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Fairfax County Police Department
Reston District Station
1801 Cameron Glen Dr, Reston
703-478-0904
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Welcome to the March edition of the Reston District’s newsletter. I would like to take a minute to thank everyone that has subscribed to receive the newsletter. I look forward to suggestions about what themes our community is looking to see addressed in future editions.
As we close out the month of March, I am proud to report that our officers continue to provide the best service possible to our community, which has resulted in a decline in overall crimes. However, the month also brought an uptick in crime surrounding theft from motor vehicles and vehicle thefts. The ASK is that you all follow some, if not all the steps identified in our 9PM Routine published on our social media platforms. It will go a long way towards keeping your property safe.
Additionally, we have been experiencing some warmer days, which has led to more outdoor events. Please be aware of your surroundings and even though it sounds cliché, “See something, say something,” is a mantra that we should all subscribe to.
Furthermore, we are always looking for ways to improve our community partnerships and one of the ways we accomplish this is through our Auxiliary Police Officers Program. The program gives eligible community members an opportunity to be part of the solution, which includes partnering on community outreach events. I have attached a link that explains the program in more detail. I look forward to seeing more community members taking advantage of the opportunity to serve the community we all cherish.
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/sites/police/files/assets/generalorders/go-536.pdf
Stay tuned for some exciting initiatives planned for 2024, we believe it will contribute to keeping our community even safer to live, commute, and socialize in.
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FCPD INFORMATION POSTS
FCPD posts public information on social media platforms (see links at the end of the newsletter) and official announcements are posted on wordpress. Here are links to some recent postings which may be of particular interest to the Reston community:
https://fcpdnews.wordpress.com
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New Reston Officers
We would like to welcome five graduates from the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy that will join the Reston District Station on March 23, 2024. Each will begin their field training under an experienced Field Training Instructor.
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 Officer Quintin Duvall
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 Officer Jessica Grant
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 Officer Patrick Taylor
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 Officer Timothy Vermeer
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 Officer Bronwyn White
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Are you aware that the Fairfax Couty Police Department has Auxiliary Police Officers at each station, including the Reston District Station? We have a squad of 8 fully sworn Auxiliary Police Officers including an APO Squad Leader. APO’s are an all-volunteer organization and are rigorously trained at the FCPD Training Academy. Some of the tasks APO’s perform are:
- Augment patrol officers.
- Cover officers on traffic stops/traffic control at crash scenes/crime scene security.
- Assist during community events.
- Assist during DWI check point events.
- Special county wide and station assignments
APO’s are always looking for future Auxiliary Police Officers. If you are interested or know of someone who is interested, please visit:
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/GetInvolved/AuxiliaryPoliceOfficer
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Vehicle Tampering/Stolen Autos
There's an increase in Reston with larcenies from motor vehicles. The suspects have targeted locations where victims may be out of their car for a short time; schools, daycare centers, gas stations, and convenience stores. The suspects have targeted vehicles in which purses, wallets or bags may be in plain view, smashing the vehicle windows and taking the items. In many of these cases we are seeing items like credit cards or checks being utilized at banks or stores as the suspects attempt to obtain currency or other items. These cases are being actively investigated and detectives are following up on multiple leads. In many instances, community members are taking many steps we advocate to protect their property such as turning off the vehicle and taking keys with them, locking vehicle doors and parking in well-traveled areas. However, it only takes a second for the suspects to break the window and obtain these items. We are reminding our neighbors to remain vigilant and take these steps to keep property safe:
- Keep all items of value out of view and take them with you if possible. Consider storing in the trunk or locked compartments of the vehicle such as the console or glove box.
- Lock your doors. This is one of the most successful deterrents. While this current trend does see the suspects smashing windows, they appear to do so when there is the appearance of an item of value and not just smashing the window as a matter of destruction.
- Ensure the vehicle is turned off when you are not in the vehicle. A significant number of stolen vehicles in Fairfax County are the result of “hop-in” thefts, whereby the suspect steals the vehicle while it is running unattended, or the keys/ key fob is left in the vehicle. Removing keys and ensuring the vehicle is off would greatly reduce stolen vehicles in the County.
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Be vigilant. Behavior that may be concerning in these types of incidents could be, but not limited to, people lingering in areas of short-term traffic, looking in parked vehicles or trying door handles, or vehicles circling locations. If you see any behavior, you find suspicious, please don’t hesitate to contact the Police at 703-691-2131 (non-emergency) or 911 (emergency). Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding these incidents to please call the Reston District Station at 703-478-0904.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS and by https://www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App and follow the steps to “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.
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Home Security Systems
- Install Alarms: Consider installing a professionally monitored home security system. Especially an audible glass breakage sensor on the rear windows and doors of your home.
- Smart Technology: Explore the use of smart home security devices, such as doorbell cameras and surveillance systems that allow remote monitoring. Remember to monitor any alarm notifications, especially when you are not home.
Secure Entry Points
- Strong Doors and Windows: Ensure all exterior doors are made of solid materials and equipped with sturdy deadbolt locks. Reinforce windows with laminated glass or install security film to make them more resistant to break-ins.
- Quality Locks: Invest in high-quality locks for doors and windows. Deadbolt locks with at least a one-inch throw are recommended for exterior doors.
- Sliding Doors: Place a metal rod or a dowel (Charley bar) in the track of sliding glass doors to prevent them from being forced open.
Adequate Lighting
- Exterior Lighting: Install motion-activated lights around the perimeter of your home, especially near entry points. A well-lit property serves as a deterrent to potential burglars.
- Timers: Use timers for interior lights, radios, or TVs to give the appearance that someone is home, even when you’re away.
Landscaping
- Trim Shrubs and Trees: Keep vegetation around doors and windows trimmed to eliminate hiding spots for burglars.
- Visible Address Numbers: Ensure that your house number is clearly visible from the street, making it easier for emergency responders to locate your home quickly.
Neighborhood Watch
- Community Awareness: Establish or participate in a neighborhood watch program. Encourage residents to look out for each other and report suspicious activity to the police.
- Communication: Share information with neighbors about any recent incidents or security concerns, fostering a strong sense of community.
Social Media Caution
- Refrain from Broadcasting Travel Plans: Avoid announcing your travel plans or vacations on social media. This information can be exploited by burglars looking for empty homes.
- Privacy Settings: Review and adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms to limit the information accessible to the public.
Extended Absence
- Trusted Family Member or Friend: If you plan to be away for an extended period, consider having a trusted family member or friend check on your home occasionally.
- Mail and Packages: Ask a trusted family member or friend to collect any mail or packages and secure them inside the home until you return.
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Keeping Kids Safe
Keeping Kids Safe is part of the Blue Ribbon Campaign to prevent Child abuse and neglect.
Whenever any child is unsupervised or unattended the following should apply:
- There must be no emotional, medical or behavioral problems that affect judgment or decision-making skills.
- The child must be comfortable being alone.
- There must be a safety plan in place with the parent/caretaker.
The child should know how to access a parent/responsible adult at all times (the whereabouts and phone number to be reached), what to do in case of an emergency, guidelines for acceptable behavior, and knowledge of emergency phone numbers.
- The child must be able to demonstrate the ability to follow a safety plan and to make decisions that reflect concern for personal safety.
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Child Supervision Guidelines
7 years & under- Should not be left alone for any period of time. This includes leaving children unattended in cars, backyards, and playgrounds. The determining consideration should be the dangers in the environment and the ability of caretaker to intervene.
9 to 10 years- Should not be left alone for more than 1 1/2 hours and only during the daylight and early evening hours.
11 to 12 years- May be left alone for up to 3 hours, but not leave at night or in circumstances requiring inappropriate responsibility.
13 to 15 years- May be left unsupervised, but not overnight.
16 to 17 years- May be left unsupervised, in some cases, up to two consecutive overnight periods.
These are guidelines, there may be situations that it is not safe to leave a child unsupervised. Parents are ultimately responsible for making decisions about their child's safety!
Department of Family Services Child Protective Services 703-324-7400
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Kids in Cars
Leaving a child alone in a car poses significant risks, including overheating, injury, or potential abduction. While Virginia has no law against leaving a child alone in a car per se, it does prohibit leaving a child in a car if it jeopardizes the child's health, safety, or well-being - particularly if the car engine is running.
Additionally, the Fairfax County Department of Family Services advises against leaving children eight years old and under unattended in vehicles, regardless of the length of time.
If a child alone in a car appears to be in danger, bystanders should immediately call 9-1-1.
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Community Advisory Committee
I am deeply grateful for the trust you've placed in me as the Reston CAC Chair. It's an honor to have served such a vibrant and engaged community. Your trust inspires me to work tirelessly for our collective betterment. As we transfer leadership, my hope is for the Reston CAC to see continued growth, welcoming a diverse array of new members into the fold.
A special acknowledgment goes out to Chief Davis, Captain Oluwa, and the dedicated staff of the Reston District. Your steadfast support and collaborative spirit are instrumental as we strive to make Reston an even better place to live, work, and thrive. Here's to embracing a future marked by unity, progress, and myriad accomplishments.
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Child Seat Installation
Reston Child Seat Installation checks are completed by reservation only. Please install your child safety seat prior to the appointment. The seat will be re-installed if necessary, and you will learn how to install the seat properly in the future. Contact the Reston District Station to sign-up at 703-478-0904. Keep in mind that more than 70% of child safety seats are improperly installed.
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SCAM JAM
April 19, 2024 9am-12pm at Fairfax County Government Center 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax
Learn how to spot scams, hear first-hand account of fraud, get tips from the FBI, learn how AI is enabling scammers to steal your money, and more.
Registration is required 1-877-926-8300 or visit https://events.aarp.org/FFXSJ24
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Coffee with a Cop
Reston District Station has several 'Coffee with a Cop' locations. Please keep an eye out for the next one posted at your local coffee shop.
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Nokesville Methodist Church Donation
There were six large boxes of Stuffed animals for Officer's to hand out to children on calls. These were donated by the Nokesville Methodist Church.
PFC Hugh assisted in picking them up, and they were distributed to all eight District Stations. Thank you, Nokesville Methodist, for your kindness.
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Celebrating Women's History Month
International Woman's Day 2024, a day to celebrate the achievements of women. It is observed to celebrate social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of woman overcoming adversity. Since 1914, March 8th has been the fixed date for International Women's Day.
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Join the Best | Join FCPD
If you want to be part of something larger than yourself and overcome new challenges every day, the Fairfax County Police Department is the agency for you.
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