The Alexandria Police Department is asking dog walkers to join a citywide watch program where walkers keep an eye out for crimes and to call 911 if they see a situation needing an emergency response.
APD is launching the Dog Walker Watch program as the city is experiencing a summer uptick in violent crime. APD says that the dog walkers will help strengthen public safety and “serve as extra eyes and ears while walking their dogs, reporting suspicious activity through 911, 703-746-4444, or 311, as appropriate,” according to an email registry with the city.
APD said that the program reinforces a reality that “public safety is a shared responsibility” between the police department and residents.
“Dog walkers are often outside at different times of the day and may notice unusual activity in their neighborhoods,” APD said in a release. “Dog Walker Watch connects participants with APD officers while providing participants with information and resources to help them recognize suspicious behavior and effectively report what they observe.”
APD also said that dog walkers should stay on the sidelines of incidents and not intervene in a crime.
“Dog Walker Watch participants are never asked to intervene, investigate suspicious activity, or put themselves at risk,” APD said. “Their role is simply to remain observant during their regular walks and report suspicious or criminal activity to the Alexandria Police Department.”
APD will promote the Dog Walker Watch program at a Community Dog Walk with Police Chief Tarrick McGuire during National Night Out. The walk will be held from 6:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4 at the Del Ray Citizens Association’s National Night Out event at Pat Miller Neighborhood Square (Mount Vernon and Oxford Avenues).
