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Council unanimously appoints Amarathu Kumar as acting Independent Policing Auditor
Summary
Alexandria City Council voted unanimously to appoint Amarathu Kumar as the acting Independent Policing Auditor; Kumar spoke briefly about her background in police accountability work and community oversight.
Alexandria City Council on Jan. 28 unanimously approved the appointment of Amarathu Kumar as the acting Independent Policing Auditor.
Kumar introduced herself to the council and audience, describing legal and oversight experience that includes work with a federal monitor focused on NYPD stop‑and‑frisk review and community engagement at Roger Williams University law school. "I wanted to come back and give back to my community in that way," Kumar said in brief remarks (s:14556.069–s:14730.54).
The motion to appoint Kumar was made by Councilmember John Taylor Chapman and seconded by Vice Mayor Amy Bagley; the council voted unanimously in favor. The appointment fills the acting auditor role while the city continues its process for the permanent Independent Policing Auditor position.
What it means: The Independent Policing Auditor position is the city’s civilian oversight office that reviews police conduct, audits internal processes and provides independent reports on use‑of‑force and other accountability matters. Kumar said she intends to continue the office’s work and build on predecessors’ efforts.
Formal action: Motion to appoint Amarathu Kumar as acting Independent Policing Auditor—moved by Chapman, seconded by Bagley. Roll‑call vote: Chapman (Aye), Aguirre (Aye), Mayor Gaskins (Aye), Vice Mayor Bagley (Aye), L. Newby (Aye), Green (Aye), McPike (Aye). Outcome: approved (unanimous).
