Sheriff's Office Alert:
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| A Legacy of Service |
For more than three decades, Shabazz was a steady, guiding presence in the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO). He was a leader whose career reflects not only professional excellence, but a lifelong devotion to service, mentorship, and humanity. Shabazz’s career in law enforcement started with the Richmond Sheriff’s Office in 1989. After serving there for five years, he joined the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office. During his 31-year tenure with FCSO, his impact was immediate and enduring. A natural mentor and leader, Shabazz dedicated six years as a Field Training Instructor training more than 20 deputies. His training included more than teaching policy and procedure; he was a role model for professionalism, empathy, and compassion. Throughout his career, Shabazz served in every division of the agency, earning each promotion through dedication and perseverance. In 2022, when he was considering retirement, Sheriff Stacey A. Kincaid asked him to serve as her chief deputy. He answered the call. With that appointment, he made history, becoming the first African American to hold the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office. However, for Shabazz giving back goes beyond serving in uniform. In 2004, he founded Special Care for Special People, an assisted living community in Henrico County, Va., dedicated to supporting men with mental health needs. His legacy cannot be captured in titles or years of service alone. It lives in the deputies he trained, the people he cares for, and the colleagues who looked to him for guidance. It lives in the countless quiet acts of leadership that define a career built not for recognition, but for impact. Shabazz retired in October 2025 with the knowledge that he leaves behind more than bullets on a resume. He leaves a legacy of integrity, compassion, and service that will continue to shape the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office for years to come. Congratulations, Lt. Col. Jabar Shabazz, ret. Thank you for your service. |
Read full article | December 12, 2025 | 0 | |||
| When the Stakes Are High, the CNT Is Ready to Respond | I Once a month the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) comes together to make sure they are at the top of their game when the call comes in. Each training session is designed to strengthen skills that are vital during the most critical and emotionally charged moments of a response. During a recent training, the team set up their mobile Negotiations Operations Center (NOC) in the Alternative Incarceration Branch (AIB) conference room and received hands-on training with the throw phone system. This equipment allows responders to communicate safely with people who are isolated or not responding during barricades and hostage situations. Once familiar with the equipment, the team’s technical advisor and trainer, Sgt. Daniel Robles, led team members through realistic scenarios. “This training provides the team an opportunity to practice responding to high risk, high stress situations, but in a safe environment,” said 1st Lt. Chris Loftis, the CNT commander. “It's important that each team member uses the equipment, practices how it’s set up, and then focuses on maintaining clear and reliable communication in a crisis. While each scenario is simulated, the stakes feel real, which is the point. You respond the way you train.” Negotiators must be prepared to engage with people facing intense personal challenges, whether driven by mental health crises, emotional distress, or high-pressure situations. By recreating those dynamics in training, the team ensures they are ready to respond with compassion, empathy, and professionalism when the time comes. “When we are called to help in a situation, we need to establish a connection to the person who is in crisis,” Loftis said. “That means actively listening to them, responding in an empathetic manner, all while staying calm and collected with the goal of deescalating the situation. Sometimes that will be achieved only over a phone line using our voice and our words.” Training does not always occur during a deputy’s normal working hours. Members sometimes need to come in during their off time, which demonstrates their dedication to learning. It also reflects the high standards of the FCSO Crisis Negotiation Team. Their ongoing commitment to honing their skills plays a vital role in peaceful resolutions and in ensuring that people in crisis receive the support and understanding they need. “Our goal is simple,” Loftis said. “To be ready when it matters most.”  |
Read full article | December 10, 2025 | 0 | |||
| Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents About Increase in Scam Calls | Fairfax, Va. — The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office is warning community members about a recent rise in scam phone calls targeting residents. In these cases, callers falsely identify themselves as deputies or other representatives of the Sheriff’s Office. The scammer claims there is a warrant for the person’s arrest and demands payment to resolve the matter. “These calls are designed to frighten people into acting quickly,” said Sheriff Stacey Kincaid. “No one from the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office will ever call and demand money, gift cards, or electronic payment to clear a warrant. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and report it.” The Sheriff’s Office reminds residents:
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-Sheriff@fairfaxcounty.gov. “The best defense is awareness,” Sheriff Kincaid said. “By sharing information, sharing your stories with family, friends, and neighbors, we can help prevent more people from being victimized.” For more information about ongoing scams and how to protect yourself, please visit the Fairfax County Scams webpage. |
Read full article | September 26, 2025 | 0 | |||
| Fairfax County Children Are Ready for the First Day of School | Students heading back to school after the end of a long summer can experience a lot of feelings. They may or may not be ready to head back for one reason or another, and the same for parents. The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, Shelter House, Inc., and their community partners are working to ease the anxiety for one group that may struggle more than others.
The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office partnered with Shelter House, Inc., for their annual Shop with a Sheriff event Aug.12 to ensure that children residing in shelters in Fairfax County are equipped with clothes, school supplies, and other necessities heading into this school year. This event has taken place for the past 33 years just before the start of the school year. This year, nearly 40 children took part in the event making positive connections with local law enforcement and members of the community. “Shop with a Sheriff is one of my favorite events,” said Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid. “The children are excited to have one-on-one time with the deputies. From the time they initially get off the bus and enter the courthouse cafeteria to the last good-bye, we see them come alive. They make personal connections and know that we see them, they are important, and they are cared about.” Shelter House, Inc., is a local, non-profit organization that provides safe housing and resources for people and families in our community who experience homelessness. "We are deeply grateful for the unwavering commitment of Sheriff Kincaid and her dedicated deputies,” said Joe Meyer, Shelter House’s executive director. “For over 30 years, their leadership and compassion have made Shop with a Sheriff a gift every year, supplying local The Day Begins with Games Upon arrival, the children walked into the Fairfax County Courthouse and into the cafeteria, which was set up for a party. Deputies and civilians were paired up with the children, and they would be a team for the rest of the day. “Moana” and “Spiderman” greeted the children, and the festivities kicked off with games, face painting, indoor basketball, balloon animals, and so much more. One child, Gracie, was paired with two deputies, Sgt. Romero and Pfc. Sapp. Gracie enjoyed meeting “Moana” when she first arrived. They whispered a few secrets and shared bursts of giggles before heading into the activities room. Inside, she found a world of fun waiting, tables for coloring, stations for video games, stencil tracing sheets, and trays of colorful beads ready to be transformed into creations. Following introductions attendees enjoyed pizza donated from Fairfax City Paisanos, which the locally owned business has done for the past several years. And then it was time for shopping! The Shopping Challenge One hour. One hour to spend $300 in Target. That was the challenge. “We have a $300 Target gift card for each child to buy clothing essentials,” said Maj. Nick Andariese, one of the event coordinators. “The volunteers receive a shopping list of what they must get for each child. Things like socks, shoes, jackets, and school clothes. These are the basic items kids need not just to begin the school year, but to have.”
“It was wonderful seeing Gracie open up,” Sapp grinned as he recalled the day. “When she first got off the bus at the courthouse, we were told she didn’t want to be there; she was really anxious. However, by the end of the day she didn’t want to let us go. It was incredibly heartwarming to make that connection with her.” Gracie received the royal treatment as Sapp and Romero followed her throughout Target choosing clothes with her favorite characters and colors; lighting up with a huge smile when one of them said, “Ok, put it in the cart!” "This is what it’s all about. Connecting with our community, showing these kids we care, we see them," Sheriff Kincaid said. "Events like this also provide these children the opportunity to interact with uniformed law enforcement members in a positive and caring environment. Building connections through care and trust.” Once the shopping was complete, their goodies paid for, bagged and labeled, the children were brought into Target’s breakroom where they chose a backpack with pencils, crayons, and notebooks inside, all donated by Target. And of course, more snacks. By the end of the day each child received something new to start their school year, the same as every other child in their class: new clothes and new supplies. These children will begin school with dignity, pride, and an exciting story to tell about their summer with Shop with a Sheriff. All of the funds used for the children’s shopping is donated from our community members and community partners. If you are interested in donating to this event, please email the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office communications team (SHF-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov). Check out the video story here. |
Read full article | August 18, 2025 | 0 | |||
| Inmate found unresponsive at Fairfax County Adult Detention Center | While on watch early Thursday morning, a Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy discovered a male inmate unresponsive in his cell at the Adult Detention Center (ADC). The deputy immediately announced a medical emergency notifying on-site medical personnel. Additional deputies and medical staff responded to the scene and began providing emergency aid. Rescue teams were also notified, and once on scene they continued providing life-saving efforts. However, the inmate was pronounced dead at 2:04 a.m. The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) was also immediately notified and responded to the scene. They are now investigating the incident in accordance with current Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office policy for all in-custody deaths. For any updates or questions, please contact the Fairfax County Police Department. |
Read full article | July 31, 2025 | 0 | |||
| Sheriff Emergency Response Team Celebrates 30 Years | Strike! Pin! Protect! The team practices the drill over and over again until they advance as one unit; each left foot moves together, each right foot moves together, and each word resonates as one voice. A powerful block of five deputy sheriffs in black; one stacked directly behind the other, hand on his fellow deputy’s shoulder. All of them protected behind a shield waiting for the counter blow that will attempt to stop their forward progression. They will repeat this drill over and over until they reach perfection. This is day one of five.
This is the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) training. By the end of the week, more than 50 percent of the candidates will ring the bell to drop out. Fourteen deputies began the week – eight candidates from the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office and six from Arlington County Sheriff’s Office. A unique opportunity in the team’s 30-year history, this was the first time they’ve included another agency to participate. However, by Friday, only six deputies will receive their SERT pin and their black shirt. “It’s special to have the opportunity to share this training with the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sgt. George “246” Wright, a 30-year SERT veteran, and team instructor. “On average, we have this training about every two years, and we’ve really tried to include our neighbor sheriff’s offices. And this time it worked out. It’s great to share our training and knowledge, as well as learn from them about how they approach situations.” In the Beginning… The team initially stood up in 1995 to fulfill the need to respond to specific incidents within the jail and the community. According to Wright, SERT members are specially trained to work together minimizing the risk to deputies and inmates and respond strategically to meet the mission.
That outcome could be anything from responding to a disturbance in the jail to providing the extra officer presence for increased security. The training week continues for the candidates. As Monday turns into Tuesday, the instructors continue to push the candidates to the limit both physically and mentally – lots of physical training, classroom work, and practical exercises to demonstrate their ability to apply what they are taught and work with their teammates. “Thirty years ago, the first training was three weeks long – we had one week on, one week off, one week on, one week off,” Wright laughs recalling his class. “By the end of the week we were off, we did not want to come back because we knew what was coming. We started with 50 [candidates] and graduated 14.” Now the training is a week-long – 50 hours of hard work. By the middle of the week, five candidates have “rung the bell,” or had to drop out for one reason or another. Evans says “they all try hard. Some have to drop due to injury, some drop because it’s not what they expected it to be. But we encourage them all to try out again. And we continue with those who stay in the game.” It’s Wednesday, Just the Mid-point Around 2 p.m., on Wednesday, in the North tower of the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, the remaining nine candidates prepare for the dormitory disturbance simulation. Current SERT members “decorate” a cell block to be as chaotic as possible. The doorway is barricaded, sheets are torn and strung all over the block; toilet paper, soap, game pieces thrown haphazardly all over the cell block. The idea behind the disorder is to simulate a disturbance allowing the SERT candidates the opportunity to put everything they have learned up to this point to use. Outside the door, the candidates dress out in helmets and gas masks. They stack up and maneuver through the barricaded door and into the block. Immediately they are assaulted with projectiles from the “inmates.” Step by step, they clear a path, move each “inmate” into his cell. Regrouping as needed to progress forward. After about 30 minutes, the simulation is over. Though they are physically and emotionally drained after the exercise, as each candidate removes his mask and helmet, smiles form and they nod that yes, they are happy that part is complete. But the week is not over. They still have two full days of physical training, more classwork, and more simulations before Friday’s graduation. “As difficult as this training is, it’s a lot of it is team building. It also ensures as a new member each person can achieve what is expected of them,” Evans said. And Then There Were 6 By the time graduation comes around Friday afternoon, six candidates graduate and receive their insignia pin. One candidate from Arlington County, five from Fairfax County. During his graduation speech as SERT commander, 2nd Lt. Nehemiah Meeks welcomes the now graduates to the team, and tells them a lot is expected from them. Training is over, and now they are members of the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team. There’s a lot of responsibility that goes with the insignia they earned this past week. He also stresses to the Arlington graduate that even though he is with another sheriff’s office, he is part of their team saying, “you never know when we may need help, or when you may need help. We support each other.” With his final SERT school under his belt, Wright encourages the new members to “stay focused.” “You’ve worked hard to get where you are. Continue with your passion and your drive, continue to learn and refine your skills.” Of the team, Wright says, “This is a brotherhood. I’ve seen a lot of change in the past 30 years. Our team has grown our training has changed. All law enforcement is a family. And this team is a tight-knit family. We know we have each other’s back one hundred percent. We depend on each other, we train together, we respond together.” To the next generation During this training week, several veteran SERT members provided the newest members with a gift of a lifetime: their knowledge and experience. For some of the veterans, this will be the last SERT school they teach as they begin their transition into new adventures, new aspects of their lives. And it will be up to those continuing on the team to keep up traditions, maintain training, and solidify the comradery that becomes the glue holding these teams together. And as if to test their readiness, almost immediately following their graduation, SERT new and veteran were called to suit up to provide protection for the courthouse as the security system failed. Everyone was safe, there were minimal interruptions to the everyday operations at the courthouse. Sometimes it is merely the added officer presence that helps maintain safety and security. Once again, a huge congratulations to the newest team members, and heart-felt thank you to those about to retire. |
Read full article | July 9, 2025 | 0 | |||
| Recognizing Innovation: Fairfax County Sheriff Deputy Receives A. Heath Onthank Award for Merit |
“Lt. Diotalevi embodies our core values of Honor, Courage, and Service, and I’m extremely proud of all she has accomplished to receive this recognition,” said Lt. Col. Casey Lingan. “Our agency currently faces more than a 25 percent staffing shortage. In order to maintain operations and provide the exceptional service our community expects, our deputies have had to reimagine procedures and at times alter operations. Lt. Diotalevi did just that in our Booking Unit and for our recruiting efforts.” As a deputy sheriff, Diotalevi feels the pain of the staffing shortage. While working in the Booking Unit, she identified a way to free up officer time and streamline how people who are arrested are processed into the Adult Detention Center (ADC) by creating the program “Intaker.” “I saw an opportunity to implement a plan that would take some of the stress off the deputies who were processing inmates into the ADC,” Diotalevi said. “The previous booking system was outdated and was done manually – literally a pen and paper log – resulting in an extremely long wait time for people to be booked as well as the officers who are required to wait. There had to be a solution to do this to ultimately free up officer time and get people where they needed to be quicker.” O “Since we implemented the new program, we are now able to electronically track the time each officer and deputy arrives in the Sallyport with a prisoner or someone who needs access to the Office of Magistrate,” Casey said. “This has worked extremely well and since it is all tracked electronically, the information is shared throughout the sheriff’s office by those who need it.” Diotalevi recently took on a new role within the Human Resources and Recruiting Division where she continues to find ways to overcome the staffing shortage. Her job in this role is to help bring new recruits and employees into the agency. As the main webmaster for the FCSO recruiting website, she was instrumental in incorporating the AI chatbot. This allows the recruiting team to capture the interested person’s name and phone number. A recruiter then follows up with the person to engage in a conversation. Before this technology, people would visit the website and leave without gaining any information about the agency. “AI is part of our everyday lives, and I really wanted figure out a way to apply it to our recruiting efforts,” Diotalevi explained. “The chatbot helps in two ways – it can give potential recruits real-time answers, and it gives us an insight into the questions people have about working here, being a deputy, or how long training is.” The sheriff’s office embraces innovation throughout the agency, and Lt. Diotalevi is an example of thinking out of the box to for a solution. With more than 23 years of service with the agency, she continues to offer brilliant ideas, provides guidance to everyone she encounters, and a smile at every turn. She’s already planting the seeds for a more robust recruiting website, so stay tuned to the next great idea she’s executing within her agency to continue to provide outstanding service to our community. The Fairfax Board of Supervisors established the A. Heath Onthank Award in 1966 in memory of retired Army Col. A. Heath Onthank, who was also the first Chairman of Fairfax County Civil Service Commission from 1957-1962. The award represents the best of the county and school system. Since its implementation, 357 employees of Fairfax County have received the A. Heath Onthank Award. Congratulations again to Lt. Diotalevi and her fellow recipients.
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Read full article | July 2, 2025 | 0 | |||
| Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office Recognized for Outstanding Volunteering |
The Milestone Award honors people or groups who’ve made a lasting impact with their ongoing commitment to Shelter House’s mission over five, 10, 15 years and beyond. FCSO has partnered with Shelter House since 1992 for events such as the annual “Shop with a Sheriff,” a time before the start of the school year that provides the opportunity for children impacted by homelessness and/or domestic violence to go shopping with a sheriff’s deputy. “What began as a simple gesture of kindness has grown to a long-standing tradition that provides clothing and school supplies,” said Joe Meyer, Shelter House CEO. Meyer went on to say the event has more of an emotional impact on the children than merely receiving new clothes and school supplies. “It’s the feeling on that first day when they go to school that they look and feel like every other kid in the class because they have new supplies. And it's the dignity they have walking in. This simple act of kindness goes beyond that one moment.” Each August Sheriff Stacey Kincaid and several of her deputies get together to spend the day shopping, ensuring each participating child receives what they need for a successful start to the new school year. “It is truly an honor to be recognized for doing something we love,” said 2nd Lt. Jennifer Foster. “Partnering with Shelter House through Shop with a Sheriff gives our sheriff’s deputies the unique opportunity to have a meaningful impact on those who may need a little extra support. These are the times when we get to meet with and interact with people who may have a wavering trust of law enforcement. These are the times that allow us to give back, as well as start to build trust through connection.” Congratulations, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office on this 30-Year Milestone Award of collaboration, giving back, and being present. |
Read full article | June 25, 2025 | 0 | |||
| A Celebration in Education at the ADC | Education may not be one of the first things that comes to mind when you think of incarceration. However, for those serving time in the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center (ADC), some have the opportunity to complete their education and earn either their high school diploma or their GED. During the 2024-2025 school year, four inmates earned their high school diploma, and 13 earned their GED. Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid celebrated six of those graduates who were present June 12. “As w Educating the inmates at the ADC is a partnership between the Fairfax County Public Schools and the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, and several Fairfax County School Board members and members of the Fairfax County Public School system attended the graduation ceremony. During her keynote speech, Assistant Superintendent of the Department of School Improvement and Supports Marie Lemmon, congratulated the student inmates on their achievement. She also encouraged them to continue down this road of self-improvement. For the past 14 years, Meghean Rustia has been the education coordinator at the ADC, leading the way for these unique students to reach their educational
One graduate who left the ADC in April, wrote a letter that Rustia read at graduation. He wrote of the challenges of staying focused while in jail due to distractions both inside the jail as well as outside. Another graduate who earned his high school diploma, spoke about finding ways to apply himself to reach his educational goals. He knows education will help him create a better life for himself and to “bring honor to his family.” Walking the graduation stage and receiving a certificate is a big deal for any student. For the graduates of the ADC education program, it’s a statement of application. Using their time productively to achieve something that can help set their life toward a better path. Sheriff Kincaid closed the ceremony telling the inmate students how big this accomplishment is. “Nobody can take this away from you. Nobody.” |
Read full article | June 13, 2025 | 0 | |||
| Statement on July 2023 Custody Case |
On January 8, 2024, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a press release concerning the release of an unnamed “Honduran national” from the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. That press release, and the subsequent media reports, are blatantly false.
The “Honduran national,” was brought to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center on July 18, 2023, on charges of Carnal Knowledge, Possession of Child Pornography, and Manufacturing Child Pornography. Contrary to information in the press release, the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office did not charge this individual with any criminal offenses. This individual’s criminal charges were brought by another local law enforcement agency.
The individual was brought to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center at 8:45 p.m. on July 18, 2023. At that time a full check to determine the existence of any outstanding detainers or warrants was conducted. None existed. Upon being served with the criminal charges, the magistrate immediately gave this individual a $1,000 bond on each of his three charges. The individual then paid that bond and was released at 11:45 p.m. on the same day, July 18, 2023. In the three hours this individual was in the custody of the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office, at no time was an ICE detainer or outstanding warrant provided to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.
To correct this misinformation, numerous phone calls were placed to ICE media relations. E-mails, calls, and text messages to numerous officials within ICE were sent and remain unanswered. Additionally, the above information was sent to FOX5 one hour prior to the publication of an erroneous news story and acknowledged. FOX5 chose to report ICE’s misinformation rather than recall this false story. They chose to do so despite the fact that the Sheriff’s Office provided specific information contradicting their narrative.
The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office follows all local, state, and federal laws regarding the holding of inmates on outstanding detainers and warrants and routinely works with all public safety agencies to ensure the safety of our community. |
Read full article | January 23, 2024 | 0 |
Lt. Col. Jabar Shabazz was recognized for his commitment to public service Dec. 9, 2025, during the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting. 
children in shelters with all the essentials they need to start the school year with dignity, excitement and confidence, just like all their peers. Together, we are Changing Lives!"
Gracie and her deputies started off in the girls clothing section with Gracie pointing the way smiling and laughing with seemingly no worry in the world.
“Before we established the team, if there was a disturbance in the jail, or we needed to remove an inmate from their cell, we’d send in a bigger deputy to deal with the situation,” Wright said. “That didn’t always turn out the best. Now, we have a plan. When an incident occurs. We all train together, we know each other. Because of that cohesion built from training and experience, when called up we respond and feed off of each other ensuring the desired outcome. And maintain safety to the deputies and the inmates.” 
e celebrate these, it is important to remember the challenges and obstacles they have had to overcome to get to this point,” Sheriff Kincaid said. “People don’t come to jail to complete their education. But each of the graduates, as well as those who put in the time to complete courses, are making the most of their time here. I hope this success is an inspiration for them to continue to better themselves.”
goals. Speaking to the graduates and students in attendance, Rustia told them how proud she is of their accomplishments. She said jail is not the most conducive study environment and the fact that they have stayed with it, they did the work, took the tests, applied themselves, spoke volumes of what they are capable of. 
“People who come into the ADC come from all walks of life, and they generally are not here for very long, so it makes it difficult to get them to the finish line,” Rustia said. “Some may be a few classes away from completing their high school diploma, some may have difficulty completing basic scholastic applications.”