McLean District Station Newsletter

January 2025

New Year, Fresh Start: January Edition

To subscribe to McLean Police Station's monthly newsletter, click the "Register Here" button below.

(Your information will not be shared)

Please share this registration link with all of your friends & family that may be interested in receiving this monthly newsletter.

Do You Know the Size of McLean's Police District?

McLean's police district is approximately 44 square miles. It covers McLean, Dunn Loring, Merrifield, Falls Church, Tysons and parts of Fairfax and Vienna. For more information on McLean's Police Station, please visit the link below.

The Commander's Corner

Greetings & Happy New Year,

As we welcome 2025, we’re reminded of the strength of our community and the shared commitment to making McLean District a safe, supportive place for all. The start of a new year is a perfect time to reflect, set new goals, and stay connected.

Our officers are dedicated to protecting and serving the McLean District—whether through regular patrols, supporting local events, assisting with winter weather concerns, or responding to emergencies. We encourage everyone to stay vigilant, look out for one another, and plan ahead for safe travels as we embrace the winter season.

Thank you for being an essential part of our community. Here’s to a year of peace, safety, and unity. Wishing you a prosperous and safe start to 2025!

-Major Joanna Culkin & Captain Harold Morris

Officer of the Month: Officer Justin Faison

For the month of December, McLean District has selected Officer Justin Faison as its representative for Officer of the Month.

Click the link below to read about the impact that Officer Faison has made in our community! 

Officer of the Month - Officer Justin Faison December 2024

Fairfax County Police Department

2024 Highlights

What is a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and why is it important?

A Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting is a community engagement event that brings police officers and community members together in an open, lax atmosphere. These meetings are meant to strengthen the lines of communication and enhance the transparency of our police district. CACs offer residents a chance to speak with members of our police department and receive valuable information. Members are kept informed about significant safety matters in their neighborhoods and are encouraged to bring any issues or questions to the attention of their police commanders.

Want to be more involved with the Fairfax County Police Department? Want to provide a valuable service to your community, and be more informed about county issues and laws at the same time?

Consider joining McLean's Community Advisory Committee. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month. There is no cost for membership, and all are welcome to attend!

If you have any questions about McLean's CAC meetings, please e-mail our

Crime Prevention Officer, Dan Goldman at:

Daniel.Goldman@fairfaxcounty.gov

McLean's Month in Review: January

FCPD posts public information on social media platforms and official announcements are posted on WordPress. Here are links to some recent postings which may be of particular interest to the McLean District community:  Update: Crime Solvers Tip Leads to Arrest of Idylwood Peeper Snow Place Like Safe Roads: Winter Safety Tips Detectives Looking to Nail Suspects in Power Tool Burglaries Detectives Investigate Fatal Crash in Great Falls FCPS Teacher Charged For Selling Tobacco & THC Vape Cartridges Click the button below to see FCPD's WordPress which includes significant cases from every district station in our county.

Chief Kevin Davis Meets with Fox 5's Steve Chenevey

Chief Kevin Davis met with Fox 5's Steve Chenevey to talk about crime around the holidays and how police are keeping the Fairfax community safe. Click the link below to watch!

FCPD Crime Data Available via FCPod.org

The Fairfax County Police Department would like to introduce the new "Fairfax County POD". Here, you'll find a wealth of information and insights into law enforcement activities in Fairfax County. This platform offers transparent access to various datasets, including incident statistics and demographic analyses. Explore trends, patterns and community safety metrics to better understand FCPD's efforts in ensuring public security and fostering trust within the community.

Upcoming Events:

2025 Polar Plunge - January 25th, 2025

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Polar Plunge

This wonderful event raises money for the Special Olympics!

WHEN: January 25, 2025

WHERE: Mosaic District is an urban shopping center in the heart of Northern Virginia featuring national retailers, gourmet dining, and a movie theater!

Break out your swimsuit because it’s time for a chilly pool plunge with several hundred of the coolest Special Olympics supporters in Northern VA! We’ve got cool incentives and a costume contest for the fanciest plungers at the COOLEST location, Mosaic!

DETAILS: Tentative Schedule for January 25, 2025

• 11 am – Registration/check-in
• 1 pm - Check-in closes
  • Costume Contest
  • Awards Presentation
• 1:15 pm – Official Plunge start time

We will keep plunging until everyone has had a turn!

Parking is available for free at Mosaic. The preferred parking garages are:

• Garage at Target, 2905 District Ave
• Garage at the Avalon Apartments, 2987 District Ave
• Garage at the Modera Apartments, 2920 District Ave.

The event is also Metro accessible via the Orange line to the Dunn Loring stop. It is a very short taxi or car ride away from the Metro. Further information on parking and directions can be found here.

Would you be interested in making a weekend of it? Stay on-site, a block away from Plunge, with our partner hotel, The Archer Hotel - Falls Church. Be sure to mention the Polar Plunge for a special Mosaic Rate.

Read more about this amazing event using the button below!

Save the Date! Please join us for Coffee with a Cop on February 1st at Starbucks located at 3011 Nutley St. Fairfax, VA 22031 from 11am- 1pm!

Whether you have questions about safety, want to share concerns, or simply wish to get to know the officers who serve and protect your community, this is your chance to connect in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Come for the coffee, stay for the conversation. We can’t wait to see you there!

The McLean District Station will be hosting a Community Engagement meeting, Thursday, February 13th, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The meeting will take place at the McLean Governmental Center Community Room, located at:

1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101.

This meeting is a great opportunity for community members to connect with Fairfax County Police Department officers, share concerns, and strengthen communication.

This month's presentation discussion will be about scams and frauds. All are welcome to attend. Bring a friend or neighbor and spread the word! We hope to see you there!

Did You Know?

You can file a police report online?

Below are a list of crimes/events that CAN be reported online, if they happened within the confines of Fairfax County:

• Bicycle Theft
• Destruction of Private Property/Vandalism
• Larceny/Theft from Motor Vehicle or Parts
• Larceny/Theft Under $10,000
• Lost Property
• Suspicious Person/Vehicle
• Solicitor Violations
• Telephone Harassment/Threats
• Trespassing
• Unoccupied Hit and Run Accidents

NOTE: All case statuses are classified as INACTIVE, meaning it is not assigned to a detective or officer for further investigation.

If the criteria above fits your circumstance, please click the button below to file your police report online today.

Do you buy or sell items on the internet? All 8 of our Fairfax County Police Stations have an "Exchange Zone" on-site that provides you an area to meet your transaction partner under 24-hour camera surveillance. Just look for the sign above in the parking lot of your nearest police Fairfax County Police Station.

No one anticipates being involved in a car crash. If it happens to you, will you know what to do? Follow the steps listed above to help simplify the process.

Larceny from Vehicle Tips

Unfortunately, thefts from vehicles continue to be a significant issue in our community. To help keep you and your belongings safe, here are some important safety tips to remember.

• Always lock your car, including the doors and windows, when leaving it unattended.
• Never leave your keys in or on your vehicle.
• Keep valuables out of sight. Avoid leaving items such as wallets, laptops, phones, or cash in your car.
• Park in well-lit areas and consider using anti-theft devices, such as audible alarm systems.
• Stay aware of your surroundings before leaving your vehicle. Check the rear seat before getting in and be mindful of any suspicious activity near your car.

Free Child Safety Seat Inspections

Free Home/Business Security Assessment

Want to improve the security of your home or business - free of charge?

Email me today to schedule a security assessment where we'll walk your property together and provide feedback for improvements.

Daniel.Goldman@fairfaxcounty.gov

Overwhelmed by Holiday Debt?

You’re not alone — and you don’t have to face your debt alone either.

The New Year is the perfect time to take control of your finances — but beware of criminal scammers offering quick fixes that are too good to be true.

Scammers often exploit financial stress by promising instant relief or quick results to become debt-free. These schemes typically involve up-front fees, bad advice like avoiding your creditors, or vague claims about what services they actually provide.

Before committing to a debt relief service and providing your sensitive personal information, research reviews and check for complaints with organizations like the Better Business Bureau to ensure their credibility. If you need help getting out of debt, turn to an organization like the Nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.

Report scams and frauds to local law enforcement and Federal Trade Commision. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at: www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork

Crime Prevention Tips:

1. Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice unusual vehicles or people in your neighborhood, call the police.

2. Install a Security Alarm: Ensure it covers second-floor motion and glass break detection. Consider an audible alarm that makes loud noise to deter intruders.

3. Install and Check Security Cameras: Make sure they’re working properly and have backup batteries in case of power loss. Place cameras at both the front and rear of your home. 

4. Use Motion Sensor Lights: Install these around your property to eliminate dark spots. 

5. Activate Interior Lighting: Activate second-floor lights even for short trips to give the impression someone is home. 

6. Store Ladders Securely: Don’t leave ladders in your backyard, as they can be used to access upper windows, balconies, or doors. 

7. Communicate with Neighbors: Let your neighbors know when you’ll be away. They can watch over your home, collect mail, and grab packages to make it look like someone is still home. 

8. Avoid Sharing Travel Plans: Be discreet when you travel and do not share travel plans online to maintain safety

Be SMART Before You Scan: AVOID QR CODE SCAM

• Scammers are finding easy ways to hide harmful links in QR codes.
• Follow our tips to help be savvy and avoid these scams.
• Know what to do if you encounter a scam.

The Quick Response code, or "QR code", has become a way of life in society. However, this has made it tempting for criminals to create some QR Codes of their own. Probably everyone has seen them at gas stations, restaurants, paying for public parking, etc., but scammers are finding easy ways to hide harmful links in those codes.

Ways to Protect Yourself:

• If you see a QR code in an unexpected place, inspect the URL before you open it.
• Don’t scan a QR code in an email or text message you weren’t expecting, especially if it urges you to act quickly.
• Verify the source of the QR code. If in doubt, go to the official website of the company or government agency “sending” you the QR code.
• Protect your phone and accounts with updated software, strong passwords and multifactor authentication.
• Install a QR scanner with added security.
• Be wary of any site that asks for personal information, login credentials or payment.

What to Do When Scammed:

If you believe you have been targeted by a quishing (QR Code phishing) scam, file a report using the Financial Crimes Information and Online Reporting System (FiCOR) via the button below.

Do You or a Loved One Need a Protective Order?

Click the link below to learn about protective orders in Fairfax County from victim advocate, Ayaan Ali.  

Understanding Protective Orders: A Safety Tool for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence

Dial 9-8-8 for 24-hour Behavioral Healthcare and Support

9-8-8 is a three-digit number that routes callers to the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. When an individual calls or texts 9-8-8, they are connected to trained counselors who will listen, provide support, and connect them with necessary resources. 9-8-8 is active in Fairfax County and across the United States.

What You Need to Know

• Dialing or texting 9-8-8 will connect you to free behavioral health care and support 24 hours a day. Chat (English only) is also available through the Lifeline’s website at: 988lifeline.org/chat.

• 9-8-8 is a direct connection to support for anyone experiencing behavioral health-related distress as well as those concerned about a loved one.

• Callers may be experiencing:

  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Mental health or substance use concerns or
  • Any other kind of emotional distress.

• The Commonwealth of Virginia continues to build capacity and infrastructure:

  • To support 9-8-8 and the Commonwealth’s comprehensive crisis support system commonly referred to as Marcus Alert.
  • To enhance community-based crisis services.

• Fairfax County continues to respond to community needs and expand crisis services. At the Merrifield Crisis Response Center (open 24/7) at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health, operated by the Community Services Board (CSB), walk-in emergency behavioral health assistance is available day and night, 365 days a year.

Stay Connected

Information and alerts from the Police Department are available on our web pages and on many social media platforms.

Click on the button below for a list of links.

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.