Fairfax County Police Department Releases Q3 2023 Crime Report

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Fairfax, VA – With the recent release of the Third Quarter Crime Report by the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA), spotlighting the nation’s 70 largest police departments across key crime categories, including Homicide, Rape, Robbery, and Aggravated Assault, we proudly affirm that Fairfax County retains its distinction as the safest jurisdiction of its size. In the MCCA’s evaluation of violent crime ratings among all participating agencies, Fairfax County stands as an example of safety and security for its residents.

In coordination with the MCCA release, the Fairfax County Police Department has issued its Third Quarter 2023 Crime Report.  This report outlines Fairfax County crime data from January 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023. The report focuses on the crime offense categories that matter most to our communities, (e.g., Homicide, Burglary, Sex Offenses, Theft, Robbery, and Auto Theft), along with additional data on crashes, vehicle fatalities, pedestrian fatalities, and others. Instead of misleading percentages that lack context of overall crime in a jurisdiction, the actual raw numbers of crime occurrences are depicted.

Key Highlights:

  • Traffic Safety Initiatives and Fatal Crashes

This year’s traffic safety initiatives have yielded significant, positive results with a noticeable decrease in both crashes and fatalities. The FCPD’s 2023 initiatives include the revival of the Road Shark enforcement program, the “50 Means 50” campaign, Click It or Ticket campaigns, Move Over enforcement, and more. Notably, pedestrian fatalities have seen a significant decline in 2023.

  • Theft of Motor Vehicle Parts

Theft of motor vehicle parts has been a focus for the FCPD, leveraging data analysis to identify crime patterns and hotspots. Through effective strategies, including the Summer Crime Prevention Initiative and collaboration with local auto businesses, the number of thefts has dramatically decreased from 1,226 in 2022 to 746 in 2023.

  • Firearms and Emergency Substantial Risk Orders (ESROs)

The new Threat Assessment Management (TAM) Unit, along with the ESRO Supervisor, has played a crucial role in executing ESROs and recovering firearms. The department has initiated a significant number of ESROs, with 36% involving domestic violence and 40% related to individuals experiencing mental health crises. The FCPD’s efforts in addressing substantial risks have resulted in the recovery of 899 firearms in the first nine months of 2023.

  • DUI Enforcement

The FCPD, with the DWI Enforcement Squad, has shown a commendable increase in arrests, particularly for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Through our coordinated enforcement efforts, the FCPD has increased arrests for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol by approximately 30%.

  • Traffic Summonses and Dangerous Driving Behavior

The FCPD has been vigilant in addressing dangerous driving behaviors, issuing over 18,000 more summonses in 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. This includes violations such as speeding, reckless driving, failure to pay full attention, hands-free violations, and more.

  • Assaults and Arrests

The majority of assaults reported in Fairfax County are categorized as simple assaults and are often domestic in nature or involve parties known to each other. In 2023, there has been an increase in officers assaulted, with 353 cases compared to 248 in the same timeframe in 2022. As of September 2023, the FCPD has worked hard to combat this issue by placing over 25,000 criminal charges on over 17,500 individuals responsible for crimes in Fairfax County.

  • Auto Thefts

Despite a national increase in auto thefts, Fairfax County has managed to keep incidents of auto thefts relatively flat. Auto thefts decreased in September 2023, and the Auto Crimes Enforcement (ACE) team continues to play a critical role in apprehending car thieves. The FCPD has been a leading agency in strategies to combat auto thefts in the National Capital Region this year.

  • Larcenies

In response to the nationwide surge in organized retail crime since 2021, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) has focused its efforts on combating these crimes, yielding encouraging results. Our Tysons Urban Team, Shopping Center Units, and Crime Prevention teams have spearheaded engagement and educational programs with businesses and proactively combatting many of these crimes so far this year.

  • Carjackings

Despite a nationwide surge in carjackings, Fairfax County has successfully reduced incidents of carjackings in 2023, thanks to FCPD’s effective strategies, including enhanced community engagement, targeted patrols, and strategic communication. As of September 2023, carjacking incidents remained unchanged compared to 2022.

The overarching theme of this report is clear—we remain the safest large jurisdiction in America. The FCPD’s data-informed enforcement strategies have contributed to a lower violent crime rate, emphasizing the department’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its residents. The FCPD remains committed to evolving and developing strategies to combat and address crime to keep the residents, workers, and visitors of Fairfax County, safe.

For more information on our crime trends and ongoing updates from FCPD, please read our blog and follow us on X (fka Twitter), Facebook and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.