City of Alexandria, Virginia
MEMORANDUM
DATE: JANUARY 17, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: AMERATU KAMARA, INVESTIGATIVE AND POLICY ANALYST, OFFICE OF THE INDEPENDENT POLICING AUDITOR
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of Ordinances for the Independent Policing Auditor and the Independent Community Policing Review Board. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
BODY
ISSUE: Consideration of ordinances governing the Alexandria Independent Policing Auditor (AIPA) as well as the Independent Community Policing Review Board (ICPRB).
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council hold a public hearing, conduct a second reading and adopt the ordinances on final passage on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
BACKGROUND: The City of Alexandria's Office of the Independent Policing Auditor was established by ordinance in April 2021 as a mechanism with which to provide oversight and accountability of the Alexandria Police Department (APD). The City of Alexandria's first Independent Policing Auditor commenced in December 2022. This office serves as an independent proactive leader in law enforcement accountability of APD to the population it serves. The City Council also voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance establishing an Independent Community Policing Review Board, effective July 1, 2021.
DISCUSSION: In June 2024, the Auditor provided an update to City Council on the early implementation of policing oversight in Alexandria and recommended modifications to the enabling ordinances with the intent of clarifying the Board and Auditor's roles and responsibilities, updating certain procedures and training/operational requirements.
To ensure a collaborative approach with the goal of building consensus from key stakeholders, the Auditor convened an ad hoc working group with representatives from the Board, Alexandria Police Department and city staff. The process also included community engagement and ...
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