Alexandria Police Department Announces Nuisance Crimes Decreased Nearly 15% In 2020

Press release from the City of Alexandria:

Apr 16, 2021 at 9:16 AM

Alexandria Police Department Announces Nuisance Crimes Decreased
Nearly 15% In 2020

For Immediate Release: April 16, 2021

The
Alexandria Police Department reports Nuisance crimes fell 14.7 percent in 2020,
continuing a downward trend for a third straight year.

There were 1,915 reported nuisance crimes in 2020, down
from 2,244 in 2019. Nuisance crimes are
defined as unreasonable and unlawful use of property, which causes
inconvenience or damage to others. They include
certain drug and narcotic offenses, vandalism, driving under the influence, liquor
law violations, disorderly conduct, prostitution, and gambling charges.

“The Covid-19 pandemic and the decriminalization of
marijuana impacted nuisance crimes in 2020,” said Chief Michael Brown. “Nightlife activities were largely shutdown
or restricted starting in mid-March, which impacted nuisance crimes involving
alcohol.”

Driving Under the Influence offenses fell nearly 40%, while
drunkenness offenses decreased by 28%, and liquor law violations were down 54%.

Drug and narcotic offenses decreased nearly 38% in
2020. The decriminalization of marijuana
began on July 1, 2020. Possession of
small amounts of marijuana (up to one ounce) started carrying a civil fine of
up to $25.

For media inquiries only, contact Amanda Paga, Senior Public
Information Officer, at amanda.paga@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.6600.

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This press release was produced by the City of Alexandria.The views expressed here are the author’s own.