The Alexandria City Council unanimously passed an ordinance that will establish an independent community policing review board, in line with a new statewide measure passed in October 2020.
The new board will field complaints from the community regarding policing in the city, review the Alexandria Police Department’s investigations, conduct investigations into police behavior, and provide recommendations on policing practices and procedures. It will also create a new position — the Independent Policing Auditor/Investigator — to staff the review board. The position will be appointed by the City Council.
Lawmakers gave the ordinance final approval on Saturday, after spending a six-hour long meeting in March debating questions of confidentiality and finalizing the details of how the new board would operate.
“This review board will work to provide enhanced citizen oversight and policy input to address racial and social equity in community policing as part of our commitment to ensuring the protection of all Alexandrians,” Mayor Justin Wilson said in a press release following the council’s vote.
The adoption of the ordinance follows a measure passed by the Virginia General Assembly in October 2020, which grants localities the authority to establish civilian review boards for their law enforcement agencies.
well thats a novel idea! Only been asking for one since forever here in the peoples republic of maryland.
let the citizens decide if the kop acted in good faith or not. no more coverups. Love how they investigate themselves! can I get a deal like that?