Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov
News Release: OSB/APO Recruitment/CSN
December 6, 2007

Auxiliary Police Officer Program Looking for Applicants

            Homeland security issues have increased the responsibilities for many local police departments, who are now performing more tasks and responding to more call for service than ever before.  The support of volunteers has become a critical part of meeting local homeland security threats. To that end, Fairfax County Police are seeking volunteers who are interested in becoming Auxiliary Police Officers. Applicant testing ends for the next session in late January.

            Fairfax County has had an established Auxiliary Police Officer (APO) program since 1983, and has a current strength of approximately 100 volunteers. APOs are trained to perform a variety of operational support and administrative duties, which include patrol, traffic control, security of prisoners, communications, desk assignments, fingerprinting, crime prevention and special events.  Auxiliary officers undergo almost as much training as regular police officers, but because they offer their services on a volunteer basis, they provide a considerable savings to County taxpayers while allowing patrol officers to handle assignments that only they can perform.  The police department provides uniforms, equipment and insurance. Auxiliary officers must perform an average of 24 hours of volunteer service a month to maintain their status in the unit.

            Fairfax County is planning to hold its next Auxiliary Police Academy session in Spring 2008.  To be considered, applicants must live in Northern Virginia and be at least 21 years of age. Applicants must be in good health and without a criminal record or history of drug use, and not be an applicant for police officer in any jurisdiction. To apply, obtain a brochure or for additional information about the Fairfax County Auxiliary Police Unit, contact Second Lieutenant David Cox at 703-280-0576.

            For more information, visit this web link: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ps/police/Volunteers.htm Or e-mail: auxiliarypolice@fairfaxcounty.gov