Sheriff's Office

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office announced the rollout of its new deputy uniforms today, marking the first complete redesign in the agency’s history.

The updated uniforms feature a modern combination of black and tundra green, replacing the traditional brown attire that deputies have worn for decades. The new look marks a significant milestone for the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, symbolizing both the agency’s modernization and its respect for long-standing traditions.

“We are proud to introduce a new uniform that represents our professionalism and ability to modernize our agency while also honoring our traditions,” said Sheriff Stacey A. Kincaid. “These new uniforms enhance functionality and comfort, allowing our deputies to better serve the community in every environment. While the color and style have evolved, the design reflects our proud traditions and continued commitment to excellence in public service.”

The redesign was guided by both functionality and appearance. The uniforms are built with high-performance materials to support deputies in a variety of assignments, from performing their duties in the Adult Detention Center (ADC), to courthouse security and civil enforcement as well as our community engagement.

This milestone marks the first time in its history that the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office has introduced a brand-new uniform style, underscoring its dedication to progress while honoring its traditions of service.

Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey A. Kincaid presented seven college scholarships from the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute (VSI) College Scholarship Program, June 10. Each student received a $1,000 VSI scholarship this year as they continue to pursue their studies in criminal justice.

The VSI scholarship program is available to Virginia students who are pursuing their education in criminal justice at a school within the commonwealth.

"It is such a privilege to present these young students with these scholarship awards," Sheriff Kincaid said. "Today, we honor more than their studies in the classroom of their various universities. We celebrate their potential, their courage, and their promise to use knowledge as a force for good."

Arely Solis Artola will continue her junior year at George Mason University in the fall, majoring in Criminology, Law and Society, with a minor in Forensic Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. This is the third year in a row that Artola has received this scholarship for her education, helping her complete a four-year degree, moving toward her goal of joining the FBI and working in their Victim Services Division.

Belleslyn Rios begins her sophomore year at George Mason University in the fall, majoring in Criminal Justice. During her high school years, Rios enrolled in criminal justice classes that allowed her to experience techniques such as investigating crime scenes and collecting fingerprints. It was these experiences that sparked the interest of this first-generation college student to pursue a criminal justice degree.

Jayden Vafier will be a sophomore at Virginia Tech in the fall, majoring in Criminology with minors in Psychology and National Security/Foreign Affairs. Vafier comes from a family of public service with members serving in the military, law enforcement and health care, which has inspired her to pursue a career in criminology. Through her own life experiences, she strongly believes there is a connection between mental health and public safety, which she is committed to improving systems related to both fields.

Magaly “Magy” Soto Valdez is passionate about pursuing a career in law enforcement. After graduating with an associate’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Northern Virginia Community College this past spring, Valdez will continue her studies in Criminology, Law and Society in the fall at George Mason University. Valdez has demonstrated leadership skills and her commitment to pursuing a career in law enforcement through completing an internship program with the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office and being involved in the Public Safety Cadet program with the Fairfax County Police Department since 2022. She participates in community events around the county deepening her understanding and appreciation of what it means to be in public service.

Alexa J. Veneros expects to graduate in May 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Law and Society from George Mason University. As she pursues this academic goal, she is also working on an accelerated master’s degree in Criminal Justice. When she was 14 years old, Veneros joined the Customs and Border Patrol Youth Law Enforcement program, where she held several leadership positions moving through the ranks ultimately achieving the rank of chief. She also recently completed an internship program with Homeland Security Investigations where she supported investigative efforts including collecting intelligence from open-source outlets for an active federal case. She is active in the Criminology Student association as the Web Chair where she produces marketing materials for activities, internships, and other announcements ensuring the criminal justice campus community is engaged with the association and is aware of opportunities available to them. Veneros’s is excited to use her education and experience to serve others and provide meaningful contributions to the law enforcement and intelligence communities.

Emily Wells is interested in pursuing a career as a forensic psychologist. She will be a sophomore at Virginia Tech in the fall double majoring in Criminology and Psychology. She says her sister helped inspire her interest in psychology by sharing her college textbooks. Wells then took this interest and enjoyed an AP psychology course in high school. Wells has balanced school and extra-curricular activities by participating in her high school rowing team and volunteering with the City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation since 2021. Most recently Wells volunteers her time at an animal shelter in Blackburn, Va., where she helps socialize cats.

Nathan Windsor will begin his senior year at Radford University in the fall where he is pursuing a major in Criminal Justice with minors in Crime Analysis and legal studies, as well as working on an accelerated path toward his master’s degree. Windsor has honed his leadership skills serving as president of his school fraternity. His passion for criminal justice began with coursework he took in high school. Windsor hopes to use his knowledge of interpreting crime data and identifying patterns to provide insights to crime prevention efforts.

Congratulations again to each of our scholarship awardees, and best of luck in the coming school year.

Are you interested or know someone who could benefit from this scholarship? Check out the program policies for the 2026-27 school year. Applications will be due May 1, 2026.

FAIRFAX, Va. – Three Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office deputies saved a man’s life Friday morning while executing a court-ordered eviction in Alexandria.

After arriving at the residence and receiving no response, deputies entered the home to check for occupants. During their search, they found an unconscious man in the bedroom. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, deputies immediately performed CPR and successfully revived him. He was transported to a local hospital for further medical care.

“It appeared the person was in crisis and attempting to harm themselves,” said Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office Civil Enforcement Supervisor 1st Lt. Erin Evans.

“Our deputies acted quickly and compassionately to save this man’s life,” Sheriff Stacey Kincaid said. “Situations like this remind us that people facing eviction may be experiencing overwhelming stress. Help is available, and no one has to face it alone.”

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide to seek help. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, to connect with trained counselors 24/7. Additional local resources are available through Fairfax County’s suicide prevention programs.

Inside the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, 22 men in graduation caps sit in metal folding chairs. Some wear black chef coats; some wear gray warehouse vests. All of them have something to be proud of. For many of these men, this moment represents a turning point. It’s their chance to rebuild confidence, celebrate skills learned, and begin imagining a different future. 

These are the most recent graduates of the In2Work program, workforce development partnership between the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office and Aramark. On March 4, leadership from FCSO and Aramark celebrated training completion in one of two career tracks: ServeSafe food service management and warehouse supply chain and logistics certification.  

For Chief Deputy Sheriff of Operations Lt. Col. Nicholas Andraise, the milestone reflects more than strong enrollment.

“This is the largest graduating class for the In2Work program, which is a testament to the partnership we have fostered with Aramark,” he said. “Programs like In2Work are more than job skills and job training. It’s about restoring confidence in yourselves, providing opportunity, and setting you up for success when you re-enter the community.” 

Over the course of 60 to 90 days, participants learned real-world skills used in professional kitchens and distribution facilities. They learn everything from food safety standards and kitchen management to inventory control, supply chain logistics, and stock rotation. The certifications, recognized by the National Restaurant Association and industry partners, can open doors to employment once participants return to the community. 

One graduate described how seeing the supply chain process in action reinforced the lessons they had studied.

“Witnessing the culmination of our coursework applied in real time is motivating and reaffirming,” he said, noting that the program created a culture of accountability and pride in the work they performed. 

Kristin Sanseverino, the Food Service and Commissary Director at the Adult Detention Center, has watched many participants grow through the program.

“Today is exciting,” she said. “We’ve been working with and teaching these guys for quite some time. It’s a new start for them, a new path. The certification opens doors for them, and it’s something they can add to their resume to show their time well spent. I’m very proud of the hard work each of them has done.” 

A Culture of Change

During the graduation ceremony, several participants shared their experience in the program and their gratitude for the opportunity. And some shared that the program helped them see possibilities beyond their past mistakes.

David spoke candidly about needing to forge a new path in life once he’s released. He said earning the warehouse certification gave him a new way forward and will provide him with the networking he’ll need as he figures out that path one day at a time. 

“My biggest concern since the day I entered this facility has been how I will provide for my family when I leave,” he said. “This class provides a pathway to employment.” 

Proof the Program Works

A former participant and graduate of the ServeSafe In2Work program, Dominique, briefly returned to the ADC to inspire the newest graduates. He shared that he knows firsthand how powerful opportunity can be. After completing the program and earning his ServeSafe certification, he built a culinary career that led him to become the head chef at the IFF Center of Excellence, a recovery facility that serves first responders.

“It works,” Dominique told the graduates. “It’s what you make it. It’s about your vision and your goal. And you’ve gotta do the work.”

Another graduate of the program, Abraham, has spent several years working within the detention center’s kitchen operations. He recently became the first inmate to work 40 weeks at an hourly wage, Monday through Friday. He said he’s been able to pay restitution, send financial support home, and save money — all while mentoring others.

“My time here has given me the opportunity to reflect on my past actions and commit myself to meaningful change,” he said. 

For Abraham, the experience has even reshaped how he views the deputies he works alongside.

“I now have professional relationships with deputies whom I once thought were my worst enemies,” he said. “That is an incredible feeling for me.” 

Building the Future One Step at a Time

Wrapping up the guest speakers, Lt. Col. Casey Lingan, Chief Deputy of Administration, reminded graduates that the most important part of their story is still ahead of them.

“Hearing everyone talk about what happened in the past can seem kind of ominous,” Lingan said. “But remember. Today is part of your past tomorrow. Focus on what you did today and make that a bigger part of your past than any mistake.” 

For the newest graduates of the In2Work program, the certificates they carried out of the room represent far more than a completed course.

They represent the first bricks in building something new.

Watch the video here. 

For the past several months, the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office has been warning residents about phone scams in which criminals impersonate deputies. Victims report receiving calls claiming they missed jury duty, have a warrant for their arrest, or face another urgent legal issue.

The scammers work to keep potential victims on the phone, create a sense of fear, and demand immediate payment, often in the form of Bitcoin or other electronic transfers. They insist the person remain on the line while the payment is made. These scams continue to circulate.

Now, a new variation is making the rounds: the “Toll Violation” or “Toll Violation Hearing” scam.

Residents have reported receiving text messages from an unfamiliar number containing what appears to be an official notice. The message may include the Virginia State Seal, a signature, and even a QR code to “pay” the alleged violation.

This is a scam.
Do not scan the QR code. Delete the message and report it as spam.

Scammers rely on urgency and official-looking documents to trick people into acting quickly. Taking a moment to carefully review the details can expose the fraud. In reported cases, the so-called citation contained obvious red flags, including the same name listed for both the judge and the county clerk, and an invalid case number.

The best way to protect yourself is to stay vigilant, slow down, and independently verify any unexpected demand for payment.

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) welcomed 14 new deputies following the graduation of the Criminal Justice Academy Session 90, Feb. 19.

In all, 55 new law enforcement officers were sworn in during a ceremony at the Centreville Baptist Church. This graduation follows six months of training at the Criminal Justice Academy where recruits from FCSO trained alongside recruits from Fairfax County Police Department and the police departments for the towns of Herndon and Vienna.

FCSO’s Session 90’s deputy graduates arrived at the Academy for Deputy School on July 14, 2025, and the rest of their class joined them Aug. 8. Together the recruits learned the fundamentals of being a law enforcement officer in Virgina, and in Fairfax County specifically. 

The new deputies will begin their careers with FCSO at the Adult Detention Center where they will be assigned a Field Training Officer who will provide on-the-job training for the next three to four months. This initial assignment provides them with valuable hands-on experience, helps strengthen their communication skills, and offers a comprehensive understanding of the agency and people it serves.

Sheriff Stacey Kincaid stands with the newest deputies, Feb. 19, 2026. The Criminal Justice  Academy's Session 90 graduated 14 sherif's deputies, who will now begin their careers  with FCSO in the Adult Detention Center. (FCSO photo.)	Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid and her deputies welcome the newest graduates to their ranks. (FCSO photo.)

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is warning residents about a scam in which criminals are impersonating the Sheriff’s Office and attempting to gain victims’ trust through deceptive voicemail messages.

Potential scammers have changed how they are trying to get residents’ attention. Instead of calling and speaking with a real person, Fairfax County residents have reported receiving voicemails claiming to be Lt. Michael McCrae from the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office. These messages often sound urgent and may reference missed jury duty, legal matters, or requests to return the call.

This is a scam message. Residents should not return the call.

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that it does not leave unsolicited voicemails. Any unexpected message claiming to be from law enforcement and urging immediate action should be treated with extreme caution.

Residents are urged to:

• Do not return the call
• Do not provide personal or financial information

Anyone who has received one of these calls or fallen victim to the scam is encouraged to email the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office at SHF-CIU@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office continues to work with community partners to raise awareness and protect residents from fraud and impersonation scams.

For more information about ongoing scams and how to protect yourself, please visit the Fairfax County Scams webpage.

Each year, the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) invites eligible students to apply for a scholarship awarded by the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute. This scholarship supports students pursuing careers in public safety and criminal justice and reflects FCSO’s ongoing commitment to education, leadership, and community engagement.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a full-time or part-time student majoring or minoring in criminal justice or a related field
• Maintain permanent residency, and if 18 years of age or older, the applicant must be a registered voter in Fairfax County, Fairfax City, the Town of Herndon, or the Town of Vienna.

Scholarships are typically awarded in the amount of $1,000 for full-time students and $500 for part-time students.

Interview and Recommendation Process

As part of the application process, Sheriff Stacey Kincaid personally interviews each applicant. Following these interviews, Sheriff Kincaid prepares a letter of recommendation to accompany the student’s application materials submitted to the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute.

Important Deadlines

• April 3: Deadline for students to contact the Sheriff’s Office to express interest and schedule an interview
• May 1: Deadline for completed applications to be submitted online to the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute

Students interested in applying should email Lia Greenwood at Lia.Greenwood@fairfaxcounty.gov to arrange an appointment with Sheriff Kincaid.

Application Essay

The application checklist includes a required essay. Applicants may select any topic they wish, including personal experiences, academic interests, and career goals. This essay provides an opportunity for both the Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute to gain a deeper understanding of each applicant’s background, motivation, and commitment to the field of criminal justice.

Additional information and application materials are available at our website and VSI's website. 

Congratulations to Sgt. Owen Wilkinson who recently certified as a bike patrol instructor through the Law Enforcement Bicycle Association (LEBA). He completed the rigorous, week-long training course November 2025 in Winston-Salem, N.C.

“This is a huge deal because prior to Sgt. Wilkinson’s certification, we had one LEBA-certified bike instructor across the entire agency,” said Sgt. Omar Mercedes FCSO Bike Team instructor. “This doubles our ability to qualify and train future Bike Team members in the coming warmer months.” 

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office Bike Patrol is a specialized support unit made up of 16 deputies. As weather permits, the team patrols the Fairfax County Judicial Complex and supports public safety operations throughout the county.

“There are many times we’re out in the community helping Fairfax County residents, Mercedes said. “Whether it’s at an event, a public safety day, or supporting another agency, the Bike Team plays an important role.”

It may be cold out now but keep an eye out. Once the weather warms up, you’ll be seeing more of our Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office Bike Team out in the community. 

For more information about the Bike Team, visit our website. 

There are several steps to complete before a Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy can fully integrate into the agency. First, a recruit must complete Deputy School, which is a month long at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy. After successfully completing that course, they have six more months of intensive training with our county partner agencies at the Academy. Once they make it to graduation and receive their badge, they have more training to complete. 

Deputies Don Demarco Jones, Joaquin Cortez, and Amanda Preston proudly walked the stage Sept. 18, 2025, and had their badges pinned to their uniform. Over the next three months they participated in the agency’s Field Training Instruction program to complete their training before becoming full members of their squad Dec. 26, 2025.

Each deputy was assigned a Field Training Instructor (FTI), who taught them about working in the Adult Detention Center (ADC). 

“These deputies learned quickly and showed strong security awareness and professionalism,” said PFC Savannah Barden, one of B Squad’s FIT’s. “They paid attention to detail, adapted well, and stayed committed to learning.”

To celebrate their hard work, Barden gave each deputy a set of handcuffs engraved with their last name and badge number. This gift recognizes their achievement and marks the beginning of their careers.

Upon graduation the new deputies are assigned to a squad in the ADC. Here they continue to learn what’s expected and what it means to wear the badge. While there’s no set time range for how long it takes a deputy to complete their FTI program, these three newly qualified finished in about three months. 

“Throughout training, Deputies Jones, Cortez, and Preston carried themselves with confidence and a real desire to learn,” said 1^st Lt. Chris Loftis, B-Squad’s shift commander. “They’ve built a solid foundation, and I’m confident it will serve them well as they move forward in their law enforcement careers.”

A huge congratulations to these deputies as they officially begin their careers as Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputies. 

And a special thank you to all of our B-Squad field training instructors who dedicated their time, experience, and knowledge to help train our next generation of deputies.