2020 Annual Report

FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

2020 ANNUAL REPORT COLONEL KEVIN DAVIS CHIEF OF POLICE

FAIRFAX COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CHAIRMAN, AT-LARGE

MASON, VICE CHAIRMAN

BRADDOCK

MOUNT VERNON

JEFFREY C. MCKAY

PENELOPE A. GROSS

JAMES R. WALKINSHAW

DANIEL G. STORCK

DRANESVILLE

PROVIDENCE

JOHN W. FOUST

DALIA A. PALCHIK

HUNTER MILL

SPRINGFIELD

LEE

SULLY

WALTER L. ALCORN

RODNEY L. LUSK

1 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

PAT HERRITY

KATHY L. SMITH

2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS 6

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE

COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND PROGRAMS Communities Of Trust

7

Chief’s Council on Diversity Recruitment

Overcoming Challenges Together National Night Out

Media Relations Bureau Data Dashboard

8

Major Crimes Bureau

9

Bureau

Organized Crime and Intelligence

10

Safety Officer Section

12

and Rescue, Search and Rescue

11

Marine Patrol, Underwater Search

Special Olympics

13

Explosive Ordinance Disposal

BUREAUS REPORTING TO THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF Internal Affairs Bureau

15

Auditor

16

Office of the Independent Police

19

Section

21

23

25

27 29

30

K-9 Section

33

Special Weapons and Tactics Traffic Division

Cyber and Forensics Bureau

39

Recruiting

Helicopter Section

Unmanned Aircraft System

DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE FOR ADMINISTRATION Criminal Justice Academy

DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE FOR INVESTIGATIONS/OPERATIONS

Auxiliary Police Program and VIPS Public Safety Cadets

17

40

DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE FOR PATROL School Resource Officers

Community Reporting Service District Stations

Animal Protection Police

FALLEN OFFICERS MEMORIAL PAGE

41 42 44 60 61

31 34 35 37 2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 4

5 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE On May 3, 2021, I was sworn in as Chief

policing. This means implementing a

communities. This journey has just

This is a Department long known for its

holds offenders accountable while also

participant in the process.

of the Fairfax County Police Department. professionalism and its ability to keep people safe. I have since met many

new brand of law enforcement that

incorporating the important reforms

that improve our relationship with the

begun, and I ask you to be an active

As we look ahead, we will rely on a data-

community.

driven approach to public safety that

safety.

The 2020 Annual Report offers a glimpse

regular communication with those living

I was quickly convinced these hard-

County and our Nation. The COVID-19

dedicated police officers and professional staff who work hard to maintain public

working individuals are the backbone

of FCPD and the reason Fairfax County continues to have the lowest rate of

violent crime among jurisdictions of its size.

I pledge to continue to keep our

community safe while putting the

Department at the forefront of modern

into what was a difficult year for the

pandemic touched nearly every part of

promotes transparency and provides

in the many diverse communities in the county.

our lives and brought a new perspective

Police work best when we connect

our communities.

to continuing to meet people from

This report will stand as a benchmark as

wonderful community and by working

as to what it means to serve and protect

we move forward. We must constantly look for ways to improve and find

with those we serve. I look forward

throughout the county. This is truly a together we can make it even better.

innovative ways to maintain safe

2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 6

COMMUNITIES OF TRUST COMMITTEE The Fairfax County Communities of

60 public safety agencies, community

organized and partnered with community

in December 2014, to help build

civic organizations. During the 2020

cloth face masks, resulting in over 10,000

Trust Committee (COTC) was established and enhance positive relationships

between public safety agencies and

the communities they serve. Its diverse membership, which is open to anyone

who supports its mission, includes over

members, faith groups, businesses and COVID-19 Pandemic, COTC sponsored the “Help from the Heart” campaign

collecting and donating thousands of

pounds of personal hygiene items and

food to community food pantries. COTC

members and organizations making

masks made and donated to hospitals,

schools, health departments, and other non-profit organizations. COTC works with other jurisdictions to expand its

model and to bring new programs into

marginalized communities while working with at risk kids.

7 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

CHIEF’S COUNCIL ON DIVERSITY RECRUITMENT A very special group of volunteers

Dozens of leaders across our diverse

Recruitment is essential to helping

group plays a critical role in influencing

community serve on the council. This

known as the Chief’s Council on Diversity

and steering our recruitment efforts to

our department recruit and increase

represent all ethnic, racial, and cultural

diversity among its officers, civilians, and

groups in Fairfax County.

volunteers.

THE SCORECARD AS OF DECEMBER 2020 Ethnic Identity White Black

Asian/Pacific Islander

FCPD 1,141

78.3%

597,970 51.2%

79

5.4%

221,083 18.9%

120

Hispanic

106

Subtotal

1,458

Total

1,601

Other Non-Hispanic Vacant*

Fairfax County

12

8.2% 7.3% 0.8%

109,505

9.4%

189,354 16.2% 49,503

4.2%

1,166,965

100%

143

100%

*Inclusive of over-hire, and grant-funded sworn police officer hiring opportunities 2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 8

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES TOGETHER COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE The relationship we have with our

community is extremely important to us.

We did not want the pandemic to hinder or diminish our progress in working together on issues confronting our

districts. Thanks to technology, we were able to continue to host our monthly

Citizens Advisory Committee meetings through virtual platforms, paving the

way for new members to join us. We are grateful for your continued support and

participation and look forward to making progress together in 2021.

9 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT CELEBRATING FROM A DISTANCE Every year communities come together to celebrate National Night Out. This year was no exception, even with

the pandemic! National Night Out is

historically the largest Crime Prevention event in Fairfax County. Neighbors,

businesses and community members

come together to help promote safer neighborhoods and build positive

relationships with law enforcement. While we would have like to have been a little

closer this year, we were thrilled we could

still celebrate by holding parades through communities and attending smaller

scaled and socially distanced outdoor events.

2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 10

AUXILIARY POLICE PROGRAM AND VIPS DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS Volunteers provide prescious time, insight and valuable

resources to our community. In 2020, nearly 133 people

contributed more than 18,300 hours of service between the

Auxiliary Police Program, Volunteers in Police Service and our Chaplain Unit. We are grateful for the outstanding volunteer work of our Auxiliary Police Officers, Volunteers in Police

Service, and Chaplain Unit. Without them, we would not be able to accomplish all we do!

These men and women support our Department in numerous ways. They help keep the County safe by assisting with traffic control, devoting their time to sobriety checkpoints, taking

photographs, attending community events and much more. We are extremely thankful for their service and dedication.

11 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

PUBLIC SAFETY CADETS ADAPT AND OVERCOME The Fairfax County Police Department’s Public Safety Cadet Program adapted to the challenges faced in 2020 and continue to safely educate and mentor cadets.

The three Public Safety Cadet Units have continued to

hold virtual training for cadets to learn about a variety of law enforcement related topics. Transitioning to a virtual

platform has allowed for the continuance of meetings to take place twice a month, educating and preparing our

young community members of Fairfax County for their future careers.

The program held its first virtual recruiting event in October

and welcomed a recruit class of 35 new Public Safety Cadets in 2020.

2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 12

SPECIAL OLYMPICS HELPING OTHERS ACHIEVE GREATNESS Our department’s support of the

we had great success in participating in

2020. Although our partnership looked

grown accustomed to.

Special Olympics Virginia continued in

different than in years past, we were still able to attend several in-person events

this year such as our annual Mosaic Polar Plunge. Other in-person events included the Virginia Beach Polar Plunge and Law

Enforcement Torch Run Golf Tournament

despite the lack of atmosphere we have

last year, many events scheduled later in

the year were held virtually. The Summer Games, Plane Pull and the Bocce Ball

Tournament were just some of events 13 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

Raised to Support Special Olympics VA

Through this partnership, we were able

to raise more than $73,000 which goes to help provide year-round sports training and athletic competitions for children and adult with intellectual disabilities.

fundraiser.

In order to adapt to the challenges of

$73,017

33

Years of Partnership with FCPD

6

# of Events in Which FCPD Participated

2018 ANNUAL 2020 ANNUAL REPORT REPORT FAIRFAX FAIRFAX COUNTY COUNTY POLICE POLICE DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT 14 14

INTERNAL AFFAIRS BUREAU The Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB) ensures

or incident thoroughly and impartially,

standards of ethics and integrity by

reports often provide recommendations/

the Department maintains the highest

overseeing the acceptance, investigation, and adjudication of all complaints. The

IAB reports directly to the Chief of Police and is comprised of the Investigations and Inspections Divisions.

INVESTIGATIONS

and prepare investigative reports. These considerations regarding policy,

training, and disciplinary actions. The

Total Internal Complaints 30.2% 132 Closed; 52 Open

IAB Annual Report covers administrative investigations and use of force data.

INSPECTIONS The Inspections Division provides the

The Investigations Division is responsible

chief of police with a systematic way

acts of employee misconduct, violations

efficiency, effectiveness, adherence to

violations of law, and civil claims filed

applicable laws, and professional

detectives investigate each complaint

chief.

for investigating allegations or suspected

to regularly assess the Department’s

of Departmental policy and procedure,

Departmental policies and procedures,

against the Department. The IAB

standards. Reports are provided to the

15 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

184 130

69.8%

Total External Complaints 45 Closed; 85 Open

506

Total Uses of Force 472 First Line Investigations 34 Administrative Investigations

OFFICE OF THE INDEPENDENT POLICE AUDITOR INDEPENDENT POLICE AUDITOR

annual report. The OIPA also provides

The Office of the Independent

County Police Civilian Review Panel.

administrative support to the Fairfax

Police Auditor (OIPA) reviews police

investigations involving the use of force

52.1%

and serves as an independent intake

venue for complaints against the FCPD. The mission of the OIPA is to bolster

The OIPA not only reviews investigations, it also reviews and produces public

recommendations concerning revisions

47.9% of FCPD policies, training, and practices.

92.4%

trust between the community and the

Department by providing accountability,

POLICE CIVILIAN REVIEW PANEL

complaint system and investigative

The Fairfax County Police Civilian Review

fairness, transparency, and trust in the process. Providing an accessible, safe, impartial, and responsive venue for

complaints against the FCPD and its employees. The OIPA publishes its findings in public reports for each

reviewed investigation, as well as its own

Panel (CRP) reviews completed FCPD

investigations into allegations of abuse of

authority or serious misconduct to ensure accuracy, completeness, thoroughness, objectivity, and impartiality.

2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 16

PUBLIC AFFAIRS BUREAU CHANGING FOR THE BETTER

Twitter Posts and Replies

The Public Affairs Bureau, formerly known

In one of our videos, we collaborated

its title last year to better reflect our

for additional witnesses to a shooting

of incidents throughout the County. In

included a “Patrol Case Highlights”

Info Car. The Info Car serves to provide

that may not garner media attention

across the county in a more consumable

commitment to de-escalation and

as the Media Relations Bureau, changed

with our Major Crimes Bureau to call

purpose of informing the community

that occurred a week prior. Other videos

addition to a new title, we introduced our

in which we showcased some events

updated information about incidents

but demonstrate our officer’s daily

way for our followers. These short videos

peacefully resolving conflicts.

highlighted cases worked by our patrol

officers as well as our detectives assigned to our Major Crimes Bureau.

We continued to use our platforms,

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram,. Nextdoor

and FCPD blog to inform our community of incidents throughout the County.

17 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

4,926 528

Facebook Posts

355

Instagram Posts

2018 ANNUAL 2020 ANNUAL REPORT REPORT FAIRFAX FAIRFAX COUNTY COUNTY POLICE POLICE DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT 18 18

DATA DASHBOARD The Fairfax County Police Department is

To ensure our community was aware

being upheld while embracing reform.

We are committed to engaging our

knowledge to use them, we held eight

to identify any racial inequities and

dedicated to fair and impartial policing. community by providing more robust data sets for arrest, citations and

warnings issued. In 2020, we released our new GIS-based data dashboards designed with community input and

rooted in the principles of transparency and fair and impartial policing. These

data dashboards provide an additional layer of accountability, leveraging

of the data dashboard and had the

virtual town hall sessions beginning in December 2020 and concluding

in February of 2021. These solution-

implement strategies to remedy any long-standing disparities.

oriented community forums provided

We continue to work together with

and policies related to the data sets.

and leaders to remain at the forefront

available to our community.

County with the highest quality of police

the opportunity to discuss our training

members of our community, stakeholders

These meetings were recorded and are

of reform efforts, while providing Fairfax

analytics to continue to strengthen

The goals of sharing this data are to

department. We will continue to have

to protect everyone, equitably. As

concerning police policies and operations

repair trust with our community, we are

trust and confidence in your police

ensure your police department continues

healthy discussions with our community

we work to build and, in some cases,

in the County.

steadfast in making sure our values are

19 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

This data also leverages the opportunity

services.

2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 20

MAJOR CRIMES BUREAU COVID CRACKDOWN

COLD CASE WEBPAGE

Detectives from our Major Crimes

The Cold Case Squad, founded in 1995,

bringing them closure is resolute.

Squad recognized that school closures

the Fairfax County Police Department.

This past year, detectives assigned to

learning increased many children’s

investigation of unsolved homicides

unyielding commitment to these victims

them at higher risk of exploitation. In

On July 29, 2020, the Cold Case Squad

evidence. These two sexual assaults,

conducted a proactive operation to

webpage to share information about

excellent examples of how our detectives

Bureau’s Missing and Exploited Person

falls under the Major Crimes Bureau of

and the implementation of distance

The squad is responsible for the

our Cold Case Squad demonstrated their

online presence and inadvertently placed

and serial sex crimes in the County.

by solving two cases through forensic

order to combat this risk, our detectives

announced the launch of a new public

which occurred in 1998 and 2014, are

identify would-be predators. Our MCB

these open investigations.

use today’s advancement in technology

in conjunction with our Organized Crime and Intelligence Bureau, conducted

Operation COVID Crackdown in April of

2020 which resulted in 30 arrests and 68 felony charges.

21 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

The webpage serves to provide

information to the community as well as to reassure the friends and family

members of these victims that although time may pass, our commitment to

to solve crimes from the past.

2018 ANNUAL 2020 ANNUAL REPORT REPORT FAIRFAX FAIRFAX COUNTY COUNTY POLICE POLICE DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT 22 22

ORGANIZED CRIME AND INTELLIGENCE BUREAU WHO WE ARE

STREET CRIMES UNIT

The Organized Crime and Intelligence

The SCU is a highly trained tactical unit

non-fatal cases. This is equivalent to one

nized Crime and Narcotics Division (OCN)

support to OCIB, Major Crimes Bureau

one dying every 4 ½ days. These inves-

Bureau (OCIB) is comprised of the Orgaand the Criminal Intelligence Division

(CID). Units assigned to these Divisions

work collaboratively to ensure the safety and security of the community. Some

sections within the Bureau include the

Street Crimes Unit (SCU), Narcotics Unit, Overdose Investigations Unit (OIU) and the Gang Investigations Unit (GIU).

and has the responsibility for providing and other law enforcement agencies

throughout the National Capital Region.

Their primary investigative responsibility is combating street level narcotics, vice crimes, and any related activities.

tigations are extremely demanding, and most cases require a detective to spend

an average of 90 hours on each case. Last

year, more than 150 search warrants were executed related to these investigations.

OVERDOSE INVESTIGATION UNIT

Many of these cases remain active as

The OIU continues to work hard address-

side with our County, state and federal

ing the opioid crisis by investigating

all fatal overdoses. In 2020, there were 80 fatal overdoses and 239 reported 23 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

person overdosing every 1 ½ days with

these detectives continue to work side by partners for the investigations in addition to education and prevention efforts.

THE GANG UNIT The Gang Investigation Unit (GUI) is comprised of a second lieutenant, a sergeant, and nine detectives. The roles of the GIU

are to investigate gang related crimes and gather and disseminate criminal gang information to patrol officers and all investigative entities. In 2020, GIU detectives

developed or investigated approximately

1,570 cases, which translates into 174 cases per detective.

221

Arrests Made by Our Gang Investigation Unit 2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 24

SAFETY OFFICER SECTION The Law Enforcement Safety Officer is a

To help protect officers in the field,

trained, and managed a group of officers

occupational safety, and the roles of an

Infectious Disease Prevention Team

vans. These vans were created to keep

career field that combines the fields of incident command safety officer.

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the Safety Officer Section ramped up

operations concentrating on exposure mitigation and virus education. Safety

officers responded to thousands of calls

for service with patrol officers to provide advice on how to keep themselves safe with proper use of personal protective equipment. Safety officers also helped with decontaminating officers, police

vehicles and police stations as needed.

25 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

the Safety Officer Section created the (IDRT). IDRT consisted of over 100

officers who received advanced training

in disease prevention, decontamination, and how to safely wear personal

protective equipment while working

with an infectious community member.

When the IDRT officers responded to an incident, an on-duty safety officer also

responded to help reduce the chance of an injury.

To prevent an arresting officer from being contaminated by an infectious prisoner, the Safety Officer Section created,

who drove special arrestee transport

the arrestee and officer safe during the drive to the Adult Detention Center.

At the conclusion of each transport,

these vans were decontaminated and immediately put back into service.

During the height of the pandemic, eight of these vehicles were operational at all times of the day.

15

Safety Officers in 2020

2018 ANNUAL 2020 ANNUAL REPORT REPORT FAIRFAX FAIRFAX COUNTY COUNTY POLICE POLICE DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT 26 26

MARINE PATROL, UNDERWATER SEARCH AND RESCUE, SEARCH AND RESCUE PROTECTING OUR WATERWAYS

ALWAYS READY

UNDER WATER SEARCH AND RESCUE

The Marine Patrol Unit (MPU) is com-

Our Search and Rescue (SAR) Team is

The mission of the Under Water

recovering evidence and often providing

Department entities in the retrieval of

when needed.

drowning victims from the underwater

prised of a Second Lieutenant, two

full-time officers and five supplemental officers who helped maintain a daily

presence on our water ways from May 22 through September 10, 2020. Notably,

dedicated to finding missing people,

Search and Rescue team is to support

mutual aid to surrounding jurisdictions

evidence or property and the recovery of resting places throughout Fairfax County.

our MPU provided an escort to honor

The SAR Team continued to work under

officers. Our MPU also ensured safe pas-

the working relationship and allowing for

operations throughout the year and

of kayakers who paddle from New Jersey

As a result of the pandemic, our SAR

weather, under a layer of ice, as they are

ment officers.

searches for missing people.

disabled veterans and law enforcement

the Major Crimes Bureau strengthening

The team conducts training and

sage for Operation Deep Blue, a group

a smooth and timely response to scenes.

is just as capable of diving in subzero

to Quantico to honor fallen law enforce-

Team saw a reduction in the number of

in a warm pond on a summer afternoon.

27 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 28

EXPLOSIVES ORDNANCE DISPOSAL SECTION NEW NOSE The Explosives Ordinance Disposal

This includes their newest member,

Members of our EOD are dedicated to

Lieutenant, two full-time officers and

training prior to joining the team. EOD

enforcement partners across the world

canines assigned to assist with their

canine partners and robots detecting

(EOD) Section consists of a Second

Presley who completed 16 weeks of

six supplemental officers. EOD has four

works on the front line using their

investigations.

components of explosives.

keeping our community and our law

safe. This past summer, our EOD donated suits that no longer fit our Department’s needs to the Guatemala National Civil Police.

22

EOD Canine Searches

15

10 Ordinance/Package Events 29 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

HELICOPTER DIVISION EYE IN THE SKY In late October, our officers were alerted to a 10-year-old girl who

wandered away from her family on a bicycle in an unfamiliar area. Not knowing how far she traveled, Fairfax 1 took flight to help bring her home safely. Within minutes of arriving, the flight crew spotted the

girl riding her bicycle quite far from her family and well outside the ground search area. The crew guided officers to the girl just before she tried to cross a busy street. She was safely reunited with her relieved family.

A few weeks later, the young girl and her family visited the same crew who found her. It was obvious she was thrilled to meet the crew and

get a behind the scenes look at Fairfax 1. Our crew was just as excited to have the opportunity to meet a community member they helped!

You can find more information about why the helicopter was in flight at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/helicopterdivision/fairfax1

2018 ANNUAL 2020 ANNUAL REPORT REPORT FAIRFAX FAIRFAX COUNTY COUNTY POLICE POLICE DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT 30 30

UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS USING TECHNOLOGY TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

Our 107 pilots took a two-day

safety, and situational awareness for first

FAA examination. After passing the exam,

provide enhanced operational capability, responders, other staff or volunteers,

affiliated partners, and the community.

They can operate in many types of

environments (natural or manmade), or

during critical incidents which might be hazardous to people. UAS are able to

help with disaster assessments, search and rescue, situational awareness, fire scene management as well as traffic, crash and highway management.

31 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

preparation course prior to taking the

pilots took a ninety-minute classroom

62

Missions Flown in 2020

orientation followed by additional classes which included several hours of handson training. Pilots must have several

hours of flight time every ninety days and pass a yearly updated policy course to

ensure they are aware of any new legal or procedural changes.

28

Certified Pilots

2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 32

CANINE SECTION GROWING OUR TEAM In the fall of 2020, our Canine Section welcomed the newest member of the

team, Millie! She came to us from Georgia around nine weeks old. Millie joined our

existing team of eighteen canines, fifteen handlers, three of which are supervisors.

2,128

Dispatched Calls for Service

Millie began her training late last year.

She is expected to be able to start

searching for missing people in mid to late 2021.

In 2020, her partners helped our

department in many ways. Our Canine

Section had 463 patrol deployments and completed 129 narcotic sniffs.

33 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

21

Bloodhound Deployments

SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS 94

Total Operations

TACTICS ARE EVERYTHING SWAT is comprised of thirteen sworn operators, which includes a second

lieutenant and two sergeants. The team leader and assistant team leaders have

53

High-Risk Operations

the unique responsibility of not only

filling the roles of first line supervisors, with the same administrative duties as

other first line supervisors, but also must

meet the operational standards, roles, and expectations met by the operators. SWAT

23

Patrol Generated Operations

is tasked with responding to a variety of

high-risk critical incidents and developing action plans to bring these incidents to a successful conclusion. The SWAT Team is

responsible for serving all search and arrest warrants that have been deemed high risk.

2018 ANNUAL 2020 ANNUAL REPORT REPORT FAIRFAX FAIRFAX COUNTY COUNTY POLICE POLICE DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT 34 34

TRAFFIC DIVISION COMMITTMENT

DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER

The Traffic Division remained committed to providing traffic safety education to

This year presented many obstacles in

the community while dealing with fewer events due to the pandemic. Members of our Traffic Division worked with all eight district stations to conduct High Visibility

Enforcement, safety presentations to community groups and car seat safety checks.

conducting safe traffic enforcement.

Our DWI squad continued enforcement by conducting over 2,200 traffic stops

resulting in 263 driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of drugs charges.

KEEPING YOUNG PASSENGERS SAFE The Traffic Division coordinated car seat safety checks throughout the year at

several of the district stations. Officers

inspected a total of 631 seats, 274 were installed incorrectly and re-installed properly.

35 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

2,307

Vehicles Stopped by DWI Enforcement CRASH RECONTRUCTION UNIT

KEEPING OUR ROADS SAFE

Detectives assigned to our Crash

Although traffic was severely impacted

injury or fatal crashes within the county.

Safety Unit remained committed to

29 of them fatal. To assist with public

operated safely on our roadways. They

took part in a public awareness video

resulting in 199 unsafe commercial

unit investigates crashes and the impact

service and off our roads. Throughout

and affected families. Through this video,

discovered 1,502 violations between

the dangers of speeding, driving under

inspected.

Reconstruction Unit respond to serious

due to the pandemic, the Motor Carrier

In 2020, they investigated 40 crashes,

ensuring all commercial motor vehicles

education about fatal crashes, a detective

conducted 604 safety inspections

designed to provide insight into how the

vehicles and trailers being placed out of

these crashes have on our community

all of 2020, the Motor Carrier Safety Unit

we also reminded our community about

commercial motor vehicles and trailers

the influence and distracted driving.

631

Child Passenger Seats Inspected

1,502

Commercial Vehicles Inspection Violations

90

Escorts Provided by our Motor Squad

2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 36

CYBER AND FORENSICS BUREAU DIGITAL FORENSICS UNIT

CRIME SCENE SECTION

The Digital Forensics Unit of the Cyber

histories from a suspect’s laptop and so

The Crime Scene Section is comprised

Detectives who examine the electronic

of highly-specialized tools and methods,

specialists, and two supervisors. Their

and Forensics Bureau is a group of six

devices gathered by other investigators

during the course of their investigations.

much more. They do this through the use thorough research, and old-fashioned ingenuity.

These highly-trained examiners must stay

The evidence recovered by the Digital

fields of computing, mobile electronics,

suspects at the scene of a crime, track

abreast of the constant changes in the

and software development. They are able to use that knowledge to extract digital clues out of everyday devices to aide

investigators in solving crimes. These

detectives can recover anything from GPS

data from a victim’s cell phone to internet 37 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

Forensics Unit has helped place murder down internet predators, and bring scammers to justice.

of twenty detectives, two photographic primary mission is to document scenes through photography, laser scans, and

the collection, processing, and packaging of evidence. Crime scene detectives utilize various methods to discover

evidence including chemical processing, DNA recovery, and alternative light

sources. They work closely with other detectives and are crucial part of a successful investigation.

2,560

Pieces of Evidence Analyzed

784

Cases Assigned to Crime Scene Section

1,173

Latent Fingerprints Analyzed

2018 ANNUAL 2020 ANNUAL REPORT REPORT FAIRFAX FAIRFAX COUNTY COUNTY POLICE POLICE DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT 38 38

THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACADEMY TRAINING GOES VIRTUAL The Fairfax County Criminal Justice

Academy (FCCJA) ensures the department maintains the highest standards of training by monitoring policy and

to the needs of its officers. By the end of the year, officers had completed 7,641

courses and the FCCJA produced seven original training videos.

96

FCPD Recruits Attended Training

legislative changes. With the impact of

COVID-19, the FCCJA quickly adapted to

ensure all safety guidelines were followed while making sure all officers could continue to train.

One way the FCCJA was able to continue training during the pandemic was the launch of Police One Academy online training. This platform provided the

department with the opportunity to

create original training content catered 39 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

FCCJA Session 71 Graduation

RECRUITING HIRING THE BEST OF THE BEST FCPD recruiters partnered with local organizations, high schools, universities, and military installations to reach

members of our diverse community in an effort to mirror

those we serve. While the pandemic caused challenges, our recruiters held virtual events and application workshops.

Social media advertisements and a new electronic personal

history statement further extended our outreach. Despite the year’s challenges, our recruiters created the opportunity to

reach candidates efficiently with increased levels of personal attention.

In 2020, FCPD recruiters attended or hosted 91 events,

made 479 contacts, received 2,313 Police Officer and Animal

Protection Police Officer applications, and held 12 application workshops.

2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 40

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS LASTING IMPACT

ADAPT AND OVERCOME As a result of the pandemic, everyone

Reporting Service to help take reports

Our SROs work with so many students,

School Resource Officers (SRO). While

the virus spread. The majority of our

interactions have. More than 20 years

extremely helpful when officers had

Robinson Secondary School when a then

spread of the virus.

heading down a difficult path. As a result

had to make adjustments, including our our SROs could not be in the schools, they were still able to help serve our

community. Approximately twenty SROs were reassigned to our Community

over the phone in an effort to reduce

it is easy to forget the impact those

SROs supplemented patrol which proved

ago, MPO Gleason was the SRO at

to periodically quarantine to stop the

student, Joe Mannato, found himself

of the time MPO Gleason spent with him, Joe knew he had to make a change. He

joined the Army and served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

After many years, the two reconnected

after Joe sent a letter to MPO Gleason for chaging his life and helping him become the person he is today.

41 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

COMMUNITY REPORTING SERVICE AT YOUR SERVICE During the pandemic our department

quickly adapted to handle calls for service in a safe and socially distant manner.

To limit personal contact and effectively address non-emergency community

58,969

Reports Written by CRS

issues, officers staffed Community

Reporting Service positions at each

district station to handle calls and write police reports for community members

over the phone. Patrol officers were also encouraged to handle calls over the

phone that did not require an mmediate response.

19,728

Reports written by the Expanded CRS Program

2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 42

43 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

SULLY DISTRICT STATION KINDNESS ROCKS

TRUNK OR TREAT

In January, the Sully District Station

With so many events cancelled due to

national movement that encourages

District Station came up with a creative

held the “Kindness Rocks Project,” a

people to make connections within their community by painting kindhearted

messages on rocks. The rocks are then placed in areas of the community for others to find. Making this a shared project through police officers and

community members was a great way to work together to spread kindness. Over

150 community members came together to paint rocks and spread them across the district.

the pandemic, officers from the Sully

37,892 Dispatched Calls

and socially distant way to engage the community. Through the Halloween “Trunk-Or Treat” drive-thru event,

officers, local business and organizations decorated their cars and brought smiles to community members of all ages!

187

DUI Arrests

We were thrilled to engage with our

community who was very appreciative for this safe and socially distant event.

1,947

Crimes Against Property 2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 44

45 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

MOUNT VERNON DISTRICT STATION CHALK IT UP

BURGLARY SERIES CLOSED

Officers at the Mount Vernon District

The Mount Vernon District had forty-

way to engage young members of our

and October. Determined to solve these

Station created a fun and socially distant community through a virtual sidewalk

chalk contest! This event gave children the opportunity to get outside, be

creative and have some fun! We received over forty entries with beautiful artwork and smiling faces. The winners were

surprised by a parade of police cars with lights and sirens to celebrate their win.

five commercial burglaries between May

47,844 Dispatched Calls

cases, detectives, officers and crime

analysts put their heads together. The total loss of money and items stolen

throughout these burglaries was over $160,000. In October, officers were

dispatched to two commercial burglaries

105

DUI Arrests

that just occurred. Not long after, a

community member called 911 when

they saw a man trying to break into a

business. Thanks to their help, officers

took the suspect into custody, closing out numerous cases.

3,436

Crimes Against Property 2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 46

47 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

MCLEAN DISTRICT STATION TEAM EFFORT

CASE CLOSED

Throughout the months of November

Officers from our McLean District

District Station participated in food

a large retailer reported an ongoing

and December, officers from the McLean distribution events coordinated by

the Arlington Boulevard Community Development. Over 300 boxes of

food were distributed at each event to community members in need.

Community members lined up early to

ensure they received their food box. The McLean Officers worked hard with the

event organizers to ensure the orderly flow of pedestrian and car traffic and

assisted with the overall success of the event.

Station acted swiftly last August after

51,488 Dispatched Calls

fraud complaint. Over a two-day period, a man purchased more than $6,000 of merchandise using fraudulent credit

cards. The man was seen leaving the

mall and officers were able to conduct

a traffic stop. The man was found to be

176

DUI Arrests

in possession of fraudulent debit cards.

Officers linked him to a serial criminal

theft ring. As a result, a multi-jurisdictional investigation was launched and involved numerous identity theft victims and

criminal enterprise funding of more than

4,035

Crimes Against Property

$100,000.

2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 48

49 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

MASON DISTRICT STATION COMING TOGETHER

SAFETY FIRST

Officers from the Mason District

The Fairfax County Police Department

local organizations and community

youngest of passengers are safe on

Station partnered with numerous

stakeholders to help those in need. Our

officers supported and attended twenty-

four food and clothing distribution events in 2020. These events helped countless

members of our community access food

and necessities to keep their families full and warm during difficult times.

takes pride in making sure even the

50,469 Dispatched Calls

our roadways. Mason District officers

dedicated time to participate in regular car seat inspection events last year.

Through these inspections, officers

taught parents and parents-to-be the

ins and outs of car seat safety. Through

242

DUI Arrests

scheduled appointments, Mason District officers proudly installed forty-nine car seats in 2020.

3,249

Crimes Against Property 2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 50

51 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

RESTON DISTRICT STATION A SAFE RIDE

CRUSHING THE CRISIS

When our officers received an invite to a

Officers from the Reston District Station

say no! The Reston Neighborhood Patrol

on October 24, 2020, for National Drug

Back-to-School Bicycle Bash, we couldn’t Unit along with the community outreach officer joined the Glenbrooke Woods

community to provide some basic safety reminders as they enjoy the outdoors

between their online studies. Afterwards, they took a group ride to a cul-de-sac where riders were met with giveaways and great conversation..

partnered with Reston Hospital Center

36,480 Dispatched Calls

Take Back Day. Together we helped take unwanted drugs and used needles out

of community members hands. Through

our joint effort, over 300 pounds of drugs were collected and safely disposed of.

We are grateful for our partnerships and

104

DUI Arrests

community support of this event.

2,188

Crimes Against Property 2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 52

53 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

FRANCONIA DISTRICT STATION YOU CALLED. WE ANSWERED.

COMMANDER IN THE COMMUNITY

When a concerned community member

Connecting with our community is

officers answered the call. Through

Department. Through the Franconia

called us about an ongoing issue, our a thorough investigation, officers

discovered illegal activity coming from one particular apartment. Through

good police work, officers recovered a

loaded firearm and fifty-five individually

vacuum sealed plastic bags of marijuana, money, Xanax pills and twenty THC vape cartridges. The man was charged with four felonies and one misdemeanor.

the upmost of importance to our

50,411 Dispatched Calls

District Station’s “Commander in the

Community” program, officers arranged meetings so community members

could meet officers patrolling their

neighborhoods and discuss concerns impacting everyone. One of these

162

DUI Arrests

meetings was a community forum on youth issues and policing where we spoke to younger members of our community.

3,188

Crimes Against Property 2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 54

55 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

WEST SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT STATION LET’S TALK

HAVE FAITH

The West Springfield District Station

During the height of national concerns

engaging way to reach the community

departments, the West Springfield District

wanted to come up with a new and

during the pandemic. “Let’s Talk” came to fruition in the fall of 2020. The

program rotates through the core patrol areas every month. Officers met with

community members to discuss concerns, crime trends and offered tips on how to

prevent criminal activity. The program is offered through online platforms which enabled officers to reach more people effectively.

about the use of force by police

46,404 Dispatched Calls

Station hosted an event with the faith-

based community. This event began with a presentation by our academy staff on

how our officers are trained on the use of force continuum. Afterwards, community leaders went through a simulator where

138

DUI Arrests

they experienced what it is like to make real time decisions from an officer’s

point of view. The event concluded with an open dialogue on police use of force and how we can work together moving forward.

2,591

Crimes Against Property 2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 56

57 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

FAIR OAKS DISTRICT STATION BIKE TOWN

CASE CLOSED

When a neighborhood asked us to

With the help of our local and federal law

rodeo, we couldn’t say no! The event,

the Fair Oaks District Station’s Criminal

participate in a socially distanced bike dubbed “Saddlestone Court Bike Town”, gave us the opportunity to engage with young members of our community.

We loved taking the time to provide

some safety reminders and giveaways

as well as set up a few cone courses to

practice riding skills. Parents, children and our officers enjoyed this safe outdoor adventure!

enforcement partners, detectives from

44,284 Dispatched Calls

Investigation Section successfully

closed thirty-six burglaries in 2020. A collaborative investigation led to the

successful apprehension of the suspects involved. In total, the monetary loss of

property in Fairfax County was 1.6 million

118

DUI Arrests

dollars. The suspects were later tied to fifty-nine burglaries on the east coast spanning a two-year period.

2,285

Crimes Against Property 2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 58

59 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

ANIMAL PROTECTION POLICE OFFICERS A SNAPPING GOOD SAVE

FREE TO FLY

Animal Protection Police (APP) received

A beautiful bald eagle was released back

repeatedly crossing the road in a

In December 2019, Police Officer First

a call about a large turtle that was

residential area of Alexandria. Much to

their surprise, it was a 65-pound alligator snapping turtle. Most likely a captive-

bred turtle released into the wild, it was safely captured by APP and temporarily taken to the Fairfax County Animal

Shelter. The turtle eventually found a new home at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk!

into the wild at Burke Lake in January!

14,315

Total Calls for Service

Class Tom Dawson and Animal Protection Police Officers noticed the bird was hurt and quickly captured it to see how they could help. The eagle was taken to our

animal shelter and stayed under the care of a veterinarian until it was well enough

5,743

Sick/Injured Domestic and Wild Animals

to be released back into the wild. The

eagle’s release was quite the community event!

28

Officers 2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 60

IN VALOR THE

K-9 DOBY

K-9 BANDIT 61 FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 2020 ANNUAL REPORT

ERE IS HOPE

SPECIAL POLICE OFFICER HENDRICK A. GIDEONSE

CAPTAIN TOMMY F. BERNAL

DETECTIVE VICKY O. ARMEL

SECOND LIEUTENANT FRANCIS J. STECCO

OFFICER KAREN J. BASSFORD

MASTER POLICE OFFICER MICHAEL E. GARBARINO 2020 ANNUAL REPORT FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT 62

A Fairfax County, VA, Publication JULY 2021