Alexandria Independent Community Policing Review Board Meeting - March 5, 2026

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting began on March 4, 2026 at 6:02 PM, but the provided meeting date is March 5, 2026. This summary uses the instructed date of March 5, 2026.

This meeting was primarily focused on the in-custody death of Alan Tucker, with extensive public comments from family and community members, followed by a delayed update from the Independent Policing Auditor, Amara Kamara.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sandra Jones (Alan Tucker’s mother): Expressed profound grief, stated that Alan repeatedly pleaded to go to the hospital and was ignored. Called for stronger training, better oversight, and accountability for the officers involved. Thanked Auditor Kamara for her professionalism.
• Fatima Alexander: Asked when footage and officer statements would be released (no Q&A allowed during public comment).
• Danielle Tucker (cousin): Questioned what will be done about officers who did not follow protocol; demanded justice for Alan.
• Brenda Jones (aunt): Questioned why Alan was not taken to the hospital and why he was left in the patrol car for so long; stressed that he had rights despite his issues.
• Alice Pope: Urged the board to ensure this never happens again, especially to someone in mental health crisis; called for accountability and systemic review.
• Miranda Fields: Detailed Alan’s actions (called 911, asked for hospital, was cooperative) and questioned the CRT response, officer training, and protocol for monitoring detainees in vehicles; stated that mental health calls should not be treated as inconveniences.
• Belisia Tucker (aunt, city employee): Demanded accountability, answers, and transparency; expressed that Alan’s death will not be in vain.
• Kiana (friend): Questioned shift change as a reason for death; said Alan was loved and answers are needed.
• Desireen James: Pointed out that Alan was left handcuffed and seatbelted for nearly an hour during a shift change; asked what accountability measures are being pursued; stated that law enforcement has a constitutional duty to provide medical care.
• Brittany Tucker (sister): Gave specific details about officers Chelsea Henry and William McGuinness (muted body cameras, ignored pleas, disparaging comments); demanded specific policy changes and consequences, not vague promises.
• Tyreek Jones (brother): Thanked Auditor Kamara for her work; called for new training, better judgment, and higher standards to prevent future deaths; stressed that officers must differentiate between mental health, substance abuse, and criminal behavior.
• Donia (friend): Expressed that Alan’s death was preventable; called for justice and said officers who failed should not work for the county.
• Tyler Maddox (community member): Asked about official policies for medical attention requests, shift change delays, monitoring of restrained detainees, and officer training for cardiac distress; emphasized the need for systemic change.
• Kiwani Simmons (cousin): Questioned how officers can sleep at night; noted that Alan’s family is forever changed; called for justification of every step from apartment to death.
• Wesley Boat (friend): Expressed disbelief that police, who had previous encounters with Alan, did not handle the situation properly.
• Fatima Alexander (returning): Thanked the board and auditor for transparency; asked the board to restore Alan’s dignity by doing the right thing.
• Regina Newkirk (coworker of Alan’s mother): Asked about policies for assigning inexperienced officers to calls and holding senior leadership accountable for poor decision-making.
• Janelle Cologne (friend): Described Alan as kind; hoped for real accountability and meaningful change.

Discussion Items

1. Auditor’s Update on Alan Tucker Investigation:

   • Auditor Kamara reported that she learned on March 3, 2026 that the Alexandria Police Department’s internal investigation is still incomplete and that the report she was given (downloaded on February 2) was a draft. The draft had not been reviewed or approved by Chief McGuire or command staff.
   • The department anticipates completing its review around April 8, 2026. This date is a goal, not a guarantee.
   • Kamara noted that her independent investigation is largely complete, but she needs the finalized departmental report to evaluate and incorporate its findings.
   • Board members expressed frustration over the lack of communication and the missed 60-day timeline (per the MOU/ordinance). No notice of delay was provided to the board or auditor.
   • Board member Jean Lewis stated that she spoke with Chief McGuire, who said he needs to review all digital evidence and signed off on charges; he promised to make it a priority.
   • Deputy City Attorney Megan Roberts clarified that administrative investigations cannot start until criminal investigations are complete; the CERT team completed its work in December 2025, so OPR had the green light.
   • The board discussed the need to clarify timelines and improve communication. A motion was made and passed to empower the chair to communicate with the chief, city council, and city manager about concerns regarding the timeline and lack of communication.

2. Training Update:

   • The scheduled training on February 28 did not occur. Kamara is working on rescheduling and exploring attendance at the Community Police Academy. A planning meeting with board member Jean Lewis is anticipated.
   • Upcoming community engagement events: Women’s Health Summit (March 8) and barber shop talk series (March 14) were noted for board attendance.

3. Previous Meeting Cancellation Clarification:

   • A previous meeting was canceled due to a staff miscount on quorum, fearing that family members would come for no reason. The miscount was corrected; the meeting was rescheduled.

Key Outcomes

• Motion Passed: The board voted to authorize the chair to send a communication to Chief McGuire, City Council, and the City Manager expressing dissatisfaction with the delayed timeline and lack of communication regarding the Alan Tucker investigation.
• Next Steps for Auditor: Kamara will continue weekly meetings with APD command staff and will provide updates to the board, especially at the April 1 meeting regarding the April 8 deadline.
• Training: A planning meeting will be arranged to reschedule board training; board members were encouraged to attend upcoming community events.
• Future Meetings: April 1, 2026 (monthly meeting + NACOL training part 1) and May 6, 2026 (monthly meeting + NACOL training part 2), both at 6 PM at the Charles Houston Rec Center.