imported post
Email just sent to PVC:
Philip,
I went to the Alexandria City Council meting held this morning at 0930. I was dressed in blue jeans, a tucked in button up shirt (intentionally chose a pink shirt to look like a “good guy”) Blackhawk Serpa holster carrying a Sig P226, and a VCDL ball cap. I arrived at 0920 to find the square in front of city hall was being used for a farmers market; it was packed with vendors, adults and children enjoying the fair weather and cool temperatures. All of the doors leading into city hall were locked except the main doors in the square where the market was occurring. Several citizens noticed me but none said anything as I walked briskly to find the entrance. Upon entering, I encountered a private security guard behind a desk in the lobby. He did not notice my firearm due to his desk being too tall and him looking directly at my face when I asked for directions the council chambers. (Walk past the guard desk, take the first left, and use the elevator to go to the second floor.) On the second floor you exit the elevator to the left to arrive at the doors to the chambers. There was an Alexandria PD officer at the door (did not slow down, so I didn’t see his nametag) wearing the military rank of an Army Captain, but instead of silver insignia his were gold. I wished him a good morning and he did the same. He did notice that I was armed; his eyes told me everything I needed to know. I entered and sat in the back of the chambers, third row in from the exit. A group of parents and children were sitting in the seats up front, I later learned they were to speak about youth issues and park availability for soccer games and practices. The Alex. PD Capt. entered and spoke with a few men in civilian clothes (business attire / suits and ties) as well as another Alex. PD Lieutenant (gold insignia). They tried to not be obvious but I noticed them glance my way several times. Also, it appeared that Dana Lawhorne, the Sherriff of Alexandria was up front; but I never got a good enough view of him to confirm this. The Alex. PD Capt. sat down in the row behind me at my 4:40 position as the meeting was called to order. The Mayor Euille made a brief statement acknowledging the parents and children present for the soccer issue, and said he had protested in the Alex. City Council chambers himself as a youth over a basketball court the city wished to convert to tennis courts. Those basketball courts still stand today according to Mayor Euille. There are two podiums present on either side of the room, depending on which is closest, the citizen speaker may use either one. The parents spoke about their concerns, and the City Council members were professional and courteous toward the parents. After 20 minutes, I noticed the Alex. PD Capt get up and leave the row behind me, to be replaced by the Alex. PD Lt. They never said a word to me, but I could tell I was the reason they were sitting there. The parents and children left the chambers after they finished speaking and were followed by a lady who was *not* happy the City Council was giving them a park for soccer activities carte blanche. She had a negative tone to her and the council listened to her comments with a hint of amusement. In defense of the council, the lady was a little batty and I found myself snickering at what she had to say as well. Something to the effect that she was going to set up a croquet game on the field and the kids should find somewhere else to play.
After the public comments portion had concluded I got up to leave, and once again wished a good morning to the Alex. PD Capt. who was now standing at the exit. The walk back to my car was uneventful.
I would like to include one thought: I did not observe any junior PD officers present this morning, only higher level employees. The problems legal gun owners have been experiencing in Alexandria have not been with the seasoned supervisors. In fact, the seasoned veterans have acted to fix the problem (see below letter from Capt. Hassan to MS). The junior PFC’s, corporals, and sergeants are the ones engaged in the harassment, as they are also the ones out on the beat working the patrols. The junior officers (in one known case) have flagrantly stated "I don't care what was said, [training from Capt. Hassan –NSL] I have a problem with you carrying here, tonight." (
http://tinyurl.com/2v66d4) Due to this, I must think that my experience this morning, while pleasant, may not be a great example to show that the Alex PD has finally gotten word out to officers with instructions to not harass citizens legally and responsibly carrying firearms in the City of Alexandria.
NSL
Annandale, VA
Alex. PD Capt. Hassan email to MS:
http://tinyurl.com/3d5d5n
In a message dated 7/2/2007 3:21:25 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
Hassan.Aden@alexandriava.gov writes:
Hi Mr. Stollenwerk,
This email is in response to your email dated June 30, 2007.
I wanted to thank you for bringing up potential training issues for our officers regarding how they interact with persons openly carrying firearms within the City of Alexandria. In response to the issues you raised, I am coordinating legal training through our Commonwealth Attorney's Office to provide our staff with legal updates associated with open carry laws.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 571-221-8503.
Thank you.
Hassan
Captain Hassan Aden
Alexandria Police Department
City Council Liaison
Mobile: 571-221-8503
Office: 703-838-6360 ext. 1274
hassan.aden@alexandriava.gov
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