Community Turns Out for Meeting with Police

PHOTOS: Alexandria Police Chief Earl Cook talks to residents gathered Monday night at Cora Kelly Recreation Center in Alexandria; photos courtesy of Alexandria Police Department

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The Alexandria Police Department met with residents Monday night at the Cora Kelly Recreation Center in the wake of two homicides in the area.

One point stressed by police: “No call is too small.” Residents are encouraged to contact police if they see suspicious activity.

Some of the points that were discussed, according to messages posted to social media by police:

• Residents were told to call police if they see suspicious behavior, because police can’t be dispatched if information is only posted to social media. If it’s not an emergency, the non-emergency number to call is: (703) 746-4444.
• Residents at the meeting complained about “drunks hanging out under the bridge on W. Glebe Road” which borders Arlington County.
• Residents asked that police get out of their cars and talk to residents rather than just drive through neighborhoods.
• A parent asked that police provide more information when a school has to go into “lock in” mode, so they can talk to their children and make them feel safer.
• Parents in the area who are concerned about gang and/or prostitution recruitment of area teens should get their children involved in after-school activities, police said.
• Residents are reminded they live in an urban area and need to lock their doors and remain alert.