Established in 1749, Alexandria City Hall houses Masonic Lodge, a court facility and various city government offices. It operates a police department that works to reduce crime and protect lives and properties of individuals and employs more than 300 sworn and over 130 civilian employees. The hall also maintains Alexandria Fire Department, which was founded in 1774 and employs nearly 300 personnel. The department has a network of approximately five stations protects in an area of more than 15 square miles. Alexandria City Hall has an office of consumer affairs that mediates complaints between buyers and businesses for retail transactions that occur. It is a part of the City of Alexandria in Virginia.