WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER

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KEEPING THE COUNTY COOL: FCPD LAUNCHES 2024 SUMMER CRIME PREVENTION INITIATIVE

 

Fairfax County, VA – Today, Fairfax County Police Department is launching their 2024 Summer Crime Prevention Initiative and announcing this year’s focus areas.

In an ongoing effort to proactively combat crime and keep the county the safest jurisdiction of its size, FCPD is launching a coordinated effort to reduce crime through strategic prevention and focused enforcement. The Summer Crime Prevention Initiative will last three months (June through August), with a different focus area and patrol coordination model each month. The focus areas and resource plans will be created in coordination with the FCPD’s Crime Analysis Unit (CAU) to use data to combat crime trends and patterns more effectively.

For the month of June, FCPD kicked off the first of three waves in its 2024 Summer Crime Prevention Initiative with a focus area of community-based crimes. Officers will be strategically deployed across the county to combat criminals who target our local communities and businesses. This three-prong approach will include (1) officers increasing proactive patrol and enforcements to combat reckless street takeovers, (2) increasing foot patrols and presence at late-night establishments, and (3) working with community partners and businesses to create better long-term solutions.

Targeting Reckless Street Takeovers

One of the focal points of this initiative is addressing “street takeovers” that exhibit reckless and unsafe behavior. These gatherings not only disrupt the peace but also pose significant dangers to participants and bystanders. Our officers will monitor known hotspots countywide and take action against reckless driving, speeding, and illegal car modifications to ensure our roads remain safe for everyone.

Enhanced Foot Patrols and Presence at Late-Night Establishments

Our officers will be increasing their presence through foot patrols in neighborhoods and public spaces across Fairfax County. Additionally, there will be a heightened police presence at late-night establishments across the county. This increased visibility aims to deter criminal activity ensuring that everyone can enjoy their nights out safely.

Community Collaboration and Safety

Our district stations will be focusing efforts on strengthening relationships with community partners and businesses. Collaboration with the community is key to the success of our initiatives.

In addition to participating in all our Crime Prevention programs, we always encourage residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police. Report emergencies by dialing 9-1-1, and non-emergency incidents to 703-691-2131.

Using data-informed decision-making, FCPD’s coordinated efforts to reduce crime through strategic prevention and focused enforcement in specific areas across the county aim to make Fairfax County a safer place to live, work, and play.

If you are interested in Neighborhood Watch training or becoming more involved with the Fairfax County Police Department, connect with your local Crime Prevention Unit officers.

Join us on Neighbors by Ring. A place where you can connect with your neighbors, see what’s happening in your neighborhood, and share any available surveillance footage with our department.

For ongoing updates, please read our blog and follow us on XFacebook and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.

Your Guide to Summer 2024 in Fairfax County

 

Published on
06/10/2024
watermine pool with children in it on a blue sky day

It’s summertime (yay!!) and there are plenty of things to do here in the area. Here’s our quick (but by no means comprehensive) guide to summer in Fairfax County.

 

Water and Pools

Many of us are drawn to water, be it a neighborhood pool, local lake, splash park or the Potomac River. Here are some places to explore water this summer:

  • Waterfront Parks (Burke Lake, Lake Accotink, Lake Fairfax, Riverbend Park)
  • The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole – a family water park at Lake Fairfax Park captures the excitement of the Old West’s Gold Rush with attractions tailored for all ages.
  • Our Special Harbor – a fully accessible Chesapeake-Bay themed sprayground.
  • Cub Run Leisure Pool – an indoor water park with fun features for younger and older swimmers.
  • Rec Centers – indoor swimming pools open at 10 locations throughout the county.

As always, safety is top of mind in pools and on boats:

 

Regarding streams…Fairfax County has more than 1,600 miles of streams and associated channels. Natural waters can be susceptible to pollution that can cause health risks to you and your pets. Read our Health Department’s advisory on recreational use of county streams.

 

Outdoor Performances

Our Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series is always a favorite. This year, there are more than 190 free performances to choose from across the county at 17 venues:

 

Summer Reading Adventure

Our Library’s Summer Reading Adventure isn’t just about reading. Children, teens and adults can also participate in lots of fun activities to keep you busy and having fun all summer long from June 12 to Aug. 18. And for kids, the summer reading program helps combat summer learning loss, or the summer slide before school resumes.

Visit Fairfax Mini Guides

Visit Fairfax, the county’s tourism group, has collected a number of mini summer guides from mini golf locations to ice cream shops to performance venues and more. 

 

Summer Meals for Kids

Hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation.

Approximately 29 percent of Fairfax County students receive free and reduced price meals during the school year. When the school year ends, so does the opportunity for consistent, nutritious meals for many of these students. The Free Summer Meals for Kids Program fills that need by providing nutritious meals to children ages 5 to 18.

 

Enjoy FCPS School Grounds

Get outside this summer at a school near you. School blacktops, playgrounds, outdoor basketball and tennis courts, and tracks are available for use by individuals. Learn what items and activities are prohibited, such as alcohol, animals, drones and tobacco products.

 

Extreme Heat Resources

It’ll likely turn very hot this summer, so we have several resources available, including tips to stay cool and when cooling centers will be activated. 

 

Home Safety

If you’re traveling this summer, our Police Department offers a series of tips to keep your home safe from burglars and other unwanted visitors. 

 

Guide to Cycling

When the weather cooperates this summer, hop on your bike and cycle around trails and pathways across the county. In the last 20 years, there’s been a significant increase in bicycling on county trails, sidewalks and roads.

Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series Begins June 1

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performers on stageIn a few short weeks, the Park Authority’s 35th Summer Entertainment Series returns to Fairfax County Parks! Beginning June 1, residents can enjoy 196 outdoor concerts and movies at 17 locations across the county. This year’s lineup continues a long tradition of outdoor concerts that have brought communities together for enjoyable, memorable evenings filled with entertainment and fun for the whole family.

“Last summer, more than 37,000 people attended 189 concerts across the county. They let music lift their spirits, raise their hopes, awaken their memories, forge friendship between cultures and kindle a sense of belonging,” said Sousan Frankeberger, Performing Arts Production Manager for the Fairfax County Park Authority.

This summer’s schedule includes a diverse lineup of performances from classical to bluegrass and everything in between, as well as children’s performances, music and dance from around the world and drive-in movies. The Summer Entertainment Series performances are provided in partnership with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Fairfax County Park Foundation, and the tremendous support of individuals, businesses, corporations and volunteers who contribute to the success of these entertainment series:

Explore these series and the upcoming performances by visiting the Summer Entertainment Series website. We look forward to seeing you this summer and encourage you to invite friends and family to attend.

Performances and movies are held outdoors and may be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Please call 703-324-SHOW (7469) before leaving home for inclement weather updates.

The Summer Entertainment Series is sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities, and services. Visit the Fairfax County Park Foundation website for more information or call 703-324-8582.