This year, Fairfax County increased juvenile justice training for cadets in the Criminal Justice Academy preparing to serve the community. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court teamed up with the Police Department to hold a four-hour juvenile justice training course for the first time. In the past, cadets spent one hour in juvenile justice training. The new enhanced training included four modules teaching future officers: 

1. The purpose and intent of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
2. How to work with families during intake.
3. The Alternative Accountability Program and community-based diversion for low level offenders. 
4. Understanding adolescent brain development.

Fairfax County is a national leader in juvenile justice reform with multiple initiatives focused on diverting youth from the juvenile justice system while still holding them accountable for their actions. Using a restorative justice model with rehabilitation as the primary goal has led to lower recidivism. First- time offenders who go through the Alternative Accountability Program are less likely to re-offend with only three percent re-offending after 12 months compared to 13 percent re-offending if they are arrested through the traditional intake process.

“The Fairfax County Police Department is a key partner to the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court as we transform the juvenile justice system to better serve the community," says Hon. Thomas P. Sotelo, chief judge, Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. "Police officers are often the first experience a young person may have with the justice system, and the officer’s approach can have a huge impact in preventing the young person from offending again. This new enhanced training goes beyond teaching the structure of the court and includes a comprehensive look at working with families, community-based diversion and adolescent brain development. The goal is to reduce recidivism, ensure a brighter future for young people and a safer community for everyone. The court looks forward to its continued collaboration with FCPD to institutionalize training in the academy and to build up continual training opportunities for veteran police officers.”

Understanding the county’s approach to juvenile justice and rehabilitation will be a key part to officers’ success as they serve and protect the community. The current recruit class of 41 cadets will complete training on Dec.16. Once cadets graduate, they can serve the Fairfax County Police Department, the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office, or the towns of Herndon and Vienna Police Departments.