City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: JANUARY 22, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: TARRICK MCGUIRE, POLICE CHIEF
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Grant Application to the FY 2026 Combatting Hate Crimes Grant Program through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of a Grant Application to the FY 2026 Combatting Hate Crimes Grant Program through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, submitted in July 2025, with Retroactive approval and Confirmation of Compliance with all program guidelines.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Approve the submission of an application to the DCJS Grant Program for up to $200,000; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all the necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: The Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) accepts applications 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. Participating localities must demonstrate an established relationship with these institutions and/or nonprofit organizations.
The Alexandria Police Department (APD) has formed partnerships with multiple faith-based and nonprofit organizations within the City of Alexandria. APD has met with leaders from several of these organizations and continues to expand its outreach, with the goal of building strong, long-lasting relationships between these groups and the department.
City Council has reviewed and approved prior grant submissions in FY 2023, FY 2024, and FY 2025. In FY 2023, APD partnered with Agudas Achim Congregation; in FY 2024, with Beth El Congregation; and in FY 2025, with seven organizations: Agudas Achim Congregation, Alfred Street Baptist Church, Mount Jezreel Baptist Church, Beth El Hebrew Congregation, Alexandria Free Methodist Church, Redeemed Church of Christ, and Shiloh Baptist Church.
DISCUSSION: 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 primary objective of the program is to reduce bias-motivated incidents by providing financial support 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.
The Alexandria Police Department will ensure that all grant guidelines are followed and that funded projects align with the intent and objectives of the program. The submission deadline for this grant was July 30, 2025. To formalize this collaboration, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be executed. APD will maintain exclusive oversight of the grant funds and all associated reporting requirements and will utilize the funding to enhance safety and security initiatives. The grant provides awards of up to $200,000 per locality. The grant period will run from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and eligible expenditures incurred during the entire grant period may be submitted retroactively for reimbursement.
FISCAL IMPACT: This grant does not necessitate a matching contribution from the City, resulting in no additional fiscal impact on our budget.
ATTACHMENTS: None
STAFF:
Yon Lambert, Deputy City Manager
Brenda D’Sylva, Division Chief, Police Department
Jennifer Simon, Fiscal Officer I, Police Department
Tony Moore, Lieutenant, Police Department