Judicial and Field Operations Bureau

The Judicial and Field Operations Bureau is the arm of the Sheriff’s Office that is most visible to the general public. Most of the tasks performed by the Bureau are accomplished in the streets and neighborhoods of Alexandria or at the Alexandria Courthouse.
Page updated on June 20, 2025 at 2:22 PM
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Judicial and Field Operations Overview and Responsibilities

The Bureau includes Judicial Services such as courthouse security and courthouse operations, and Field Operations such as civil process, warrant service and community support functions.

Judicial Services provides courthouse and courtroom security for more than 48,000 proceedings at the Alexandria Courthouse annually. In 2024, deputies screened 120,697 courthouse visitors. In addition to transporting local inmates to court, Judicial Services deputies also transport those individuals in the Sheriff’s custody to other correctional facilities and courts and to state mental health facilities. In 2024, Bureau deputies completed more than 3,200 prisoner transports.

Field Operations includes service of legal process, warrant service and community outreach. In 2024, Bureau deputies executed 396 warrants and served more than 14,000 civil documents.

The Bureau's hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.

To reach the Judicial Services Section, located inside the Alexandria Courthouse at 520 King Street, call 703.746.4120 during regular business hours. You can also visit our FAQ page to learn more the Office's legal process and eviction functions.

exterior of courthouse and view of courtyard

Cell Phones and Other Items Prohibited in the Courthouse

Effective April 1, 2025, and pursuant to Virginia Code §8.01-4, the following policy shall apply to all persons entering the Alexandria Courthouse:
Circuit Court Order Issued February 28, 2025

Small lockers are available to secure your cell phone while you are in the courthouse. The lockers are free to use and are designed to hold a cell phone and smart watch and not larger items, like laptops.

The court order specifies exemptions to the cell phone prohibition and directs that those individuals display a color-coded building pass issued by the Sheriff's Office.

In addition to cell phones, smart watches and laptops, the following items are also prohibited in the courthouse:

Firearms
Knives, razors and sharp objects
Stun weapons
Pepper spray/mace
Cameras
Recording devices
Smoking and vaping materials, including matches and lighters
Flammable liquids
Any other item that may pose a risk to the safety and security of the courthouse

Fingerprinting for Expungements

Beginning October 2, 2023, to facilitate the procedure for those seeking local expungements, Judicial Services deputies will provide free fingerprinting for petitioners at the Alexandria courthouse Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This service is not available on Thursdays or holidays. Visit the Clerk of Circuit Court website for more information on expungements.