Sheriff's Office Alert:
| Title | Body | Field Image | Authored on | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute Scholarship Opportunity for Criminal Justice Students | 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:
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
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. |
February 10, 2026 | |||||||||
| FCSO Bike Team Gains an Instructor | 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. |
January 29, 2026 | |||||||||
| 3 Deputies, 1 Milestone: Field Training Complete | 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 1st 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.
|
December 31, 2025 | |||||||||
| 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. |
December 12, 2025 | |||||||||
| 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.”  |
December 10, 2025 | |||||||||
| 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. |
September 26, 2025 | |||||||||
| 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. |
August 18, 2025 | |||||||||
| 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. |
July 31, 2025 | |||||||||
| 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. |
July 9, 2025 | |||||||||
| 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.
|
July 2, 2025 |
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.” 
