28 individuals out of 4,316 individuals arrested (0.6%). For details, see the  Annual Use of Force Analysis

Do Alexandria police officers use force proportionally in terms of race, ethnicity and sex?

As the chart below indicates, use of force by Alexandria police officers in 2019 was roughly proportionate by race and ethnicity to arrests for all groups except white males, against whom force was used at more than twice the rate of arrest.

Arrestees and Subjects of Force by Race and Ethnicity (CY 2019)

 

Arrestees Subjects of Force
White/Male/Non-Hispanic 12.4% 28.6%
White/Female/Non-Hispanic 5.6% 3.5%
Black/Male/Non-Hispanic 38.3% 42.9%
Black/Female/Non-Hispanic 12.0% 10.7%
Asian/Male/Non-Hispanic 1.0% -
Asian/Female/Non-Hispanic 0.5% -
White/Male/Hispanic 19.6% 14.3%
White/Female/Hispanic 4.7% -
Other/Unknown 5.9% -

Note that it is not meaningful to compare use of force demographics to resident population demographics, because force is only used against individuals being arrested and more than 97% of the population was not arrested. In addition, many arrestees were not residents.

Accountability

Who helps the Alexandria Police Department stay accountable to the community?

The Alexandria Police Department is accountable to the community in a variety of ways, including the following:

  • Operating an internal reporting structure consisting of ranks up to the Chief of Police, who reports to a Deputy City Manager and City Manager appointed by the elected Alexandria City Council.
  • Close collaboration with the  Alexandria Human Rights Commission. Alexandria has been a leader in this type of partnership. Since 2006, the Department has met with the Commission to discuss any officer-involved shooting or use of a taser, as well as any complaint against an officer for harassment, demeaning language, or excessive use of force.
  • National accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies since 1986. The Department is currently accredited at the Gold level, which requires meeting 459 standards.
  • Voluntarily using the Virginia State Police to conduct independent investigations of any officer-involved shooting and any accusation of a criminal offense by an officer, in addition to required reviews by the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. This reform was instituted by Chief Brown in 2018.
  • Voluntarily using independent investigators for complaints against staff filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, in addition to investigations conducted by the Alexandria Office of Human Rights.
  • Operating an Office of External Affairs and Professional Responsibility to promote public trust and effective management through a rigorous internal review process that allows the public and staff to redress grievances concerning the actions of Department employees. This office investigates all complaints submitted through the Department’s misconduct reporting methods or through the City’s Office of Internal Audit.
  • Compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, including the Virginia State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

Are Alexandria police officers permitted to cover or obscure their badge numbers or nameplates?

No. Alexandria police officers are required to display regulation nameplates and numbered badges on their outermost garments when in uniform (except raincoats). Officers will also provide their names or badge numbers upon request.

Related Directives: 6.3 (Uniform, Equipment and Appearance)

How can I report misconduct by an Alexandria police officer or other employee?

The Alexandria Police Department actively encourages anyone with information about employee misconduct to report it as soon as possible. Complaints may be made in any form and may be made anonymously. To make a complaint, call the Office of External Affairs and Professional Responsibility at 703.746.6767, submit the report online, or mail it to Alexandria Police Department, Internal Investigations Section, 3600 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria, VA  22304. Complaints regarding bias may also be made by calling the Bias Policing Line at 703.746.1967.

How many complaints must be made against an officer before they are disciplined or terminated?

The Alexandria Police Department uses an “early alert system” to identify officers or other employees with performance or disciplinary issues. The goal is to change the underlying performance or behavior issues before they escalate to disciplinary actions.  When disciplinary actions are taken, they are in accordance with Department and City policies. Depending on the type of violation and employee’s history, a variety of disciplinary actions may be implemented, including termination of employment. There is no single number of complaints required for discipline or termination; an officer who commits a single serious violation of policy may be terminated, and an officer who is the subject of multiple complaints may not be disciplined at all if the complaints are thoroughly investigated and determined to be unfounded.

Are Alexandria police officers thoroughly vetted to ensure they do not have a history of abuse, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, or other discrimination?

All Alexandria police officers and other Department employees undergo comprehensive background checks upon hiring, including psychological and a polygraph examinations. Any officers who discharges a weapons in an officer-involved shooting incident must also pass a psychological examination prior to returning to full duty.

What is the status of the Alexandria Police Department’s use of body-worn cameras and vehicle-mounted cameras?

In April 2023, APD will begin deployment of Body Worn Cameras (BWC) throughout the Department.  This in turn will create greater transparency and accountability in its interactions with the public.

Deployment of the cameras will be on a rolling basis, with a goal of ensuring every sworn personnel is issued a camera as a part of their required gear within a year. 

Is there a collective bargaining agreement between the Alexandria Police Department and its officers and other employees?

In the Fiscal year 2023, the City of Alexandria entered a Collective bargaining agreement with the Alexandria Police Department, providing a pay increase and better benefits to its Police department. 

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