Public Affairs

On Friday, April 23, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed Kevin Davis to the position of chief of the Fairfax County Police Department. Deputy County Executive for Public Safety Dave Rohrer has been acting as interim since former chief Edwin C. Roessler retired in February. Davis’s appointment is effective May 3.

Davis served as the City of Baltimore’s police commissioner from 2015 to 2018. He had previously served as chief of police of Anne Arundel County, MD, from 2013 to 2014, and as assistant chief of the Prince George’s County, MD police department from 1992 to 2013. Most recently he has worked as director of consulting services for GardaWorld.

 “As this nation looks to transform policing to make the community safer for everyone, we have the opportunity for a fresh perspective to further our work on police reform in Fairfax County. After extensive outreach with the community and stakeholders, the board had a clear idea of the characteristics and leadership styles that would be needed in our next chief,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. “After thorough interviews, the entire board is confident that Kevin will continue Fairfax’s work on police reform, build on the deep community involvement and relationships with stakeholders, and improve morale within the police department. He is recognized across the region as a leader in police reform and has a strong reputation and is well-respected in the communities he has served. I’m looking forward to both our diverse Fairfax County community and police department having the opportunity to meet our new chief and hear his vision and goals firsthand.”

Davis took over as commissioner of the Baltimore Police Department after a period of protests and civil unrest. During his tenure he established a Department of Justice Compliance and Accountability Division and a fully implemented body-worn camera program. He also worked to build trust with the community and foster transparency by providing information about the department’s internal policies and all police-involved shootings and expanded the department’s police chaplains program, which trained more than 100 faith community leaders to serve as ambassadors in the community.

While serving Anne Arundel County, Davis was the first chief in Maryland to require police officers to train for, carry and administer naloxone to individuals suffering from drug overdoses, and created a Crisis Intervention Team including mental health professionals to respond to calls for service where mental illness or a behavioral crisis were factors.

“Following a thorough search process and input from the community, we were fortunate to have many excellent candidates to consider. There are few positions so vital to our community, and Kevin brings leadership, depth of experience and vision to the role,” said County Executive Bryan Hill. “I look forward to working together to move the department ahead, building on the reforms we have already put in place, at this defining moment in law enforcement around the country. Our goal is to be stronger and better prepared for the future of policing.”

Davis’s leadership experience includes reform initiatives in use of force, training and technology that have received international attention and accolades.

Davis is an adjunct professor at American University and a lecturer at Catholic University of America. He was recently appointed to a four-year term on the state’s Commission on Judicial Disabilities, an independent body that hears complaints against Maryland judges. He has served on numerous professional boards and commissions and was a member of the Justice Reinvestment Oversight Board in Maryland.

He has a master's degree in management from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Towson University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the FBI National Executive Institute. He will receive an annual salary of $215,000.

Lloyd Tucker is the new director of Fairfax County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS), effective March 13. Tucker succeeds Christopher Leonard, who was appointed Deputy Director of Health and Human Services in January.

Tucker has over 23 years of experience in Health and Human Services, 17 of them with Fairfax County. He has served with NCS since 2010, first as a regional manager and since 2016 as director of NCS’s Regional Services and Center Operations Division. He has been with Fairfax County since 2004, beginning with the former Department of Community and Recreation Services as a Therapeutic Recreation Program manager.

During his tenure with the county, Tucker has focused his skills and experience on the strategic work associated with providing recreational, educational and developmental programs and services for the full spectrum of county residents, from youth to older adults. He has extensive experience in facilitating community engagement, conflict resolution and organizational development and management.

NCS provides a variety of recreation, educational and developmental programs and services; facilitates community engagement to identify areas of need and enhance countywide capacity for serving those needs; and connects residents with a broad spectrum of county- and community-based resources and services.

Tucker holds a Certified Public Manager credential from George Washington University’s Center for Excellence in Public Leadership. He has a Master of Science in conflict analysis and resolution from George Mason University, a Master of Arts in counseling from Hampton University and a Bachelor of Science in therapeutic recreation from Hampton University. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in organizational leadership.

Tucker will receive an annual salary of $165,000.

At its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 26, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed Deputy County Executive for Public Safety David M. Rohrer as interim police chief, effective Feb. 1, 2021.

Rohrer headed the Fairfax County Police Department from July 2004 to October 2012, when he was appointed to the newly created position of deputy county executive for public safety. Current Police Chief Edwin C. Roessler is set to retire next month.

“I work closely with Deputy County Executive Rohrer on a daily basis and I could not be more confident in his ability to see the Police Department through this period while we search for a new chief,” said County Executive Bryan Hill. “His experience and skill will allow for a seamless transition.”

Fairfax County is conducting a nationwide search for the next chief of police. The county has engaged a firm to assist with the search, including conducting community outreach efforts. (A community survey remains open through Sunday, Jan. 31.)

In his role as Deputy County Executive for Public Safety, Rohrer oversees the Police and Fire and Rescue Departments, the Department of Public Safety Communications (9-1-1), the Office of Emergency Management, the Department of Animal Sheltering and the McConnell Public Safety and Transportation Operations Center. He also has a liaison role with the Sheriff’s Office, the courts and the Health Department (for emergency management issues).

Rohrer began his career as a patrol officer with Fairfax County in 1980 and moved to the department’s tactical section five years later. During his 32-year tenure he moved up through the ranks of the department as captain, major and deputy chief of police.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors today appointed Christopher Leonard as deputy county executive, effective Jan. 2, 2021. He replaces Tisha Deeghan, who retires on Feb. 1, 2021.

Leonard will be responsible for Fairfax County’s Health, Housing and Human Services programs and will oversee the following agencies:

• Health Department

• Department of Neighborhood and Community Services

• Department of Housing and Community Development

• Department of Family Services

• Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board

• Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

• Office of Strategy Management for Health and Human Services

• McLean Community Center

• Reston Community Center

Since 2010, Leonard has served as director of the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS), which provides recreation, educational and developmental programs and services; facilitates community engagement to identify areas of need and enhance countywide capacity for serving those needs; and connects residents with county- and community-based resources and services.

“I’m honored and proud to receive this appointment. The county’s Health, Housing and Human Services system has always played an integral role in the social and economic well-being of our residents, and especially now as we navigate the unprecedented challenge of this global pandemic,” said Leonard. “I hope to build upon the incredible work that’s been done by our leadership team and staff and further expand our great community partnerships, while continuing to focus on equity, opportunity and helping all of our residents to achieve their full potential.”

Leonard has served Fairfax County for more than two decades. He began his career with the county as a budget analyst in 1999. In 2003 he was appointed deputy director of the former Department of Community and Recreation Services (CRS) and later appointed acting director. That agency merged with the Department of Systems Management for Human Services to create the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, which Leonard has led since 2010. 

“The Health, Housing and Human Services system has made significant progress in our efforts to create communities of opportunity for all county residents,” said Deeghan. “I am confident that the important work of making the HHS system responsive to a changing community and improving outcomes for individuals and families will continue under Chris’s leadership.”

Leonard earned a bachelor’s in sports management and a master’s in public administration, both from West Virginia University.

He will receive an annual salary of $214,000.

Fairfax County partnered with the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council (VFOIA Council) to provide VFOIA Training Day in August. The event drew over 300 attendees, from 68 Virginia towns, cities and counties, including compliance experts, elected officials, county administrators, attorneys and public safety professionals.

The event was held virtually to expand access to the training for local and state government employees throughout the commonwealth.

If you missed the virtual event, a recording of VFOIA Training Day is now available online. Topics covered included disclosure of law enforcement records and social media information and what information can be discussed in closed session during public meetings. VFOIA Advisory Council Executive Director Alan Gernhardt noted that under social distancing requirements, some localities are conducting public meetings in parking lots and high school gyms.

More information:

• FY 2020 VFOIA Annual Report shows a 26% increase in requests since FY 2019.
• Submitting VFOIA requests to Fairfax County.

The first three graduates of the comprehensive Fairfax County Drug Court program will be honored at a ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 2 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. The public is invited to attend. (Social distancing and masks are required.)

Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay will deliver the keynote address. “We need to be treating those with addiction and reducing interactions with the criminal justice system. This program supports those two needs,” says McKay. “This is not an easy program and today, these graduates and their families have a great deal to celebrate.”

Fairfax Circuit Court Judge Penney S. Azcarate, who was instrumental in establishing the Drug Court, found that approximately 65% to 70% of her cases involved substance use. "If we can reduce substance use recidivism in our county,” she points out, “we ultimately can save lives — and money.” Studies have shown that, even with treatment costs included, drug courts saved localities an overall average of $5,600 to $6,200 per offender compared to incarceration. In addition to the graduates, there are some 20 participants currently active in the program.

Drug courts are specific court sessions, or dockets, for criminal defendants who have alcohol and/or other substance use disorders. In Fairfax County’s program, eligible participants have been convicted of a non-violent crime, are on probation and have come back into the court because of a felony probation violation related to substance use dependency disorders.

Participants enter the Drug Court program voluntarily and commit to close monitoring and following treatment recommendations, as well as regular communication with a probation officer, frequent court status hearings and routine drug screenings. The supervising judge receives regular reports from treatment providers about the participants.

The team members who oversee the Drug Court include prosecutors, public defenders, Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, probation officials, judges, clerks, evaluators and the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office.

The program is one of several Diversion First initiatives that offer alternatives to incarceration for people with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders who come into the criminal justice system. The goal of Diversion First is to intercede with assessment, treatment and needed supports to prevent repeated encounters with the criminal justice system and promote a healthier community.

For information, contact Fairfax County Drug Court Coordinator Lanier Meeks Yi, 703-246-3238 (TTY 711).

Following more than two years of effort, Fairfax County has released a consolidated draft for a proposed new and modernized Zoning Ordinance.

This document represents a major milestone in the county’s zoning modernization project called zMOD. The draft will be presented to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission next week, and it’s anticipated that the Board will hold public hearings on the modernized ordinance this winter.

County zoning officials are seeking public input on this draft as it is refined for the Board to consider adopting this winter. Residents can submit their comments by email.

The public is also encouraged to join an upcoming virtual meeting where county staff and consultant Clarion Associates will present an overview of the draft:

• Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. – Board of Supervisors Land Use Policy Committee.
• Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. – zMOD Community Outreach Meeting (electronic presentation, via WebEx).
• Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. – Planning Commission Land Use Process Review Committee.

The Board and Planning Commission presentations will be aired and streamed live on Channel 16. All three will be available to view online afterwards.

The proposed new ordinance consolidates the current 20 articles and six appendices into nine articles and one appendix. It also includes substantive revisions to the uses, including adding new use names; consolidating uses; creating new uses where appropriate; developing new definitions; and making revisions to use regulations.

The consolidated draft resulted from extensive public outreach during the past two years, including over 65 public meetings, multiple public surveys and stakeholder input.

The zMOD project aims to:

• Modernize the permitted uses and their regulations.
• Make the Zoning Ordinance easier to understand.
• Remove gaps and inconsistencies,
• Create a streamlined, user-friendly document.
• Use more tables, graphics and hyperlinks.

For more information, visit the zMOD webpages. Or contact the Department of Planning and Development’s Zoning Administration Division at 703-324-1314, TTY 711, or by email, for questions, feedback and requests for reasonable ADA accommodations.

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As a move to help taxpayers during the ongoing pandemic, Fairfax County significantly reduced penalties for late personal property and real estate tax payments this year.

On June 23, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved these changes that will apply only to tax year 2020. County leaders cut the penalty in half from 10% to 5% for late payment of these taxes. They also eliminated the additional 15% penalty for personal property taxes—better known as car taxes— that are more than 30 days overdue.

“These uncertain times are causing financial hardships for many in our community and the stress of balancing property payments with basic needs can be overwhelming,” said Fairfax County Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. “The board is committed to taking the actions necessary to help our residents and I’m glad that we have the resources to be able to implement another option for relief.”

In late March, the board extended the due date to pay the first half of real estate taxes until Aug. 28. This payment is normally due a month earlier on July 28. The deadline to report changes in personal property ownership was also extended to June 1. Taxpayers who missed this deadline are subject to the normal 10% penalty, however.

As always, Department of Tax Administration staff are available to assist taxpayers experiencing financial difficulties with setting up reasonable payment plans.

Residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to pay their taxes online because it is the safest, fastest and easiest way during the pandemic. E-check payments are easy, quick and free. Officials want to remind residents who normally pay with cash in person that they can do so by mailing a money order instead.

For more information or questions, contact the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration  by email or by phone at 703-222-8234, TTY 711.

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Each year Volunteer Fairfax recognizes the volunteers, nonprofit organizations and corporate partners who work tirelessly to make Fairfax County a better place. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards ceremony (previously scheduled for April 23) has been postponed. Instead, Volunteer Fairfax is highlighting those who are going above and beyond in volunteerism by sharing the Volunteer Service Awards Virtual Program. 

Volunteer Fairfax is recognizing 143 individual nominees this year in 16 different award categories. These volunteers have been nominated by community members, local nonprofits and government agencies for their dedication to the community.

Additionally, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay and each of the Fairfax County district supervisors are honoring a volunteer in their district who is dedicated to improving life in the county and beyond. These Community Champions bring together other volunteers, employees and engaged residents to address the needs and challenges in our region.

The 2020 Volunteer Service Awards are supported by Deloitte, The Sica Family Charitable Fund, Kaiser Permanente and Northwest Federal Credit Union. Follow Volunteer Fairfax on social media for updates on the Volunteer Service Awards.
 

The Fairfax Circuit Court Probate Office has moved exclusively to virtual appointments to probate estates during the COVID-19 pandemic. “In addition to creating the safest possible environment for our customers and staff, our virtual probate appointment has the added benefit of making life easier for families located across the country,” said Clerk of the Fairfax Circuit Court John T. Frey.

The virtual probate process uses a combination of Webex, e-signature, online payment and streamlined-payment methods to conduct administrative probate. Customers can contact the Clerk’s Office at 703-691-7320 to go over what original estate records are required for the probate.

The virtual probate process requires a computer, smartphone or tablet with a microphone and camera, along with internet access. Also, an email address/account for the resulting Webex appointment with the probate clerk is necessary.

For those who have an upcoming probate appointment, the Clerk’s Office will reach out directly to the customer/law firm and explain next steps. Customers can call the Probate Office at 703-691-7320 (press 3, and 5).

The virtual probate process is part of Fairfax County’s Assistance from a Distance initiative, which features a number of key government services available online so residents can still conduct business during COVID-19.

Further information on the probate process.