City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: NOVEMBER 18, 2020
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Receipt of Body-Worn Camera Report
BODY
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ISSUE: Review of the costs, potential benefits, and potential negatives regarding the implementation of a Body-Worn Camera (BWC) program.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Receive the attached BWC Proposal Report;
(2) Direct the City Manager to develop a plan for a multi-year phase in of BWC program for the Alexandria Police Department, Alexandria Sheriff's Office, Fire Marshals, and other related City agencies; and
(3) Present that multi-year BWC program multi-year phase-in as part of the proposed FY 2022 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
BACKGROUND: On June 9, 2020, City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2950, which condemned police brutality and systemic racism; reaffirmed that Black Lives Matter; and stated Council's intent to establish a community police review board. In this resolution, City Council acknowledged that the plight of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are not only present in the form of police brutality, but is also entrenched in institutions "such as the judicial system, the electoral process, career advancement, education, housing and the health care system."
The adopted Resolution also 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." Council's direction to City staff echoes the increased national and community interest in increased accountability and transparency with regard to policing. Specific instances of police misconduct or serious abuse of authority are, low in Alexandria as the City has a quality, accredited police department with quality, trained, ...
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