Crime Reduction Strategies Discussed By Alexandria City Leaders

ALEXANDRIA, VA — An update on crime and strategies to reduce it were discussed at Tuesday's Alexandria City Council meeting.

The hours-long discussion included input from Alexandria Police Chief Don Hayes, Sheriff Sean Casey, Director of Court Services Mike Mackey, Alexandria City Public Schools Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt, Commonwealth's Attorney Bryan Porter, and Deputy City Manager Yon Lambert. Crime has been a hot topic of discussion in the city, particularly with concerns about gun-related violance.

"In Alexandria, we are on uncomfortable, but not unprecedented, terrain," said Hayes in a statement. "We have an experienced senior leadership team partnering across multiple agencies to aggressively reduce serious crime and gun violence in hot spots, support the prosecution and trial of offenders, continue our low recidivism rates, and foster safe, supportive environments for our youth."

According to data presented to City Council, Part I crimes, which are considered more serious crimes against people and personal property, overall increased 4.7 percent from 2021 to 2022. However, violent crimes per 100,000 residents fell from 208 to 180.

This year up to Aug. 31, many Part I crimes have been higher than the 20-year average. Larcenies up to Aug. 31 total 2,049, up from a 20-year average of 1,681. There have been 329 stolen vehicle cases, compared to an average of 223. Aggravated assaults stand at 163, up from a 20-year average of 108. Homicides as of Aug. 31 totaled five, compared to a 20-year average of two. Robberies stand at 85, comparable to the 84 average.

Crimes that are lower than the 20-year average are rapes (four compared to 11 average) and burglary (116 compared to 165 average).

Data for shots fired incidents was presented for the police department's three sectors, which are broad areas that cover multiple neighborhoods. Sector 3, which includes many West End neighborhoods, had 36 shots fired incidents reported from January to August. Sector 1, which includes Old Town and some surrounding parts, had 12 shots fired incidents. Sector 2, which includes areas like Del Ray and Arlandria, had six shots fired incidents. ALX Now reported that the police department is looking to update the sector maps, which city leaders have criticized for not being updated to address crime in specific neighborhoods.

For Alexandria City Public Schools and Alexandria Police, monitoring the Bradlee Shopping Center has been an area of focus. That shopping center is where an Alexandria City High School senior died in an off-campus stabbing. ACPS and police conduct walkthroughs of the shopping center to redirect them back to school during the school day. The school district also has initiatives to address truancy as well as safety protocols like weapons screening technology and school resource officers at secondary school campuses.

Alexandria Police are working to address crime by continuing to improve staffing and using new technology, such as license plate readers. The police department's license plate readers have helped recover $243,744 in stolen property, including stolen vehicles as well as make arrests and find a missing person. Recently, a license plate reader helped Alexandria Police arrest an escaped prisoner from Wisconsin.

"License plate readers are a prime example of technology we are able to access in real time and collaborate with other jurisdictions to identify and apprehend bad actors in our communities," Hayes said.

The six-month license plate reader pilot includes six devices, and the program will be expanded to add 12 more.

The city's plan for reducing crime includes using technology to reduce crime and gun violence in hot spots; prioritizing Commonwealth's Attorney resources for gun offenses, fentanyl, sex offenses and incidents on school property or events; building safe and supportive environments for youth; pursuing federal and state funding and legislation; and being accountable to the community with transparent data.