Community Policing Review Board Approved In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — On Saturday, Alexandria City Council approved an ordinance to establish an Independent Community Policing Review Board, effective July 1.

The ordinance gives the Independent Community Policing Review Board authority to receive concerns from the community regarding policing in Alexandria, review Alexandria Police Department investigations of certain incidents and complaints, conduct independent investigations of certain incidents and complaints of more serious incidents, and make recommendations on policing practices, policies and procedures. The ordinance also creates a new position, an independent policing auditor/investigator, to staff the review board.

According to a memo from the city manager, there are few incidents of police misconduct in Alexandria, but the creation of the community policing review board responds to local and national interest in increased accountability and transparency from police.

"Alexandrians are blessed to be served by a deeply professional and capable Police Department," said Mayor Justin Wilson in a statement Saturday. "Today’s adoption of this ordinance is an effort to enhance the trust between our Police Department and our community. This review board will work to provide enhanced citizen oversight and policy input to address racial and social equity in community policing as part of our commitment to ensuring the protection of all Alexandrians."

City Council first stated intent to create a community policing review board when adopting a resolution in June 2020 condemning police brutality and systemic racism, as well as showing support for the Black Lives Matter movement. The resolution directed the city manager and city attorney to return to City Council in September with a proposed ordinance on a community policing review board.

On Sept. 8, city staff presented a proposed ordinance to create the Community Policing Review Board and a new independent policing auditor position. However, the majority of City Council members were not ready to endorse the proposal without more details on other options and models and outreach to the public with information on other options and fiscal implications. City Council asked staff to return with options for civilian oversight of law enforcement with staffing and fiscal considerations.

On Jan. 12, city staff presented different options for the board to City Council. Council members voted 4-3 to direct staff to draft an ordinance to create a community policing review board with authority to investigate certain matters, including incidents involving death, use of force, and severe misconduct.

Staff presented a proposed ordinance on Feb. 23 and opened a comment board on the proposed ordinance to the community on March 1. The final proposed ordinance was presented on March 17.

The ordinance will take effect at the same time as state legislation resulting from a Virginia General Assembly special session. The Virginia legislation says a law enforcement civilian body can investigate and issue findings on incidents, including use of force by an officer, death or serious injury to a person in custody, serious abuse of authority or misconduct, allegedly discriminatory stops, and other incidents on conduct of law enforcement officers or law enforcement civilian employees.