Photo by mabelamber, courtesy of Pixabay
A couple walks a dog along a path.
The Alexandria Police Department is inviting residents to turn their daily dog walks into an opportunity to help strengthen public safety by joining the Dog Walker Watch program.
Dog walkers are often outside at different times of the day and may notice unusual activity in their neighborhoods. Dog Walker Watch connects participants with APD officers while providing participants with information and resources to help them recognize suspicious behavior and effectively report what they observe.
Stay aware. Stay safe. Dog Walker Watch participants are never asked to intervene, investigate suspicious activity, or put themselves at risk. Their role is simply to remain observant during their regular walks and report suspicious or criminal activity to the Alexandria Police Department.
Knowing whom to call helps ensure concerns reach the appropriate agency:
- Call 911 when a crime is in progress, someone is in immediate danger, a person needs urgent medical assistance, or an immediate police or fire response is necessary.
- Call APD’s non-emergency number at 703-746-4444 to report suspicious activity, a crime that has already occurred or another police-related concern that does not present an immediate threat.
- Contact Alex311 for non-emergency City service requests, such as damaged street signs, broken streetlights, graffiti, illegal dumping or other neighborhood maintenance concerns.
Dog Walker Watch strengthens the partnership between APD and the community, reinforcing that public safety is a shared responsibility.
Alexandria residents interested in participating can register for the Dog Walker Watch program here.
