2021 Annual Report Fredericksbug Police Department
Vision
Our vision is to be a premier law enforcement agency committed to delivering unparalleled service.
Mission
Our mission is to provide outstanding service through innovative policing techniques and community partnerships to improve the quality of life for everyone. We embrace the City’s Values that inspire us to take pride and ownership in our Department by promoting leadership at all levels.
Table of Contents 03 Message from Police Chief
14 Employee Achievements
04 Department Excellence
15 Promotions & Retirements
08 Community Engagement
17 Crime Statistics
13 Department Awards
18 Narcotics Statistics
Message from Police Chief Layton For the Fredericksburg Police Department, 2021 was a year of healing and getting back to our roots. In 2020, we weathered constant storms from the COVID-19 global health pandemic and the nationwide civil unrest following George Floyd's life tragically being taken. There is no doubt that these two significant events impacted law enforcement agencies across the nation. As the famous country music star and philanthropist Dolly Parton says, "Storms make trees take deeper roots." This simple quote perfectly describes how the Fredericksburg Police Department weathered a challenging year and came out stronger, reaffirming its commitment to being a premier law enforcement agency. Our agency has always been rooted in delivering unparalleled service. In 2021, the Detective Division went above its investigative responsibilities and raised funds to construct a soft interview room for victims of sexual assault, aggravated assault, and other significant crimes. The design of the soft interview room is warm and inviting, so victims feel comfortable sharing details of the crime with detectives assigned to their investigation. Our detectives never settle for mediocrity and always put victims' needs first. I am beyond proud of their efforts and know how comforting it will be to have a warm, reassuring place to talk about the trauma they experienced with detectives. Part of delivering exceptional service is maintaining national accreditation. In 2021, the Department passed its National Accreditation Review by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). In 2021, the accreditation process was challenging for the Police Department due to the global pandemic and civil unrest that affected our community. Employees worked tirelessly to meet the accreditation review deadline while keeping the City safe. Despite facing many challenges, our sworn and civilian staff persevered and completed the requirements before the deadline. I am proud to say the Fredericksburg Police Department first received accreditation in 2009, and, out of 340 law enforcement agencies in Virginia, we are among the 34 agencies nationally accredited by CALEA. The Fredericksburg Police Department is revered for its community-focused mindset. In 2021, officers were excited to be a part of annual events canceled the year prior due to COVID-19 and willingly participated in new community events, including Peace in da Paint, Gelato with a Cop, and the Santa Claus Run. I whole-heartedly believe 2021 was a year of transition and growth from rising from challenges faced in the year prior. We came out of it stronger, smarter, and more firmly grounded in our commitment to service, community engagement, and excellence. I have never been more proud of this agency and excited to see what the future holds for us.
Department Excellence Department Passes National Accreditation Reveiw As part of the Department’s commitment to providing high-quality service to the City of Fredericksburg, the Department went through and passed a rigorous accreditation review. During the review, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), which sets the gold standard and best practices in public safety, assigned a Compliance Service Member to review 25% of the police department’s policies. The Department successfully passed the review, which included reviewing the use of force, training, and duty to intervene policies for both sworn and civilian employees. The Department’s policies and procedures were thoroughly vetted by the Compliance Service Member and passed the mark for complying with current best practices set forth by CALEA.
Agency Honors Fallen Officers with Private Ceremony During National Police Week On National Peace Officer Memorial Day, members of the Fredericksburg Police Department and other City officials gathered at Police Headquarters for a private ceremony to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and to honor those currently serving.
Employees Participate in Law Enforcement United Road to Hope Ride Lieutenant Rashawn Cowles and Captain Betsy Mason participated in an abbreviated Law Enforcement United (LEU) Road to Hope Ride. Due to COVID-19, the Road to Hope Ride was shortened to a 100-mile ride from Williamsburg to Richmond and back. 100% of the fundraising supports the Road to Hope, Concerns of Police Survivors, the Officer Down Memorial Page, and the Spirit of Blue Foundation.
Honor Guard Presents Colors at Fred Nationals Opening Game The Department’s Honor Guard had the privilege of presenting colors at the Fredericksburg Nationals’ first game of the season.
Agency Hosts Gun Giveback Event The Department held its Gun Giveback events in May and collected 11 firearms. Over 200 firearms have been voluntarily surrendered since the inception of this program. Gun owners can be confident their unwanted firearms never end up in the hands of criminals or children or be used in a crime.
Detectives Raise Funding to Construct a Soft Interview Room As part of their commitment to delivering unparalleled service to victims of crime, the Detective Division raised funds to construct a soft interview room for victims of major crimes. The soft interview room is designed to make victims feel more comfortable sharing details of the crime with detectives conducting their investigation. By having a separate and relaxing space, victims do not have to sit in the same sterile interview room as their offenders. The soft interview room will enhance the Police Department’s ability to work crimes benefiting not just the victims, but the entire City of Fredericksburg.
Agency Joins New Digtital Platform to Communicate with Residents The Department joined the Neighbors Public Safety Service app to enhance communication with residents. The Neighbors app allows users to share photos, videos, and information related to local crime and safety concerns so other City residents using the app can stay informed. When a crime occurs, residents can easily share videos and photos with our agency. Our agency can request video through the Neighbors app to seek assistance relevant to an active investigation.
Chief Layton and City Attorney Humphries Issue Joint Message Against Gun Violence After an increase in gun violence, Chief Layton and Commonwealth's Attorney Humphries made an official statement to address the public safety concern. “Over the last few months, the City of Fredericksburg has seen instances of violent crime stemming from gun violence like most cities across the country. Gun violence doesn’t just impact victims and offenders; it affects families, children, loved ones – gun violence impacts our entire community. Today, August 11th, the City of Fredericksburg Commonwealth’s Attorney Libby Humphries and I are sending a clear message to anyone who comes to Fredericksburg: we will not tolerate gun violence in our City. If you are found in possession of an illegal firearm or use a gun in the commission of a felony, you will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. My agency and this community will not tolerate gun violence of any kind.”
Department Hosts its first Annual Golf Tournament for Employee Wellness The Department held its first annual golf tournament in October at the Fredericksburg County Club. 100+ golfers participated in the tournament and 27 sponsors generously donated, making the event a success. 100% of the proceeds benefit employee wellness.
Department Educates Public of State Legislative Changes The Fredericksburg Police Department started a new initiative educating the community it serves and its social media followers about Virginia State Legislative changes.
21 Fugitives Arrested during Two-Day Joint Law Enforcement Operation On November 9th and 10th, a fugitive operation was conducted targeting offenders with felony warrants in the City of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County. After many hours dedicated to identifying and locating the offenders, the operation successfully led to the arrest of 21 fugitives. Combined, law enforcement served 60 felony and 24 misdemeanor warrants. The operation also seized 3.5lbs of Methamphetamine, 90 pills of suspected Fentanyl, and $4,590 in currency. The fugitive operation was an effort led by the U.S. Marshals Service to support areas within the Capital Area Region by removing wanted, often dangerous, fugitives from the community, thus providing a safer environment for everyone.
PERF Report Complete, Agency Implements Recomendations In 2020, City Council hired the Police Executive Research Forum, or PERF, to conduct an external review of our response and use of force from May 31st through June 2nd, 2020. PERF completed its review and provided it to us in February 2021. After thoroughly reviewing the report, the Department implemented 64 of the 66 recommendations. The agency is now better prepared to support our community’s First Amendment rights while also assuring the safety of its residents, business owners, employees and visitors.
Community Engagement
Community Shows its Support for Officers In years past, officers and their family members posed for pictures asking drivers to slow down and move over when they see flashing lights. This is part of a nationwide campaign to encourage drivers to give first responders space to perform their job safely. In 2021, community organizations and businesses posed with signs asking drivers to move over for their officers. The campaign highlighted the strong bond between officers and the community they proudly serve.
Department Participates in National Night Out The 2021 National Night Out was the first one held since the COVID pandemic. Several neighborhoods went all out for the event, including Heritage Park, the Preserve, Hazel Hill Apartments, Mayfield. Fredericksburg Main Street hosted its first National Night Out at Hurkamp Park.
Gelato With A Cop The Italian Station hosted “Gelato with a Cop” for the community to meet and chat with police officers over a sweet treat. This family-friendly community event was a great opportunity to engage, ask questions and take pictures with officers.
Department Participates in Peace in Da Paint Basketball Tournament This annual community event held in Mayfield is centered around a basketball tournament. For the first time, police officers formed a team and competed in the tournament. It was a close game and they ultimately were defeated 36-31, but the score didn't matter. What mattered was seeing the kids build new relationships with police officers.
Department Collects Winter Clothing for Youth The Fredericksburg Police Department, Fredericksburg Sheriff's Office, Old Navy, and the Italian Station held a winter clothing drive to benefit City youth. Items donated were given to Fredericksburg City Public Schools to provide winter clothing to children in need.
Agency Helps Collect School Supplies The Fredericksburg Sheriff's Office, Fredericksburg Fire Department, and Police Department "stuffed the bus" with school supplies for City youth at the Central Park Walmart. The community responded and donated an impressive amount of school supplies, helping ensure students and teachers in the City have the items they need to excel in school.
September 11th 20th anniversary ceremony On Friday, September 10th, the City of Fredericksburg held a ceremony to commemorate the 20th anniversary of September 11th, 2001, at the Fallen Heroes Memorial. Fredericksburg Police Chief Layton gave remarks, and the Department’s honor guard presented colors.
Santa Claus Visits Fredericksburg For the first time, the Fredericksburg Police Department and the Fredericksburg Sheriff's Office escorted Mr. & Mrs. Claus around the City of Fredericksburg to spread Christmas cheer to City families.
Food Drive The Police Department and Living Water C3 partnered for a food drive to benefit the Hazel Hill, Forrest Village Little Pantries, and the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank. Both drop-off locations received an overwhelming number of donations, which speaks to the generosity of our City.
City Values Spotlight: Detective Schafer Makes a New Friend One of the best things about a career in law enforcement is meeting people you would never have had the chance to. Detective Schafer recently met Charles "Tony" Kent while on duty, and they quickly formed a friendship. Mr. Kent was born in England and served as a pilot in WWII. Following a successful broadcast career in New York and California, he retired to Fredericksburg. He is a founding member of the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center and published Fredericksburg Then and Now in 2010. Detective Schafer visits Mr. Kent on her days off and enjoys their new friendship.
City Values Spotlight: No problem is too big or too small for a police officer In November, Sergeant Worley was driving through Bragg Hill and saw a group of kids playing basketball. Never one to shy away from a chance to shoot hoops, Sergeant Worley pulled over and asked them who was the best shooter. Excited to show off their skills, they all took turns shooting hoops. Sergeant Worley noticed the basketball hoop backboard was broken and the mounts were bent. The kids shared they could not raise the basketball hoop height because the bolt to raise it was missing. Sergeant Worley wrote down a material list, drove to a nearby store, and purchased items to fix the basketball hoop. He then returned to Bragg Hill, along with Officer McCoy, Officer Brown, and Officer Bach. Sergeant Worley repaired the basketball hoop while Officer McCoy engaged the kids, who were excited to see their hoop being repaired. Officer Brown and Officer Bach spoke with passing citizens. These officers demonstrated City Values by taking the time to brighten our youth's day!
Department Awards
Lisa Jernigan
Stephen Lamar
Employee of the Year
Officer of the Year
Employee Achievements
Officer Finbarr Murphy
Detective Gloria Mejia
Detective Stephen Lamar
MADD Award
Chamber of Commerce, 2021 Excellence in Criminal Justice
American Legion Post 55 2021 Law Officer of the Year
Officer Zimmer
Charles E. Murray, Jr. Top Performance Achievement Award & the Top Overall Achievement Award
Promotions & Retirements
Paul Dooley
Jason Pitts
Promoted to Lieutenant December 2021
Promoted to Lieutenant December 2021
Officer John Wood
20 Years of Service
Crime Statistics 2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Murder/ Homicide
2
2
3
2
3
Forcible Rape
5
11
9
12
10
Robbery
17
16
23
16
17
Aggravated Assault
73
78
71
83
126
Burglary/ Breaking and Entering
54
59
43
33
46
Larceny
925
907
775
815
740
Motor Vehicle Theft
51
40
27
43
32
Total
1127
1113
951
1004
974
This statistical chart represents the number of reported major crimes from 2017 to 2021. The data in the chart may differ from data published in the Virginia State Police Crime Report and/or previous FPD annual reports for one or more reasons, most commonly because the case status or classification of a report may have changed since the publication of either document.
Narcotics Statistics
55 arrests 55 direct indictments 1 federal Indictment 31 search warrants
Approximately $52,753 in seizures related to drug cases. Investigations included distributions of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, MDMA, LSD, and pills.
www.FXBGPolice.com
Produced by: Sarah Morris Photography: Kitt Creative and Hyperbole