City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: OCTOBER 3, 2023
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: KIM NEAL, INDEPENDENT POLICING AUDITOR /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of the Adoption of the Independent Community Policing Review Board’s Bylaws.
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of the adoption of the Independent Community Policing Review Board’s Bylaws.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council receive and adopt the Independent Community Policing Review Board’s Bylaws.
BACKGROUND: On June 9, 2020, the Alexandria City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2950, which condemned police brutality and systemic racism; reaffirmed Black Lives Matter; and stated the Council’s intent to establish a community policing review board. The resolution 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 City staff to return to the Council at its first Legislative Meeting of September 2020 a proposed ordinance that established a Community Policing Review Board. After engaging the community and 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. Pursuant to City of Alexandria Code § 2-4-224 (b), the Board, assisted by the Independent Policing Auditor, is authorized to develop and implement its bylaws, administrative systems, and operating policies and procedures, consistent with existing federal and state law, state regulation, and this enabling article. Such bylaws shall be subject to public notice and public hearing before adoption by the board and would become effective upon adoption by the City Council.
DISCUSSION: Notification of the Independent Community Policing Review Board’s June 7, 2023 discussion and public hearing regarding the Bylaws was posted on May 25, 2023, on the website. The Board held a public hearing on its proposed Bylaws on June 27, 2023. There were no public comments. Subsequently, the public hearing closed, and the Bylaws were moved and approved by a majority of the Board at its June 7, 2023 meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no direct fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENT: Independent Community Policing Review Board’s Bylaws
STAFF:
Todd Pilot, Chair, Independent Community Policing Review Board
James F. Parajon, City Manager