Post Content

City Councilman Wants Police Review Board to Have Investigative Authority, Subpoena Power

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

This past week saw 44 homes sold in Alexandria. The least expensive condo, single-family home or townhouse sale over the past seven days was $200,000 while the most expensive was…

Big changes are coming to Village Brauhaus at 710 King Street in Old Town. The new owners will close the doors of the restaurant for three weeks starting Tuesday, June…

In not so long from now At a local Birchmere Don McLean will be performing live… Musician Don McLean is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his hit song American Pie with…

(Updated 1:35 p.m.) A man was robbed at gunpoint yesterday morning in the area of E. Braddock Road and Commonwealth Avenue in Del Ray. The victim called police from his…

Are you seeking a confidential space where you can explore your emotions, overcome challenges, and find inner peace? Look no further than our dedicated psychotherapy service! We understand that life can be overwhelming at times, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

At Peaceful Mind Solutions, our passion lies in helping individuals like you navigate life’s complexities and find the strength to thrive. Our skilled and compassionate therapist is committed to creating a warm, non-judgmental environment where you can express your thoughts and feelings openly. With our personalized approach, we tailor each session to address your unique needs and empower you to overcome obstacles.

Through evidence-based techniques and a deep understanding of the human mind, our therapist will guide you on a transformative journey of self-discovery. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply seeking personal growth, we’re here to provide guidance and practical tools for lasting change.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Time flies when you’re having fun! The T.C. Williams High School Class of 1973 will hold its 50th reunion July 21-23, 2023 in Alexandria. All graduates and their adult nears and dears are welcome. Events include a Friday evening icebreaker, Saturday dinner dance, and a Sunday brunch. For more information: tcwilliams73.com, 770.789.3534.

Submit your own Community Post here.

×

Subscribe to our mailing list