Getting an Inmate's Property Released and When Alexandria Will Accept Personal Items

Getting property released from the Alexandria Detention Center starts with the inmate - not you. They need to contact the facility's Property Deputy and authorize who can receive their belongings. This authorization must be in writing. Until that written permission is on file, the property won't be released for pickup or mailed out.

Planning to pick up property in person? The inmate needs to contact the Property Deputy and authorize you by name. Once written permission is on file, you can arrange pickup. Show up without that authorization, and you'll be turned away. Alexandria won't release property just because a family member or friend asks.

Mailing is another option. If the inmate has money in their account, they can pay to have property sent to someone they designate. Same rule applies: the inmate must coordinate with the Property Deputy and provide written permission. No authorization, no shipment.

Alexandria doesn't allow you to drop off personal items for an inmate. Show up with bags of clothing or toiletries, and staff will turn you away. The exception: court clothing. In certain situations, the Detention Center will accept clothing for an inmate to wear at a court appearance.

Medical items are handled separately - and they're tightly controlled. The Detention Center's Medical Unit must clear any medically necessary items before they'll be accepted. Think your loved one needs something specific? Get approval from the Medical Unit first. Drop it off without clearance, and it'll be refused.

For questions about whether items will be accepted or how to handle a property release, call the Alexandria Detention Center at 703-746-5043.

• ✓ A valid photo ID
• ✓ The inmate’s written authorization for the property release (as arranged through the Property Deputy)