The Fairfax County Police Department's Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), established in April 2024, serves as a central hub for technology, data, and real-time support to officers and investigators. The RTCC brings together advanced tools such as cameras, license plate readers, drones, and data analysis systems to help solve crimes, locate missing persons, and enhance public safety. Guided by a commitment to transparency, accountability, and community partnership, the RTCC works around the clock to turn information into action supporting faster, more informed decision-making when it matters most.
Connect Fairfax County
Connect Fairfax County is a voluntary public safety program that allows residents and businesses to partner directly with the Fairfax County Police Department by sharing the presence or, if they choose, the live access of their security cameras. Through a simple online portal at https://ConnectFairfaxCounty.org↗, community members can sign up in two ways. Together, these options create a collaborative network that helps investigators quickly locate evidence, respond more effectively to incidents, and strengthen overall community safety.
Registration
The first option, registration, for our residential community, is free and takes less than a minute, allowing police to see where cameras are located and contact the owner if footage may help during an investigation without any direct access to the video.
Integration
The second option, for our commercial community, integration, is an enhanced opt-in level where participants connect their cameras to the system, enabling the Real Time Crime Center to view live footage during emergencies or critical incidents based on the owner’s permissions.
Technologies
License Plate Readers
The Fairfax County Police Department uses License Plate Reader (LPR) technology as a critical tool to support criminal investigations, locate missing persons, and recover stolen vehicles. LPR cameras capture images of license plates from vehicles in public view and compare them against law enforcement databases to identify vehicles associated with serious crimes or active cases. All use of LPR technology is governed by Virginia law and strict department policy, ensuring that searches are conducted only for legitimate law enforcement purposes and are subject to audit and oversight. The department maintains strong safeguards to protect privacy, including limited data retention and controlled access, while leveraging this technology to provide timely, actionable information that enhances public safety and investigative effectiveness. LPR data is not shared with federal law enforcement agencies unless they obtain a court order for investigations involving violations of Virginia state code.
Drones as First Responder
The Fairfax County Police Department utilizes drone technology to enhance situational awareness, improve response times, and support public safety operations through its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program and traditional Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) unit. The DFR program allows trained pilots in the Real Time Crime Center to deploy drones rapidly to calls for service, providing live aerial intelligence to officers before they arrive on scene. This capability supports safer, more informed decision making during critical incidents, including searches for missing persons, suspect tracking, and emergency response. In addition to DFR, the department maintains a traditional drone unit that is deployed for planned operations such as crash reconstruction, search and rescue missions, crime scene documentation, and specialized tactical support. All drone operations are conducted in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, state law, and county and department policy, with a strong emphasis on transparency, accountability, and the protection of individual privacy.
Mobile Camera Systems
Mobile camera systems are portable security platforms that can be quickly deployed to locations where temporary surveillance or enhanced public safety monitoring is needed. These systems use cameras, wireless connectivity, and independent power sources to provide real-time situational awareness in areas without permanent camera infrastructure. Mobile camera systems can support special events, crime prevention efforts, traffic management, emergency incidents, emerging crime trends, and other public safety operations by helping responders monitor activity and gather information when and where it is needed most.
Crime Solvers
Crime Solvers of Fairfax County ↗ is a nonprofit partnership that works closely with the Fairfax County Police Department to help solve crimes through community tips. Individuals can submit anonymous information through an online form, mobile app, or phone, providing valuable leads to investigators while remaining completely confidential. The program offers the possibility of financial rewards for tips that lead to arrests or case closures, funded by the independent Crime Solvers organization.
Within the Real Time Crime Center, personnel help manage and analyze incoming tips to ensure they are quickly routed and acted upon. This collaboration strengthens community engagement, encourages information sharing, and plays a critical role in advancing investigations and enhancing public safety. Learn more about how FCPD partners with Crime Solvers.
