Each February and on Juneteenth, officers from the Alexandria Police Department (APD) wear a specialty badge that symbolizes history, identity, and a commitment to progress. The APD Juneteenth and Black History Month badge was designed by Officer Vincent Williams, Officer Erik Elam, and their squad as part of the department’s specialty badge program. Their aim was to honor Black history, recognize the experiences and achievements of Black Americans, and encourage meaningful conversations within both the department and the wider community.
“This Juneteenth badge is an expression of my diversity and I love it,” said Officer Williams. “It’s a collective—of everyone, representing all types of people from different walks of life.”
Williams, who has served eight years with APD as a patrol officer, views the badge as both personal pride and professional duty. “I’m proud of my Black heritage and my department,” he said. “These specialty badges allow officers to express themselves.”
Alexandria’s policing history reflects broader changes in the city. In 1965, APD hired its first African American officer during a time of significant social change. In 2009, the department appointed its first African American Chief of Police. These milestones highlight ongoing efforts toward trust-building and representation in public safety.
Black History Month serves as a time for reflection on the contributions and resilience of Black Americans whose stories have shaped Alexandria and the country. Wearing this badge in February acknowledges past progress while reminding officers that understanding history is key to building trust and advancing equity today.
Officer Elam has worked with APD for over ten years in its Youth Resource Unit. He highlighted how heritage shapes identity: “Heritage is everything—my family is a mix of African American, Native American, Caucasian, and Hispanic,” Elam said. “We’re a diverse group, and that’s what makes us, us. Your heritage is your legacy, and we move forward when we talk about our history.”
For Elam, wearing the badge carries both individual meaning and collective purpose: “At APD, we have a diverse group of people, working as one. I wear this badge during Juneteenth and Black History Month with a sense of pride, paying homage to my family roots.”
The specialty badge represents more than just honoring history; it recognizes how historical events shape current practices within APD as it continues serving Alexandria with professionalism.
During Black History Month each year, APD looks back at its own story while honoring contributions from Black officers and community members. The department reaffirms its commitment to serve all residents fairly.
Alexandria supports this focus on local heritage through museums like the Alexandria Black History Museum that document African American experiences (https://www.alexandriava.gov). The city incorporates racial equity into policy decisions to promote fair outcomes for all residents (https://www.alexandriava.gov). As an independent city operating under council-manager government (https://www.alexandriava.gov), Alexandria provides services across its defined boundaries (https://www.alexandriava.gov) while engaging in partnerships for research into local history (https://www.alexandriava.gov).
