Alexandria Weighs Changes To City Jail As Costs Rise, Population Falls

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria is studying whether the city should continue operating its own jail as officials weigh declining inmate populations, rising costs and possible alternatives for housing people in custody.

The city wants to hear feedback from residents and has launched an online survey to collect information.

The city is conducting a study of the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center, examining how the jail is staffed, funded and operated. The study is also exploring alternatives that could better fit Alexandria’s needs. City officials emphasized that no decisions have been made.

The review comes as the number of people housed at the jail has fallen in recent years while the needs of those who remain in custody have become more complex, according to the city.

Operating the jail cost about $32 million in fiscal 2024, with Alexandria taxpayers covering about $18.4 million of that amount. The state-calculated cost was nearly $297 per inmate per day.

One option city officials have previously examined is contracting with another jail or regional authority to house some or all Alexandria inmates. Virginia law allows such arrangements, and regional jail systems already serve multiple localities elsewhere in the state.

The detention center, which opened in 1987, also houses federal prisoners under an agreement with the U.S. Marshals Service. It had an average daily population of 287 inmates in 2024.

Alexandria is asking residents to weigh in through a five-question survey that will remain open through Nov. 20.

The survey can be accessed here.

Feedback will be provided to city staff, the City Council and other decision-makers as the study moves forward.