APD Launches Safety Campaign for Officers — “Commuters often hear about the importance of safety on the road, but a new police program in Alexandria, Virginia, seeks to help officers keep themselves out of harm’s way on the road. Through its newly-launched, 12-month ‘Safety First — Every Shift, Every Call’ campaign, Alexandria police will provide officers with monthly safety tips throughout 2020 on topics like safe driving tactics, traffic stops and driving while fatigued.” [WTOP]

Drug Take-Back Day Coming Soon — “Alexandria encourages residents to safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications, including those prescribed by veterinarians, during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. A special collection will take place on January 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., although medications may also be taken year-round to one of the permanent drop box locations.” [City of Alexandria]


No injuries were reported after gunshots were apparently fired near Bishop Ireton High School over the weekend.

The Alexandria Police Department said Sunday night that it was investigating shots fired on the 200 block of Ellsworth Ave., in the West End.


(Updated at 12:45 p.m.) Police calls for serious crime in Alexandria rose in 2019, though misdemeanors have generally been on the decline, according to a new report.

Data in the city’s Crime and Quality of Life report shows that overall, felony dispatches have increased by 4.2% in Alexandria. Between 2018-2019, aggravated assaults increased from 151 to 208, a 37.7% increase.


When Riverside Taco comes back to the Alexandria waterfront this spring, it could be expanded into a new music venue.

The eatery currently consists of the Airstream trailer that dispenses tacos, soft drinks, and beer — seasonally — as well as a 90-seat picnic table area. A new special use permit (SUP) requested for Riverside Taco would allow the market to host live acoustic entertainment.


Alexandria is offering free Narcan training, which teaches members of the public how to spot and reverse an opioid overdose, starting tomorrow.

Narcan is a prescription medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose through injection or intranasal mist. Last year, Alexandria Police Department Lt. Mike Kochis was credited with saving the life of an unconscious man in Carlyle with a Narcan dose.


APD Investigates Friday Night Robbery — “The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a commercial robbery in the 3100 block of Duke Street. Merchandise was taken and one minor Injury. Expect police activity in the area.” [Twitter]

Appointment for Former Fire Chief — “Former Alexandria, Va Fire Chief Robert Dubé has been appointed Deputy Director of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, according to a press release issued Friday, January 10, 2020 from Governor Ralph Northam’s office.” [Zebra]


Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) was careful with his words at T.C. Williams High School on Friday.

The lawmaker spoke for more than an hour to JROTC students about his war powers resolution, which would limit the president’s ability to strike against foreign countries without congressional approval. Kaine said that the Trump administration’s Jan. 3 assassination of Qasem Soleimani outside Baghdad International Airport was based on U.S. intelligence that fell “far short of what I view as an imminent threat.”


Richard Thomas has been sober for 50 days, and that’s his longest stretch away from PCP and marijuana since he was 14 years old.

The 42-year-old Alexandria native has been arrested more than 10 times over the course of his life. A 1995 graduate of T.C. Williams High School, Thomas has seen his life repeatedly go down the drain through intense struggles with homelessness, addiction and depression. But the Alexandria Treatment Court has given him a new lease on life.


An elderly, golden-haired cocker spaniel named Solo is, ironically, looking for some companionship.

The 10-year old spaniel at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (4101 Eisenhower Avenue) has a number of tricks he’s been showing off in foster care — like sit, stay, down and come — but also has a more specialized ability to find treats hidden around a room on command.


Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Gregory Hutchings released his $299 million fiscal year 2021 Combined Funds Budget on Thursday night, a 4.4% increase over last year’s budget.

The draft budget is nearly 500 pages, and includes increases to the Virginia Retirement System, a step increase of 2.63% for a majority of staff, a one-time bonus for those ineligible for a step increase and a market rate adjustment to counter rising health care costs. Hutchings is asking the city for $9.7 million, or 4.2% more than last year’s approved budget.


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