Bill Text: VA HJR197 | 2020 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending the Alexandria Police Department.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2020-02-13 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ197ER) [HJR197 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-HJR197-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, July 15, 2020, marks the 150th anniversary of the official founding of the Alexandria Police Department; and
WHEREAS, the Alexandria community benefited from local law-enforcement protection through the service of constables, night watchmen, and police officers beginning in the late 18th century; and
WHEREAS, recognizing the need for a professionally organized police force, city leaders formally authorized the establishment of the Alexandria Police Department on July 15, 1870; and
WHEREAS, the Alexandria Police Department's rich and proud heritage is an important part of the city's celebrated and well-known history; and
WHEREAS, over the past 150 years, thousands of brave individuals have answered the call to serve as Alexandria police officers; and
WHEREAS, one watchman, one constable, and 16 police officers have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the people of Alexandria; and
WHEREAS, the Alexandria Police Department has long been on the forefront of law-enforcement advancements, establishing technical crime scene investigative capabilities in the late 1920s, interoperability radio communications in the 1940s, and one of the region's first canine police teams in 1959; and
WHEREAS, through the second half of the 20th century, the Alexandria Police Department continued improving its ability to serve the community by establishing a community relations team in the 1960s and implementing computer and 911 capabilities in the 1970s and 1980s; and
WHEREAS, in 1986, the Alexandria Police Department became one of the first police departments in the country to earn national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies; and
WHEREAS, the Alexandria Police Department headquarters was established in 1870 within Alexandria City Hall and, after moving to 400 North Pitt Street in 1959 and 2003 Mill Road in 1987, relocated in 2011 to an award-winning, highly efficient green facility at 3600 Wheeler Avenue; and
WHEREAS, sworn, civilian, and volunteer members of the Alexandria Police Department have created a lasting legacy of benevolence through the Alexandria Police Youth Camp and the Alexandria Police Association; and
WHEREAS, the Alexandria Police Department will be celebrating its distinguished history with special events and commemorations throughout this year; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Alexandria Police Department on the occasion of its 150th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Michael L. Brown, Chief of the Alexandria Police Department, as an expression of the General Assembly's respect and admiration for the department's service to the Commonwealth.
