MEDIA ADVISORY
Community Criminal Justice Board
421 King Street, Suite 503
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703.838.4547
For Immediate Release: October 17, 2001
Media Contact: Amy Bertsch, 703.838.4636
ALEXANDRIA HOSTS CRIMINAL JUSTICE DAY
Free Event Gives Citizens Up-Close Look at Criminal Justice System
Alexandrians will get a special opportunity this weekend to see their criminal justice system in action. The Community Criminal Justice Board is hosting its first Criminal Justice Day this Saturday, October 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Lee Center (1108 Jefferson Street) in Alexandria. The media is also invited and encouraged to attend.
The free event will feature demonstrations of criminal cases, from arrest to trial to sentencing. Citizens can follow any of three cases and observe real police officers, deputies, prosecutors, public defenders, judges, probation and parole officers, and other court services staff at work.
“Too many people view the criminal justice system as a one-hour television show,” says Melinda, Douglas, the project director and head of the Office of Public Defender. “This event gives citizens an enlightening look at Alexandria’s criminal justice system. We want people to be informed, to see that the system really does work.”
Other special activities include child identification and fingerprinting, police K-9 demonstrations, operation of breathalyzer and electronic monitoring equipment, a tour of the police mobile command unit, and staffed information booths. Attendees will be able to meet elected and appointed officials, as well as other law enforcement, corrections and court personnel. Spanish language translation is available and the criminal cases will be appropriate for all family members.
The event is co-sponsored by Hops restaurant, and free refreshments are being provided by Firehook Bakery, Starbucks, La Madeline, Xando/cosi, Bittersweet, St. Elmo’s, Gourmet Center and Delicatessen, and Coca-Cola.
For more information, the public may call 703.838.4547.
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