Alexandria Community Policing Review Board

Page updated on June 9, 2023 at 12:38 PM

Overview

On June 9, 2020, the Alexandria City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2950, which condemned police brutality and systemic racism; reaffirmed that Black Lives Matter; and stated Council’s intent to establish a community policing review board in our City. The resolution also affirmed that the City of Alexandria and all government officials have a duty to ensure the protection of all communities through actions and reform, including in the justice system. The resolution also directed the City Manager and City Attorney to return to Council at the first Legislative Meeting of September 2020 with a proposed ordinance to establish a Community Policing Review Board in Alexandria. City Council developed a draft ordinance after considering examples of Review Boards throughout the country and the City’s own needs, as discussed at the January 12, 2021 City Council meeting. The Alexandria community asked questions and provided comments regarding the draft ordinance.

Questions and Answers

Submitted Comments

After careful consideration, at its public hearing on April 17, 2021, the City Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance establishing the structure of a new Independent Community Policing Review Board, to be effective as of July 1, 2021 along with its authorizing state law.  The City Council also established the Office of the Alexandria Independent Policing Auditor.

Purpose

The purpose of the Independent Policing Review Board is to enhance policing legitimacy and to increase and maintain trust between and among the police department, city council, city manager and the public. The board shall provide timely, fair and objective review of administrative investigations conducted by the Independent Policing Auditor and Alexandria Police Department (APD) as well as the Independent Policing Auditor’s evaluation of policing policies, practices, procedures, and outcomes in Alexandria.  The Board shall also recommend meaningful assessments and corrective recommendations intended to remedy discriminatory practices, including racial and social inequities; ensure the protection of all communities through recommended actions and reform, including in the criminal justice system; and recommend strategies for effectively implementing these reforms in our community.

Board Members and Terms

Board Details and Member Roster

The purpose of the Alexandria Independent Community Policing Review Board, created by Ordinance No. 5337, as adopted by City Council on April 17, 2021, is to enhance policing legitimacy and to increase and maintain trust between and among the police department, City Council, city manager, and the public.

Meeting Materials and Resources

2023

2022

Other Meeting Resources

Questions and Answers

Can the board assist me with a citation I received or with my court case?

Unfortunately, we cannot provide any legal advice or assistance. You should seek guidance from a licensed attorney.

Who can file a complaint?

Any member of the public can file a complaint. You do not need to be a City of Alexandria resident or a U.S. citizen to file a complaint. 

How do I file a complaint?

Can I file an anonymous complaint?

Yes, you can file an anonymous complaint; however, you must have first-hand knowledge of the incident, which means it must be an incident that you witnessed or were directly involved. Please note, should you choose to be anonymous, we will not be able to contact you with potential follow-up questions or provide you any information about the case. If you would like for our office to follow up with you, please be sure to provide your first and last name, phone number, and/or email or mailing address. 

How do I commend Alexandria Police Department personnel?

To provide feedback or thank a specific Alexandria Police Department employee, complete a Commendation Form or contact us. 

Submission of Report or Comment

  1. Complaint - The Independent Community Policing Review is interested in listening to concerns you may have regarding APD personnel. 

  1. Commendation - The Independent Community Policing Review Board welcomes your compliments of APD personnel. Once received, your compliments will also be shared with APD. 

  1. Comment - The Independent Community Policing Review Board is interested in hearing from community members about the board and how it can represent you better.  We value your feedback. 

Background Information