Child Abuse Unit
The Fairfax County Police Department's Child Abuse Unit is unique to law enforcement agencies in that the investigators' sole responsibility and area of expertise lies in the investigation of sexual and physical abuse crimes against juvenile victims.
In the past, cases involving child sexual assault were handled in either the investigator's office or the emergency room at the local hospital, neither of which had a staff specially trained to handle these traumatized victims. Victims were quite often questioned on three or more separate occasions, most often by a different person each time.
In response, the Fairfax County Police Department developed the Child Sexual Assault Response Team (CSART) in 1991. The CSART consists of a specialized team of trained experts in the area of child sexual abuse, including a specialized medical team consisting of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE), members of the Department's Child Abuse Unit, Child Protective Services representatives, child abuse physicians and the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.
As a first step, the Department considerably reduced the necessary amount of interview time with the victim by working in a joint interview format. Since one of the major goals of this effort is to increase the conviction rate of abusers, a "Child Abuse Interview Room" was set up in the Major Crimes Division for interview of victims by investigators. An expert medical team trained in sexual abuse cases examines each victim at a special "Child Abuse Treatment Room", located at privately owned Fairfax Hospital and funded entirely by private donations. The rooms are equipped with toys and furnished like a family room, so investigators, doctors and nurses can conduct a thorough, non-threatening interview. An adjoining room is equipped with state-of-the-art examination equipment, including the capability to obtain color photographs of internal injuries, so that the results of the medical exam can be professionally documented and presented to the court. In 1993 the Department was the first in the state to use closed circuit testimony in the courtroom for a case involving a child victim.
In 1991 an investigator assigned to the Child Abuse Unit was the first recipient of the Annual Law Enforcement Award sponsored by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Child Exploitation subcommittee and a second investigator received the award in 1992. The award was established to recognize a sworn law enforcement officer who goes beyond normal expectations and puts forth extra effort and concern in the criminal investigation of child abuse and exploitation cases.
Through education and leadership, the Child Abuse Unit continues to demonstrate that local government agencies, private health care professionals and organizations, and a caring community can combine visions and resources to create a successful local program.
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Citizens' Advisory Council
In 1979 the Fairfax County Police Department established a program to enhance its ability to communicate with and better serve the community. This program took the form of advisory groups, known as Citizens' Advisory Committees, comprised of citizens representing a cross-section of the various neighborhoods of Fairfax County. Each of the seven police district stations formed a Citizens' Advisory Committee to work hand-in-hand with the station commander on issues confronting the district.
The committees hold monthly meetings open to the public for the purpose of:
- providing a forum for obtaining citizen input about the delivery of police services,
- providing a formalized process that will facilitate citizen and community cooperation with the police, and
- identifying specific and potential problem areas concerning police services.
In addition to the district committees, a Citizens' Advisory Council was established. The Council membership is drawn from each of the district committees and functions as a Countywide advisory body to the Chief of Police. The Council meets regularly with the Chief and the top staff of the Police Department and addresses the interests and concerns of the entire County. Conceived as one of the early cornerstones of community policing by the Fairfax County Police Department, the Citizens' Advisory Committees and Council are today important components of the special relationship of trust and partnership which exists between the community and its police department.
The Citizens' Advisory Council promotes harmonious police-community relations and works to improve and enhance the Police Department's ability to provide the best service to the citizens of Fairfax County. Both the Citizens' Advisory Committees and the Citizens' Advisory Council are active participants in their Police Department. Among their many activities, they
- provide advice and comment in the development of long range plans,
- provide advice and comment during the Police Department's budget formulation and submission,
- provide support for the development of Neighborhood Watch and other crime prevention groups, and
- convey citizens' views on public safety issues to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
The Citizens' Advisory Council responds to and advises the Police Department on virtually every significant policy matter affecting the delivery of police service in Fairfax County. The Council maintains a broad interest in the functioning of the Department and provides an important communications link to all citizens.
The Citizens’ Advisory Council and the district Citizens’ Advisory Committees are comprised of dedicated individuals who receive no compensation beyond the satisfaction of improving their communities and their Police Department. Their role is critical in maintaining citizen involvement in, and support for, the continued delivery of professional police service in Fairfax County.
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Citizens' Award Program
The Fairfax County Police Department Citizens' Award Program was established to recognize outstanding deeds performed by citizens to protect life, limb and property within the confines of Fairfax County. Award nominations are accepted from officers and citizens who may have benefited from or witnessed the act. All nominees receive their awards from the Chief of Police at an awards reception and presentation ceremony conducted in the spring of each year.
In 1994, 19 citizens received awards in a ceremony receiving widespread media attention, both televised and newsprint. One of the recipients was a 15-year-old young man who videotaped a woman employed by his family to clean house. The woman was caught stealing over $340 from his room, and was charged after the young man turned the tape over to investigators. Several of the recipients assisted officers by physically capturing criminals without regard to their own safety.
The Department is proud to recognize the contributions of these individuals who come to the aid of fellow citizens or police officers in need of assistance. These citizens have gone beyond the normally expected involvement and by act or deed have provided an invaluable service to the department in the interest of public safety.
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Civil Disturbance Unit
The mission of the Fairfax County Police Department's Civil Disturbance Unit (CDU), which was created in July, 1992, is to respond to large scale demonstrations and labor or civil unrest situations in an effective manner so as to minimize threats to public safety and damage to property. The non-standing unit consists of one hundred twenty officers.
In 1989 widespread rioting in Virginia Beach, Virginia, resulted in a study by that department of civil disturbance tactics worldwide. This department's CDU training tactics are derived from the London Metropolitan Police tactics and were taught to the original CDU members by a Virginia Beach officer who had trained for several months with the elite London Police unit. The unconventional tactics, which rely heavily on mobility, allow versatility with less manpower, eliminating the traditional battalion formation. The unit's concept is to function as a team, permitting integration of tactics, flexibility and mobility.
The officers are trained in crowd dispersal, victim/officer rescues, building entries during hostile situations, looting suppression, mass arrests, non-compliance arrest techniques and deployment of chemical munitions. Each officer is issued a riot helmet with a face shield, gas mask and a straight baton.
Officers maintain proficiency by training three times per year and incorporate into that training support operations, including the tactical team for chemical munitions expertise and counter sniper support, K-9 teams for looting suppression and members of the Sheriff's Department for prisoner control. At small events an element strength is employed consisting of four officers and a supervisor. At larger events a squad strength of 15 officers is deployed.
Since its inception the CDU has been utilized at over 25 events and placed on alert status over 40 times. The demonstrations have included those at CIA headquarters, General Dynamics and Mason Neck Park. The benefit of staffing county events, such as the Fairfax Fair and the Bull Run Jamboree, with CDU officers is that they are provided with a contingency plan. In the event that unrest should occur, the CDU can respond immediately to control the situation. If there is an event or situation where the need for the CDU may arise, officers are placed on alert status and can be activated.
With predictions of increased civil unrest, and the potential for terrorist activity, coupled with the urbanization of Fairfax County, it is imperative that the department maintain a high degree of readiness. Through its training, tactics and equipment, the CDU is prepared to respond and resolve any civil disturbance situation which may confront the county.
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Community Fund Raising Activities
The Fairfax County Police Department's participation in community fund raising activities continues to be a high priority. Each year the Department participates in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, in addition to hosting and coordinating various other fund raising activities for Virginia Special Olympics. In 1994 the Chief of Police served as the Region I coordinator for the Virginia Torch Run, one of the largest in the country. In 1994 the combined law enforcement agencies of the Commonwealth contributed more than $340,000 to Virginia Special Olympics. Over $110,000 was raised by Region I alone, the largest amount to date.
The Department also participated in the 1994 10K Walk/Run for the American Heart Association. The project was undertaken by the police departments and sheriff's offices of Fairfax County, Falls Church City, Arlington County, Alexandria City, Fairfax City, the towns of Herndon and Vienna, the Virginia State Police and the Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority Police. Fairfax County Police won a second place award for the number of agency participants and a third place award for the amount of money raised.
As a fund raiser for the American HeartWalk, a Fairfax County officer designed a theme T-shirt, the combined sales of which exceeded $7,000. The goal of the American Heart Association was to raise $75,000; that goal was exceeded by more than $20,000.
The goals of the Chief of Police in participating in such programs are to increase public awareness and financial support of worthy organizations which contribute to our quality of life while enhancing the public image of the Department.
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Community Policing
Community policing is both a style and a philosophy concerning how police services are delivered. The Fairfax County Police Department recognizes the foundations of a successful community policing strategy are the close, interactive relationships between officers and community members working toward the goal of reducing crime and its effects. Efforts focus on the underlying causes of crime by assessing the characteristics of problems in specific neighborhoods and application of appropriate, mutually supported problem solving remedies in a partnership role. Although traditional incident - driven response and service delivery is an inherent and necessary part of our responsibility to provide effective law enforcement in Fairfax County, a significant portion of our response effort is proactive in nature and is equally served from within a community policing framework. The department employs two core components--community partnership and problem solving in its community policing initiatives.
Community partnership represents the adoption of a policing perspective and broadened outlook that recognizes the value of official duties that contribute to quality of life improvements and neighborhood integrity. The establishment and maintenance of trust are the central goals of this component. Officers assigned to specific communities solicit members to provide relevant information and input regarding their perspective of what issues are most important. In addition to utilizing existing forums, such as the Citizens Advisory Committee, Neighborhood Watch, or Chamber of Commerce, officers are encouraged to actively interact with neighborhood groups, participate in business and civic events, and take part in recreational and educational programs.
Community partnership also means officers providing a myriad of nontraditional services promoting the orderliness and well being of the neighborhood. These activities can include:
- Follow-up assistance to accident or crime victims.
- Facilitating resolution of family, neighborhood, or landlord-tenant disputes.
- Working with local residents, business leaders, and concerned citizens to improve neighborhood conditions.
- Monitoring and making recommendations to promote safe vehicular and pedestrian traffic conditions.
- Assists in appropriate social services referrals: runaways, homeless, mentally ill, alcohol, and drug abusers.
The second primary component of community policing is based on the belief that certain underlying conditions contribute to problems within a community and certain conditions can manifest themselves into crime related incidents. Variables such as the characteristics of persons involved, the social setting in which interaction occurs, and the physical environment are all elements which must be recognized as potentially influential in seeking resolutions. The nature and extent of crime within a community can vary greatly and involve a single, serious crime or multiple events related by perpetrator, victim, geographic area, or time. Therefore, assessment and input by station crime analysts remains critical to establishing reliable statistical foundations from which citizen complaints about crime can be confirmed and corrective measures implemented. Once a specific problem or issue has been identified, officers and supervisors have the flexibility to involve and rely on the expertise of a wide range of social and governmental agencies in support of problem solving while recognizing that solutions can vary from the simple and inexpensive to long term and complex. The most desirable solutions are those that improve public safety, promote order, satisfy community members and strengthen the police- -community partnership.
While the ultimate goal of community problem solving is complete resolution of the issue toward which efforts are directed, practical and realistic outcomes can be expected to include a broader range of acceptable results:
- Eliminating the problem entirely: this solution can be achieved by acts as immediate as arrest of a perpetrator, installation of a traffic control device, to an effort as involved as demolition of an abandoned, condemned building.
- Reducing the number of occurrences: citizen input, uniform presence, on-going investigations and consistent arrests of criminals from within both a traditional policing approach or community oriented policing philosophy will, collectively, lead to a reduction in the number of offenses.
- Reducing the degree of injury or severity for each incident: instructional and educational programs specifically designed to target potential victim groups can reduce the susceptibility and vulnerability of community members. Self-defense classes, home or business security checks, and robbery prevention seminars are examples that have proven successful.
- Improving the effectiveness of problem handling: establishing and maintaining an open channel of communication with other support agencies or units will strengthen the foundation from which future problem solving can occur.
- Modifying the environment: criminal behavior can be reduced by improving certain physical characteristics such as; additional lighting, removal of overgrown shrubbery, securing vacant apartments or homes, and erecting barriers or fencing.
The possible solutions to issues of concern may be as varied as the number of potential problems, however will generally fall within these categories. Community policing allows solutions to be tailored to the individual neighborhoods and the problem solving component may be limited only by the imagination, perseverance, and creativity of officers, supervisors, and commanders.
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Crime Prevention Unit
The Fairfax County Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit is tasked with educating the residential and corporate communities within Fairfax County. The unit participates in community festivals, anti-drug presentations, the Fairfax County Fair and other forums where crime prevention is the focus.
In July, 1992, investigators of the Organized Crime and Narcotics Division seized a 1988 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 as a result of a controlled purchase of narcotics. To emphasize the impact of the drug forfeiture statutes, the vehicle has been converted to a customized police cruiser for display at crime prevention events to promote drug prevention awareness. The vehicle has received a custom paint finish and has been outfitted with police decals, striping, police radio, and lights and siren.
The unit, in conjunction with the Fairfax County Police Department Criminal Justice Academy, offers free women's self-defense workshops. The four hour classes are normally held at a local high school and topics of instruction include mental preparation, escalation of force and techniques of self-defense. The classes result in a heightened public safety awareness and the response from the community has been overwhelming.
Crime prevention officers have been formally trained to provide on-site safety evaluations for homeowners and businesses. A formal Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design program in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Management is in the early stages of development.
In July, 1994, the Fairfax County Law Enforcement Explorers traveled to Bloomington, Indiana where they participated in the National Law Enforcement Explorer Conference. Law enforcement team competitions were held and the Fairfax County Post 1742 won third place in the Bomb Scene Search Competition. Many tasks performed by the Explorers assist police officers with community functions and the program continues to be a good source for the recruitment of new police officers.
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Crime Solvers
In October 1979 the Fairfax County Police Department, in a cooperative effort with local business leaders and citizens, started the Crime Solvers program. It was the first such program in Virginia, and the second in the Washington Metropolitan area. Since the inception of the program in Fairfax County over 5,890 calls have been logged, 1,585 cases solved and a total of $142,585 has been authorized for reward payments. Hundreds of crimes have been closed and several millions of dollars in recovered stolen property and narcotics has resulted.
The money used for reward payment is not funded through the Police Department or any other government agency. The program itself is a non-profit tax deductible organization and has a board of directors that consists of volunteer citizens who live or work in the community. Funding for the program is provided by donations from private citizens, local businesses and fund raisers. Rewards range from $100 to $1,000. If a case is chosen as the "Crime of The Week" the reward is an automatic $1,000.
Although the program concentrates on major crimes and is utilized mainly by investigators, the Wanted Fugitive paper is available to patrol officers also searching for an individual who fails to appear for court. The paper, which contains photographs of wanted individuals, is published every two months and is distributed to all county offices, all 7-Eleven stores and all Giant food stores throughout the County.
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Criminal Information Unit
The Fairfax County Police Department's Criminal Information Unit (CIU) is principally concerned with collecting, processing and disseminating information relative to specific problem areas. Areas of specific concern include organized criminal activities, subversive and extremist activities, gang activities, traveling criminals and civil disobedience.
The CIU is charged with the responsibility of performing intelligence related functions, to include collecting information and maintaining secure files on the actual or suspected criminal activity of persons, groups, gangs, associations and localities. The CIU staff serve as liaison with bona fide committees, groups and associations which represent the law enforcement intelligence community and maintain liaison with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
The CIU provides specialized investigative support to special police operations by providing information support and technical and electronic support (surveillance). The CIU's Electronic Surveillance Section serves as the Department's primary repository for the maintenance of specialized electronic audiovisual monitoring equipment. The section's inventory includes a variety of cameras, audio and video recorders, transmitters and receivers, mobile tracking devices, and a specially designed and equipped surveillance vehicle. The equipment and assistance of the section's highly trained personnel are available to all Departmental entities requiring such support and lends invaluable support in cases such as hostage negotiations/barricade situations.
The CIU's crime analyst serves as the Criminal Investigations Bureau's central data collection component. The crime analyst's responsibilities include the evaluation, data entry and retrieval of information into and from the department's automated Crime Analysis System (CAS). The CAS provides a secure records system in which data is indexed and cross-referenced to reflect relationships and ensure complete and rapid retrieval. Authorized access to the CAS is limited to crime analysts and the CIU's secretary for the purpose of data entry.
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Emergency Vehicle Operations Facility
The Fairfax County Police Department's Emergency Vehicle Operations Facility, staffed by instructors from the Criminal Justice Academy, became operational in February, 1994. The site was designed for the training of basic police recruits and in-service officers.
The training facilities include a one and one tenth mile high speed course. This course has lane markings to simulate many of the roadways driven on in Fairfax County, from secondary roads to interstate highways. Located inside the high speed track a "city streets" area was designed to simulate residential areas. A large skid area is available to teach students skid control. Also, a large paved area was designed to provide an area for police motorcycle training. The facility can accommodate as many as five training courses simultaneously.
The Basic Recruit Course consists of 64 hours. The Virginia State Department of Criminal Justice Services requires only 32 hours. In-service courses offered are 40 hours in length and include instruction in special vehicle operations, 4X4 and police wagons, accident avoidance training and rolling roadblock training. The Department is one of the few departments in the nation to authorize pursuit immobilization techniques (PIT) and to train officers in its use. This training involves not only the theory and strategies of PIT, but also live training in actual police vehicles.
An 80-hour Virginia State Drivers Training Instructor Course is also offered each year. This instructor school is sponsored by the Criminal Justice Academy Staff and includes guest instructors from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Glynco, Georgia.
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Helicopter Division
The Fairfax County Police Department's first helicopter was an Enstrom used for aerial observation in the 1970's. Since 1983, the division has utilized an all turbine fleet and expanded its role to include medevac, law enforcement surveillance, water rescue, traffic patrol, special operations, and other uses. Today, division aircraft fly from a heliport located near the center of Fairfax County. The turbine-powered fleet consists of a Bell Longranger 4 and a state of the art Bell 407. Each helicopter is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by a crew of three police officers: a certified commercial pilot and two nationally registered paramedics. The mission of the Helicopter Division is to safely provide police tactical air support, medical evacuation and air sea rescue. This division flies over 3,000 missions annually in support of public safety in Fairfax County.
The Fairfax County Police Helicopter Division is on the cutting edge of police air support and medevac technology. The division was the first law enforcement unit to equip its aircraft with forward looking infrared (FLIR) surveillance devices. Skillful use of FLIR by the helicopter crews has resulted in innumerable arrests and recovery of lost persons and has gained the unit national recognition. The FLIR unit is also capable of providing live television downlink to give aerial views of scenes to incident commanders on the ground.
In the medevac role the helicopters are used to provide rapid transport of patients to a Level One trauma center. They are outfitted with the latest medical equipment and the paramedics undergo intensive training and certification. This ensures the highest level of ALS care in the field.
Safety is the first mission of the Helicopter Division. The helicopters are equipped for all weather operations and the pilots are instrument rated. Since flight operations are conducted in the heavily congested airspace of the Washington Metropolitan area the aircraft are equipped with Traffic and Collision Alert Devices (TCAD) to ensure separation from other aircraft. The aircraft are maintained in-house by veteran technicians at the divisions maintenance facility located at the heliport.
The division has hosted the Airborne Law Enforcement Safety Seminar and assists with the annual Mid Atlantic Helicopter Association Safety Seminar. Training courses in FLIR and aerial law enforcement are conducted for other police agencies, domestic and foreign as well as ongoing training for local fire departments in helicopter medevac safety. In January 1995, the Fairfax County Police Helicopter Division received the Helicopter Association International's "McDonnell Douglas Law Enforcement Award." The division's innovative approach is recognized worldwide as a standard of excellence by Bell Helicopter, the Airborne Law Enforcement Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
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Motor Carrier Safety Section
The Fairfax County Police Department's Motor Carrier Safety Section (MCS) is assigned the task of assuring that the numerous commercial vehicles travelling the roadways in Fairfax County are in compliance with all Department of Transportation regulations and Virginia State Code requirements. The presence of Interstates 66, 95, 495 and 395 make Fairfax County one of the major hubs on the East coast for commercial vehicle traffic. In addition, major road construction projects are underway and operating on an around-the-clock schedule.
Nearly one half of the trucks the unit inspects are considered unsafe to operate and the unit is one of only two local law enforcement jurisdictions given the authority to remove trucks from service. Over the past five years the unit has taken 4,300 vehicles out of service for serious safety violations, reducing the potential for serious accidents and fatalities significantly throughout the County.
The officers assigned to the unit are specially trained in the investigation of all serious or fatal accidents involving commercial carrier vehicles. They assist the Accident Reconstruction Unit officers, who are charged with finding the specific cause of these crashes, whether human, mechanical, or engineering, and provide expert testimony in court.
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Multi-Agency Investigative Team
The Fairfax County Police Department's Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) can form an investigative team at a moment's notice to manage any major case requiring extensive investigative staff. During the initial hours of investigation a determination is made by the CIB Commander, the Major Crimes Division Commander, the investigative supervisor and the lead investigator whether or not to utilize the investigative team concept.
When an investigative team is implemented, representatives from outside agencies (such as local law enforcement jurisdictions, Virginia State Police, FBI, Secret Service, etc.) can be called upon for assistance. The Commonwealth's Attorney is contacted for legal and prosecutorial advice.
A permanent Task Force Room has been established in the CIB office, including telephone banks capable of receiving incoming "tips" from callers. The Criminal Information Unit also has the capability of setting up designated telephone lines equipped with Caller I.D. Call takers complete a tip sheet form specifically designed to capture critical information. Leads are assigned for follow-up, and progress is tracked by the Bureau's crime analyst. According to the FBI, the Fairfax County Police Department has developed one of the most sophisticated task force tracking systems used by law enforcement.
At a minimum, two daily briefings are conducted by the Major Crimes Division Commander to keep the investigative team appraised of case progress. Provisions are made for investigator input or brain storming. Press briefings are conducted through the Public Information Office.
One of the most recent activations of the task force occurred in January, 1993. Five people were shot, two fatally, as they sat in their cars in front of the Central Intelligence Agency headquarters. Virginia State Police, FBI and ATF agents assisted the department with the investigation. The case was solved through a telephone tip received by the task force and a warrant was obtained for the suspect. Although the suspect is currently still at large and believed to be hiding overseas, the Langley Shooting Task Force was considered a huge success by every federal and local agency involved.
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Neighborhood Watch Program
The Fairfax County Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Program was established on October 24, 1979. In 1993 the program was recognized by President Clinton as being one of the oldest and largest in the nation. It encourages community and individual involvement in crime prevention and targets primarily burglaries, larcenies and vandalism in residential areas. The program has three separate but related functions: A formally organized continuing citizen patrol, a comprehensive security inspection of homes, and personal property identification by the residents.
In Fairfax County alone there are over 850 Neighborhood Watch programs with 35,000 volunteers, and participation has risen steadily over the years. In the Camelot community the Neighborhood Watch Program has been in existence for over fifteen years (with five original members still serving) and was honored as a "Point of Light" by President Bush.
Involvement of the Department in a Neighborhood Watch program includes providing training of the Watch coordinator and committee members, maintaining contact with and notifying the coordinator of any crime trends or patterns that may threaten the neighborhood. Meetings with Neighborhood Watch committee members are conducted on a periodic basis to address crime problems and plan strategies. Crime awareness training is provided on an ongoing basis and material resources are provided. District station crime analysts provide monthly crime statistics and point out problem areas in support of the Neighborhood Watch Program.
The Fairfax County Neighborhood Watch Program serves as a model for other programs throughout the country. It is instrumental in bringing police and citizens closer together through an awareness of common and cooperative goals and is largely responsible for the significant decrease in the number of residential burglaries within the County.
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Peer Support Program
The Fairfax County Police Department has long recognized the need for specialized support services to employees and their families who have experienced an employment-related traumatic incident. Established in 1982, the purpose of the Peer Support Program is to provide information, education and support to Department personnel affected by traumatic incidents.
The Peer Support Group members are volunteer representatives from each district station and division who are chosen by their peers and approved by their commander. Each member has been involved in a duty related traumatic incident during their career and can empathize with the employee. Members are trained in areas pertinent to traumatic incidents and attend mandatory meetings.
The Peer Support Group Coordinator or his designee responds to any incident which results in the death or serious injury of a person by a department employee, any incident in which an employee is killed or seriously injured in the line of duty, or any traumatic incident that the on-scene supervisor deems appropriate.
The Peer Support Group provides information to employees concerning Department policies and procedures, available resources, Post Shooting Syndrome and education in applicable stress related areas. The group also serves as liaison with other available Fairfax County resources.
Support need not be Department initiated; employees are encouraged to contact group members on an informal basis. The members provide information on resources available to employees, education in applicable stress related areas and, most importantly, listening skills during times of stress. Each member treats each contact with utmost confidence and advises the employee as to the limits of this confidentiality prior to any discussion.
The Casualty Assistance Plan was developed to provide guidance and organization in the event of the serious injury or death of a police officer or other Department employee. The Department's response to a casualty will be based on the circumstances of the incident and reviewed on a case by case basis. The plan outlines specific duties, directions and recommendations for many critical functions which must be performed under very stressful circumstances.
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Peer Survivors Group
In 1991, the Fairfax County Police Department's Victim Witness Unit developed a support group to assist the families of homicide victims in their recovery from the trauma of crime victimization. The group, known as the Fairfax Peer Survivors Group (FPSG) was created to meet the specific needs of homicide survivors.
In order to address the distinctive needs of this population, the Victim Witness Unit designed a comprehensive program to provide a forum in which survivors of homicide come together bi-monthly to find comfort and strength through shared experiences. The group allows members to communicate and network with other survivors as they pursue various interests. FPSG offers information and education regarding the criminal justice system, and encourages members to explore the policies and laws which affect victims. Group sessions feature guest speakers to include criminal justice experts, professionals in the field of bereavement, political figures and journalists.
According to experts, the FPSG is unique in its operation and position within a major suburban police department. Under the Department's Criminal Investigations Bureau, the group's very existence demonstrates the Department's compassion and consideration for the victims of violent crime. Police personnel cooperate with and join the group in providing expertise. As a police program, FPSG is postured to provide immediate support to survivors of homicide within Fairfax County. Those homicidal deaths which occur in other jurisdictions but which involve Fairfax County residents are also recognized by direct contact from FPSG.
The group continues to reach out and make an impact on this community and the nation. Recently FPSG was used as a model for the development of support groups in Great Britain. The group has been featured in a documentary for Discovery Television, included in a training and information video for the American Bar Association (which featured former President Carter) and continues to be profiled through local media.
There is no fee for participation and members are afforded a quarterly newspaper produced by the Victim Witness Unit with contributing articles by group members. Members show their support for each other by attending trials, engaging in legislative efforts regarding victim issues and contacting other homicide survivors immediately upon hearing of their tragedy.
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Public Information Program
In 1993 the Fairfax County Police Department's Public Information Office received an award of excellence from the National Association of Government Communicators, the first time that this award had been presented to a law enforcement agency. The Department has gained greater positive exposure through increased cooperation with the media. For the first time in the Department's history, monthly informal meetings between the chief, top department officials and media representatives were instituted in 1992.
The efficiency of preparing information was enhanced through the acquisition of computer equipment for the Public Information Office using seized asset funds. Through the use of computer faxing and the establishment of multiple fax distribution lists reflecting the various needs of the dozens of media regularly covering the Department, the office has attained the objective of having hard copy incident information in the hands of appropriate news media within an average of four hours after an event occurs.
In a cooperative effort with the MAGNACOM Corporation, the Fairfax County Police Fax Information Line "FAST FAX" was established. This public/private partnership provides local businesses with information on fraudulent check and credit card activity, financial crime trends and criminal lookouts. FAST FAX is sent free to area businesses capable of receiving facsimile transmissions. The purpose of FAST FAX is to provide area merchants with vital information that helps prevent business losses due to crime.
Established in October, 1994, the Neighborhood Watch Bulletin Board is a joint project of the Crime Prevention Unit and the Public Information Office in cooperation with a private citizen who is donating equipment and expertise. The bulletin board is accessible to anyone and available information includes the weekly crime summary, daily incident information reports, Crime Solvers cases, and special lookouts and crime prevention warnings. It will be possible in the future to make fugitive photographs, composite drawings of suspects and other graphic information available.
Other activities initiated by the staff include a regular newscast program on the county government cable channel, a recorded telephone information line and bi-monthly newsletters for employees, and a video information program distributed for roll calls.
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School Resource Officer Program
The Fairfax County Police Department's School Resource Officer Program, in cooperation with Fairfax County Public Schools, was implemented in 1992. The program involves the assignment of a police officer to a school on a full time basis. The primary mission of the SRO program is to provide a safe environment for the students and staff of the school. As a mentor, the SRO establishes a rapport with the students to allow for open lines of communication. The SRO assumes primary responsibility in handling all calls for service from the school, to include enforcement and deterrence efforts. The SRO monitors cultural and social influences and activities to ensure prevention or early intervention of developing gang structures.
A critical element of the SRO program is the relationship between the SRO, the school principal, and the school staff. Information exchange is vital and includes discussion of current crime trends, problem areas, cultural conflicts or any other area of concern that may cause disruption at the school or in the community.
Due to the program's demonstrated success in staving off disorderly and dangerous situations in and around the schools, middle school administrators are demanding accelerated implementation of the program in their schools.
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Selective Enforcement Teams
The Fairfax County Police Department's Selective Enforcement Teams (SET) consist of teams of officers utilized at the station level to perform a variety of enforcement services. SET teams are often deployed in situations requiring multiple officer teamwork, multi-agency enforcement efforts, or undercover capabilities to apprehend the violators. SET officers are also used to quickly address station level traffic enforcement problems and assist citizens in solving short term community problems. SET officers are frequently deployed as part of a Major Crimes Division task force to assist investigators in solving pattern crimes such as rapes, auto thefts, peeping offenses, sexual exposure cases and serial vandalism offenses.
During the winter holiday season, SET teams are reorganized to staff the highly publicized and extremely successful Christmas Anti-Theft Teams (CAT). The CAT Teams have been an outstanding success each year in combatting crimes in the three regional shopping malls operated in Fairfax County. Officers are assigned various undercover surveillance assignments and exercise a proactive approach to the apprehension of criminals. The officers are aided by the support of local merchants, who reap the benefits resulting from the recovery of stolen property and the intervention of check and fraud violations.
Enforcement efforts are a joint effort between mall security forces, department store security officers and the CAT Team officers. At Tysons Corner Mall, for example, the McLean District Station CAT officers are provided with mall security radios by the management. A family-type rental vehicle, such as a mini-van, is rented for the use of the officers conducting surveillance in the parking lot areas. This type of vehicle is less conspicuous and provides room to shuttle officers from one point to another.
The "walking team" members locate and maintain surveillance on suspicious people which the "vehicle team" observe entering the mall, or on suspicious people which they locate already inside the mall. When a crime is committed, the Team may make an immediate arrest or maintain surveillance until all the members of the criminal group (and their vehicles) are identified. In today's environment of escalating financial crimes, arrests for check and credit card crimes are made possible by rapid communication with the issuing banks or unsuspecting citizen victim, often before the suspects have left the target store. The timing and location of arrests are coordinated with the private security forces to minimize danger and disruption to the businesses and their patrons.
The arrests for the 1993 McLean CAT Team far exceeded any previous team. For a period of 31 working days, the Team accumulated 163 arrests involving 42 subjects. Of the 163 arrests, 148 were felony charges. 42% of the arrests were for credit card and related offenses, 41.5% for larceny crimes, 12% were bad check cases and the remaining 4.5% were warrant services and drug violations. The amount of recovered property was just under $26,000.
The majority of the arrested subjects lived outside the confines of Fairfax County. (Generally, they were from the District of Columbia and Maryland, but in recent years two major theft rings have been traced to New York and California. As a result of joint investigations with the FBI, arrests were made in both cases.)
Over the last five years, the CAT Teams have confirmed that these crimes traditionally are easy to commit and result in substantial losses to individuals and businesses. As a result of the CAT Team Program, hundreds of career criminals have learned that it is not "business as usual" in Fairfax County.
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The Fairfax County Police Department provides immediate direct links, and a continuum of services between domestic violence victims and already established resources in community-policed neighborhoods, with the expectation that domestic violence victims will become more willing participants in the criminal prosecution of their abusers. The program, entitled Someplace Safe, will provide temporary protection for domestic violence victims, help them process what has happened to them, enable them to assess their resources and possible courses of action, and assure them of support and encouragement in the process. In this early "window of opportunity," domestic violence victims will be offered comfort, counseling, assessment of needs, referrals to available resources, and information regarding criminal and civil procedures. Someplace Safe will also offer first responding officers a resource for domestic disturbances where one or both partners may need a temporary time-out period. Trained domestic counselors, supervised by the FCPD's Victim Witness Unit, will staff two community-policed satellite offices.
A special resource for police officers in the field for response to domestic violence situations. Several satellite police locations have been designated as temporary safe havens for domestic violence victims. Victims will be afforded immediate protection, support, shelter, and counseling during a difficult time which will also help them to become more willing participants in the criminal justice process. Trained bilingual counselors will be on hand to link victims directly to community resources.
- Any domestic dispute or domestic assault call, whether or not an arrest is made
- When a victim is frightened to remain in the home
- When couples need a "time out"
- When a victim needs to know more about his/her criminal/civil options
- When you determine that a victim may need immediate additional resources
- In matters that pertain to community outreach and involvement in specific areas
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Traffic Information Center
The Fairfax County Police Department's Traffic Information Center (TIC) functions primarily to facilitate the smooth and orderly flow of traffic on the highways within Fairfax County. TIC is located in the Disaster Operations Center at the Pine Ridge Facility. It contains a complete dispatch console, airborne video monitor to monitor helicopter transmissions, radios to monitor events occurring in neighboring jurisdictions, and telephones and facsimile machines to rapidly gain and disseminate information to the public through the media. In addition to monitoring traffic flow and relaying the information to appropriate entities, TIC also recommends and can assign available resources to problem areas; e.g., motor officers, helicopters, patrol officers, etc. It is activated during the AM/PM peak traffic hours, severe weather conditions, upon the activation of the Freeway Incident Plan, or upon direction of the Chief of Police.
The rise in major traffic disruptions on Northern Virginia's interstate system caused by accidents, hazardous material spills, vehicle breakdowns and construction activity has prompted police, fire and rescue, and transportation departments to establish a cooperative effort to ensure public safety, reduce detection time, improve communications at the incident scene and find alternative approaches to restoring traffic to normal volumes. The result is the Northern Virginia Freeway Incident Management Plan. Upon declaration of a major incident, TIC may be activated to provide support to the on-scene incident command post.
During periods of severe weather, usually rain or snow, the Weather Emergency Team may be activated. Comprised of representatives from state and local transportation offices, public safety agencies and emergency services units, the Weather Emergency Team coordinates all response activities from the TIC command post. Events are logged and reviewed to identify locations that habitually exhibit congestion and/or have a high accident rate. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) liaison officer is assigned to monitor these areas to ascertain if specific roadway improvements would expedite the traffic flow and to make subsequent recommendations to VDOT.
The Traffic Information Center has been instrumental in coordinating the resource allocation and rapid response of the many large and diverse agencies which affect highway traffic in the Northern Virginia area.
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Traffic Safety Section
The goal of the Fairfax County Police Department's Traffic Safety Section is to minimize the loss of life and reduce injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes through proactive educational efforts directed to all citizens of Fairfax County. During the last several years, the Traffic Safety Section has created and conducted many special campaigns to promote different forms of highway safety.
Often, these local campaigns include not only an educational element but also an enforcement component: Six Pack Patrols to search for suspected drunk drivers, Seat Belt Olympics to promote seat belt awareness and usage in high schools, Cops-in-Shops to combat the underage purchase of alcohol and the use of false identification, Patrol Power to encourage seat belt usage among adults and the Youth Drinking Hotline to report parties where alcohol is being served to underage drinkers. The Bicycle Safety Team, which educates and enforces bicycle safety laws, is being studied by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as a national model in the area of bicycle safety and bicycle helmet use.
The Traffic Safety Section and Crime Prevention Unit participate fully in the drug and alcohol curriculum used in the public schools. The Crime Prevention coordinator is a member of the schools' Substance Abuse Advisory Board and the Commonwealth Alliance for Drug Rehabilitation and Education (CADRE).
Involvement with regional organizations over the last few years, including the Washington Regional Alcohol Program and the Virginia Division of Motor Vehicle's Community Traffic Safety Program, has allowed the Traffic Safety Section to expand its outreach programs in the community. Many of these programs have been regionally coordinated through the Traffic Safety Section and several have received national recognition.
In 1993 the J. Standdard Baker National Law Enforcement Highway Safety Excellence Award was presented to the Department by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. The Department won first place in the Virginia Chiefs Challenge Award for Highway Safety, and has received the Clayton J. Hall Memorial Award from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration for excellence in traffic safety. In 1992 the department received the National Buckle Down Award from the U.S. Department of Transportation and placed first in the National Chief's Challenge for traffic safety programs.
Over the past five years the Traffic Safety Section has been very active with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The coordination of many national campaigns has been done through the Traffic Safety Section and these programs have allowed the Department to deliver the most current traffic safety information possible to the citizens of Fairfax County.
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Virginia Department of Transportation Liaison Unit
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Liaison Unit is tasked with making highway safety recommendations to VDOT and is staffed by one Fairfax County Police officer. Suggestions made by any member of the department to enhance motor vehicle or pedestrian safety are channeled to the unit. After the suggestion is reviewed, the site surveyed and alternatives explored, a final plan is submitted to VDOT as a formal proposal from the Department.
Present and future traffic projects throughout the county are identified and examined to ascertain if the concept contains inherent safety or traffic flow problems. Recommendations to VDOT to improve these areas are made with the objective of fixing problems before they occur. Suggestions are received from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, employees of the County, police officers and citizens. Each suggestion triggers a comprehensive three year historic review of the site, traffic volume data, crash report examination and a review of state and federal rules applicable to the roadway. Formal and informal recommendations are then offered to VDOT and follow up activity scheduled.
The position has proved so successful in reducing site specific crashes and improving traffic flow that the liaison duties of the unit have been extended to other public utilities and local planning commissions.
The VDOT liaison officer coordinates the delivery of specialized resources and equipment available to assist the District station and Traffic Division commanders during the numerous races, triathalons, parades and fairs which occur each year in Fairfax County. During times of major traffic disruptions, such as serious accidents, hazardous material spills, and severe weather conditions, the VDOT Liaison Unit is also a vital part of the Traffic Information Center team.
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Virginia Police and Private Security Alliance
In 1992 the Fairfax County Police Department, Mobil Corporation, the Arlington County Police Department and representatives from the private security industry formed the Virginia Police and Private Security Alliance (VaPPSA).
VaPPSA's mission is to create a partnership between public law enforcement and private security sectors by providing a forum for close interaction and joint solutions.
Representatives from all segments of the private security sector (retail, corporate, alarm industry, investigations/guard services) have worked closely with a number of public law enforcement agencies to develop a mission statement, bylaws and numerous informational/educational programs geared toward improving the working relationship between the private security industry and public sectors of law enforcement. VaPPSA strives to promote training, education and crime prevention programs. It seeks to inform the membership of legislative issues likely to impact members.
VaPPSA has also developed proactive problem solving approaches to public safety, criminal and security issues through mutual cooperation and shared resources. While initially serving the needs of the Northern Virginia area, a continuing goal of the organization is to serve as a model and, when appropriate, provide facilities to other Virginia jurisdictions interested in forming public/private sector alliances.
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