FCPD Unveils Operation Press Check: An Approach to Reducing Violent Crime

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Fairfax County, VA – Today, the Fairfax County Police Department announces the launch of Operation Press Check — an initiative that aims to enhance our ability to investigate convicted felons found to be in possession of firearms and keep our community safe.

Key Takeaways of Operation Press Check:

  1. Enhanced Felon in Possession Prosecutions: Operation Press Check allows our detectives and prosecutors to be focused on successful Felon in Possession of Firearm (FIP) cases. By working closely with prosecutors, we aim to strengthen these cases and bring FIP cases to successful prosecutions. In 2023, FCPD seized 1,192 firearms.
  2. Internal Partnerships: Operation Press Check aims to enhance FIP cases by utilizing multiple partnerships:
  1. Our Special Investigations Unit (SIU) will provide investigatory aid and counsel in FIP cases.
  2. Our Crime Analysis Unit (CAU) will help guide decisions with data-informed strategies and track the impact Operation Press Check is having with real-world and real-time data.
  3. The Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy will equip officers and detectives with the knowledge necessary to help make the strongest FIP cases.
  1. External Partnerships: Additionally, FCPD is partnering with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to aid in strengthening FIP investigations by utilizing knowledge and experience to ensure FIP cases are the strongest they can be. Using our National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) program, FCPD has significantly enhanced our ability to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals involved in firearm-related offenses.
  2. Training and Collaboration: Our officers will undergo training to strengthen their felon in possession cases. Operation Press Check emphasizes collaboration with federal and state agencies, pooling resources to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
  3. Outcomes: Our work with Operation Press Check aims to:
  1. Reduce gun violence,
  2. Identify sources of firearms for convicted felons,
  3. Deter felons from possessing firearms,
  4. And improve prosecutorial outcomes.

The success of Operation Press Check also hinges on the collaboration of our community. The active involvement of the community is crucial in creating a safer Fairfax County. Stay informed, remain vigilant, and report any information that could aid in the successful detection or prosecution of Felon in Possession cases.

If you have information about someone in illegal possession of a firearm, you can submit a tip anonymously to Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web – Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for a cash reward. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.

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