The Alexandria City Council will receive a staff proposal next month on a community police review board, and Councilman Mo Seifeldein says he wants the body to have independent investigative authority and subpoena power in investigating police misconduct.
“Don’t abuse your power is what it comes down to,” Seifeldein said in a virtual meeting on Tuesday night. “The board could receive complaints that deal with abuse of power, serious misconduct… unnecessary force, unreasonable excessive use of force, use of racial, ethnic or sexual language/ remarks or just harassment, generally.”
Seifeldein, who introduced the legislation that passed unanimously in June, said that allegations of misconduct have been swept under the rug for far too long, and that there are about 150 police review boards in jurisdictions across the country. In Virginia, there are such board in Fairfax County, Virginia Beach and Charlottesville.
As previously reported, there has been a renewed focus on police activities this year. During the pandemic when a third of patrol officers were sent home to telework, followed by national unrest over policing in the wake of the death of George Floyd.
The department recently fired an officer for unjustified use of force, and his case was moved to the Commonwealth Attorney’s office for review. The move, which was made by Police Chief Michael Brown, was met with criticism by some officers, and an internal survey conducted by the Alexandria chapter of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association found that morale was low and that a majority of officers surveyed were wary of not receiving a fair administrative process if their conduct is called into question.
Seifeldein said he has met with a number of community groups regarding the new board, including the Alexandria NAACP, Grassroots Alexandria, Tenants & Workers United and the Northern Virginia Black Attorneys Association.
“We’re doing the best we can to make sure that we have everyone input, before I share my thoughts with my colleagues and the city,” Seifeldein said.
Recent Stories
Thousands of art lovers will have to set aside their plans this weekend, as Del Ray’s annual Art On The Avenue has been postponed due to Tropical Storm Ian. Ian…
A number of suspected MS-13 gang members have been arrested the last several months for allegedly selling crack/cocaine, marijuana and firing gunshots in the Arlandria area. The suspects allegedly sold…
Enjoy live music and pop up beer garden at the Happy Hour Concert Series starting tonight at 6 p.m.
The Electra America Hospitality Group (EAHG) has filed an application to open a new cafe with outdoor seating at Hotel AKA — an Old Town North Holiday Inn replacement at…
Are you tired of going to the gym? It might be the crowds, the locker room, waiting on equipment or the time it takes to commute to the gym.
Having a personal trainer come to your home will keep you accountable, save you time and allow you to workout in the comfort of your own home.
Skip the hassle of the gym and try our in-home personal training service.
Our services are reasonably priced, convenient, effective and are risk free.
At Nova Fencing Club, the beginner fencing classes are designed for students of all levels – including students who have never fenced before.
If you’re looking for a fun physical activity that improves your fitness, critical thinking and rapid decision making skills then come join us!
There’s no better time than now to give us a try – and take part in one of the fastest growing sports. Our highly educated, professional coaching staff includes Virginia’s only Maitre d’Armes, a member of USA Fencing’s coaching team, former members of the USA National Team, and our Head Coach, who has produced national champions.
Register for either our Youth Beginner Fencing Classes (7-12) or our Teen & Adult Beginner Fencing Classes (13 to Adult) and become a part of the club that champions call home.
Think BIG! About the Future of Movement
Join the City of Alexandria and Arlington County’s Initiative to Rethink Energy at our first ever electric vehicle (EV) and sustainable technologies showcase! Get inspired by seeing a variety of electric cars, scooters, bikes, motorcycles, police cars, buses, trucks and
Between Home and the Front: Book Talk and Signing
Join the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum on Zoom or in person at the museum for a special book talk with the curators behind Between Home and the Front: Civil War Letters of the Walters Family. A book signing will be
