City of Alexandria, Virginia
________________
MEMORANDUM
DATE: MARCH 19, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: TARRICK MCGUIRE, POLICE CHIEF, POLICE DEPARTMENT
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Grant Application to the FY2027 Combating Hate Crimes Grant Program through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS)
BODY
_________________________________________________________________
ISSUE: Consideration of a Grant Application to the FY 2027 Combating Hate Crimes Grant Program through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS).
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Retroactively approve the grant application to the DCJS Grant Program (applied on March 17, 2026) for up to $150,000; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all the necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: DCJS accepts applications annually from localities across the Commonwealth that have established partnerships with institutions and nonprofit organizations that have been or are at risk of being targets of hate crimes. Eligible localities must have an established relationship with the institution and/or nonprofit organization.
The Alexandria Police Department (APD) has developed partnerships with several faith-based institutions in the City and continues to meet with institutional leadership to collaboratively pursue this funding opportunity. City Council has reviewed and approved prior year’s submissions for the last four fiscal years.
The primary objective of this program is to reduce bias-motivated incidents by providing financial assistance to institutions and nonprofit organizations that may be vulnerable based on factors such as race, religious beliefs, ethnicity, gender, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or nationality.
DISCUSSION: The City has observed growing interest in this funding opportunity, including from new and emerging organizations that have recently become aware of the program. As additional institutions learn of the grant, APD makes every effort to incorporate eligible organizations that reach out expressing interest. Additionally, APD proactively identifies and engages organizations that may not yet be aware of this opportunity but demonstrate a potential need for enhanced safety and security measures.
While available funding is limited to a maximum award of $150,000 per locality; APD remains committed to distributing these resources in an equitable, transparent, and thoughtful manner. As participation increases, individual award amounts may be reduced to accommodate additional qualifying organizations. Although the allocation per organization may be modest in some cases, newly participated institutions have consistently expressed appreciation for inclusion in the program and for the opportunity to implement even incremental security enhancements.
This inclusive approach strengthens community relationships, broadens the program’s reach, and reinforces the City’s commitment to protecting institutions that may be vulnerable to bias-motivated incidents.
To support informed and equitable funding decisions, APD may conduct site visits at the request of participating organizations. These visits are not a mandatory requirement of the application process but are offered as an optional resource for organizations seeking additional guidance or assessment. When requested, site visits allow staff to better understand facility layouts, existing security measures, operational capacity, and specific safety concerns. This collaborative approach helps ensure that proposed enhancements are aligned with program objectives and tailored to each organization’s needs.
APD intends to maintain open and ongoing communication with all applicants, grantees, and awardees throughout each phase of the process to ensure clarity, transparency, and shared understanding. This will include bi-monthly coordination meetings with participating organizations. These meetings will:
• Provide updates regarding grant guidelines and reporting requirements.
• Ensure adherence to submission timelines and funding deadlines.
• Facilitate communication regarding site visits and project assessments
• Promote transparency in funding considerations; and
• Support successful implementation and oversight of funded projects.
If awarded, the funds will be used to enhance target-hardening measures, with a primary focus on infrastructure improvements. These strategic investments are intended to deter and prevent criminal activity at participating facilities. Program funds may also be used to hire security personnel at participating facilities, including during religious services.
The Alexandria Police Department will maintain exclusive oversight of grant administration and reporting responsibilities to ensure compliance with all DCJS guidelines and alignment with program objectives.
FISCAL IMPACT: This grant does not necessitate a matching contribution from the City, resulting in no additional fiscal impact on our budget. The grant, if awarded, will be available for implementation beginning July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Applications will be reviewed for final approval by the Criminal Justices Services Board in May 2026.
ATTACHMENTS: None
STAFF:
Yon Lambert, Deputy City Manager
Sasha Rutizer, Chief of Staff
Brenda D’Sylva, Division Chief, Police Department
Jennifer Simon, Fiscal Officer I, Police Department
Tony Moore, Lieutenant, Police Department