Chief's Page

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
12099 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035
Kevin Davis
Chief of Police

Department Resources

Bias Crimes

The Fairfax County Police Department recognizes the potential harm that bias crimes and incidents can have in a community and consequently encourages people to report them. All bias crimes and incidents are investigated thoroughly. Our goal is to form partnerships with the community to more effectively combat crimes motivated by hate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Any unlawful action committed against a person or their property because of their:

  • Race
  • Religious conviction
  • Ethnic or national origin
  • Disability
  • Sexual orientation

An action motivated by bias, which does not meet the necessary elements for a criminal offense. Examples of such behavior include:

  • Name calling
  • Racial slurs
  • Disseminating racist leaflets

Although the apparent motive of the suspect should be evaluated, some indicators to look for include:

  • Derogatory remarks
  • Derogatory graffiti
  • Patterns of victimization
  • Locations of events (i.e.: cultural/religious centers)
  • Suspect’s involvement in hate related groups

  • Call 911 for a crime in progress
  • Call 703-691-2131 to make a report of a crime that has previously occurred

You will be asked to provide basic information to the call taker, and an officer will be dispatched to take a full report.

Reporting a bias crime or bias incident can assist law enforcement with:

  • Defusing potentially dangerous situations
  • Recognizing patterns of victimization
  • Identifying suspects of related bias crimes
  • Preventing bias-motivated criminal behavior

Any bias incident or crime should be reported to the police department in a timely manner, which will:

  • Enable the event to be investigated and properly documented
  • Ensure victims are provided with the necessary resources to aid them in a quick recovery 

The number of bias crimes is relatively low in Fairfax County, and they typically consist of minor destruction of property and graffiti-related crimes.

Proactive steps to document bias incidents may prevent more from occurring or from escalating into bias crimes. Our goal is to alleviate fear in the community regarding crimes motivated by bias and to improve the overall quality of life for everyone in Fairfax County.

Reports can be found here.

Close
Fairfax Virtual Assistant