[Archived] City of Alexandria Seeks Public Comment on Draft 21st Century Policing Plan

For Immediate Release: January 26, 2018

The City of Alexandria invites the public to comment on the draft of a strategic plan to ensure effective ongoing delivery of police services to the community. In developing its draft 21st Century Policing Plan, the Alexandria Police Department reviewed and applied recommendations from the Community Advisory Team and the report of President Barack Obama's Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The report identified ways that policing practices can promote effective crime reduction while building public trust.

“The Task Force recommendations are helping us identify the best ways to partner with the community we serve,” said Police Chief Michael L. Brown. “We are grateful to the Community Advisory Team for their vital input.”

The Community Advisory Team, which includes community leaders appointed by the Police Chief, serves as a key partner in the Police Department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community connections.

The draft Plan addresses community issues such as:

Youth Engagement: The Police Department consistently works on building mutual trust and cooperation with the youth in the community. This is accomplished through several programs, such as COPS (the Community Oriented Policing Section), student interns, the Alexandria Police Youth Camp, and designated Youth Outreach Coordinator and School Resource Officers.
Fair and Impartial Policing: Prior to field training, new police officers receive classroom training on the history of Alexandria and the Police Department. While at the police academy, new officers are instructed about social challenges, issues with racially based policing, and perceptions related to race and ethnicity.
External Review: To strengthen trust within the community, the Human Rights Commission provides external review of complaints involving police officers or civilian staff. The Police Department also provides reports to the Commission on complaints, internal investigations related to discrimination, and use of force events.

The successful implementation of the APD 21st Century Policing Plan will ensure that the Police Department will continue to deliver competent, professional police service to all who live in, work in and visit Alexandria.

The public may provide comments on the draft Plan by completing a brief survey at alexandriava.gov/Police. The comment period will close on February 9.

For media inquiries, contact Crystal Nosal, Senior Public Safety Information Officer, Alexandria Police Department, at crystal.nosal@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.6601.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. To request a reasonable accommodation, email wendy.webb@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.6755, Virginia Relay 711.