Kim Neal, a passionate advocate for justice and a beloved public servant, passed away on December 13, 2024, at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, after a courageous battle with a long-term illness. 

Kim's radiant smile and infectious laughter were the heart of every room she entered. She possessed a rare ability to bring joy and warmth to others, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Her dedication to making the world a better place was matched only by her kindness, her unwavering belief in the potential for change, and her deep commitment to the community.

A pioneer in civilian oversight of law enforcement, Kim's professional life was defined by her tireless work to build trust between police officers and the communities they serve. In December 2022, she became the inaugural Independent Policing Auditor/Director for Alexandria, Virginia, where she worked to enhance accountability and transparency within law enforcement. Her key responsibilities included overseeing investigations, monitoring police functions, and fostering positive relations between the community and law enforcement.

Kim's impact was felt well before her time in Alexandria. She was the first Independent Police Oversight Monitor/Director for Fort Worth, Texas, where she created a groundbreaking restorative justice mediation program. This initiative was designed to repair and transform community-police encounters, providing a model for other cities grappling with similar challenges. Earlier in her career, Kim served as the Executive Director of the Citizen Complaint Authority in Cincinnati, Ohio, overseeing independent investigations into allegations of misconduct by local police officers. In Cincinnati, she also launched the “Real Talk with CCA” program, which created a safe space for youth and law enforcement to engage in open, meaningful dialogue.

Kim was a Washington, D.C. native who held a variety of senior roles throughout her career in law, policy, ethics, investigations, and privacy, with experience across federal, state, and local governments. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Georgetown University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law. In addition to her legal training, she was certified in compliance and ethics, as well as in civilian oversight of law enforcement. She served on the Board of Directors for the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) and was a lifelong volunteer and donor to various community and social causes.

Kim was not only a professional trailblazer, but a beloved friend, mentor, and advocate. She inspired many with her vision for a more just world and her unwavering commitment to effecting change. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched, in the programs she created, and in the communities she helped heal.

Kim is survived by her loving family and a network of friends and colleagues who will miss her boundless energy, her spirit of generosity, and her commitment to making the world a better place. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date, and her family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her memory to organizations that support community oversight of law enforcement.

Kim Neal's life was a testament to the power of empathy, justice, and perseverance. While her presence will be deeply missed, her impact will continue to inspire others for generations to come.

The Independent Policing Auditor's (AIPA) office would like to hear your thoughts and opinions on various issues surrounding civilian oversight within the City of Alexandria. In recent months an Ad-Hoc committee made up of 2 representatives from the Independent Community Policing Review Board (ICPRB), 2 APD employees, 2 City Attorney's, and staff from the AIPA office met regularly to discuss proposed changes to the ordinances for both AIPA and the ICPRB. We are now looking to secure feedback from the community on some of those proposed changes.

Please access this survey to provide your feedback:  

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/de762a63b78445228c458c5bf1a532d1

On June 9, 2020, the Alexandria City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2950, which condemned police brutality and systemic racism; reaffirmed that Black Lives Matter; and stated Council’s intent to establish a community policing review board in our City. The resolution also affirmed that the City of Alexandria and all government officials have a duty to ensure the protection of all communities through actions and reform, including in the justice system. The resolution also directed the City Manager and City Attorney to return to Council at the first Legislative Meeting of September 2020 with a proposed ordinance to establish a Community Policing Review Board in Alexandria. City Council developed a draft ordinance after considering examples of Review Boards throughout the country and the City’s own needs, as discussed at the January 12, 2021 City Council meeting. The Alexandria community asked questions and provided comments regarding the draft ordinance.

Questions and Answers

Submitted Comments

After careful consideration, at its public hearing on April 17, 2021, the City Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance establishing the structure of a new Alexandria Independent Community Policing Review Board, to be effective as of July 1, 2021 along with its authorizing state law.  The City Council also established the Office of the Alexandria Independent Policing Auditor.

The mission of the Independent Community Policing Review Board includes ensuring all residents and visitors in the City of Alexandria are safe, secure, and treated fairly by the City of Alexandria Police Department. 

The purpose of the Independent Community Policing Review Board is to enhance policing legitimacy and to increase and maintain trust between and among the police department, city council, city manager and the public. The board shall provide timely, fair and objective review of administrative investigations conducted by the Independent Policing Auditor and Alexandria Police Department (APD) as well as the Independent Policing Auditor’s evaluation of policing policies, practices, procedures, and outcomes in Alexandria.  The Board shall also recommend meaningful assessments and corrective recommendations intended to remedy discriminatory practices, including racial and social inequities; ensure the protection of all communities through recommended actions and reform, including in the criminal justice system; and recommend strategies for effectively implementing these reforms in our community.