Fairfax County Police Department News

Fairfax County, VA – In the heart of Fairfax County, a dedicated team of professionals work tirelessly behind the scenes to tackle challenging and time-sensitive cases that demand precision, empathy, and swift action. The Criminal Investigation Division’s Missing Persons Squad is an elite unit comprised of a supervisor, six detectives, and one investigative aide who collectively serve as the unsung heroes in the pursuit of reuniting families and solving complex missing person cases.

The FCPD Missing Persons Squad consists of highly trained detectives who handle an average of 3-6 cases daily, including time-sensitive cases involving missing adults and juveniles. Leveraging technology, the squad disseminates crucial information on missing persons to spread awareness and alert our helpful community. The unit often partners with FCPD Search and Rescue team, K9 bloodhounds, the Public Affairs Bureau, and School Resource Officers to enhance their capabilities. Additionally, the squad extends their assistance beyond county borders to collaborate with local, state, and federal jurisdictions, as needed.

Comprehensive Scope:

The Missing Persons Squad handles a wide range of cases, including runaways, missing juveniles, missing adults, and abductions. In 2023 alone, the team worked on a total of 832 cases. A majority of these cases are juvenile related. 40 cases covered critical missing juveniles, and 68 cases were critical missing adults.

Detectives on the Fairfax County Missing Persons Squad classify missing juveniles and adults using the following criteria obtained from the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN). These classifications help streamline efforts in the unit and ensure a focused response to different types of cases involving missing persons.

Classification	Juvenile	Classification	Adult
Disability	The child has a proven mental or physical disability thus subjecting themselves or others to personal or immediate danger.	Disability	The adult has a proven mental or physical disability thus subjecting themselves or others to personal or immediate danger.
Endangered	The child is missing under circumstances indicating their physical safety is in danger. Includes any child under the age of 13.	Endangered	The adult is missing under circumstances indicating their physical safety is in danger.
Involuntary	The child is missing under circumstances that indicate the disappearance was not voluntary.	Involuntary	The adult is missing under circumstances that indicate the disappearance was not voluntary.
Juvenile	The child is under 18 years of age, is missing, and does not meet entry criteria for Disability, Endangered, or Involuntary. This category does not apply to children under the age of 13.	Catastrophe	The adult is missing after a catastrophic event.
Missing	The child is between the age of 18 and less than 21 years of age, is missing, and does not meet the criteria to be listed under Disability, Endangered, or Involuntary.	Other	Adult 21 years of age or older, not meeting entry criteria for any other category, who is missing and there is reasonable concern for their safety.

Proactive Tips and Urgent Reporting:

Highlighting the crucial role of community awareness, the Missing Persons Squad suggests proactive measures like keeping current pictures of family members, employing tracking devices for disabled family members, remembering passwords, and staying actively involved with children’s friends and parents. It’s imperative to note that the Fairfax County Police Department takes all missing person reports seriously and individuals are encouraged to notify the agency as soon as possible for prompt assistance. There’s no need to wait a specific amount of time before making a report; immediate action can make a significant difference.

The FCPD Missing Persons Squad operates at the intersection of compassion and tenacity. In their pursuit of the truth, this elite unit stands as a beacon of hope for families facing the unimaginable. As they continue to work tirelessly to bring closure and reunite loved ones, their dedication remains a testament to the unwavering commitment the unit holds to safeguarding our community and ensuring the well-being of every individual.

Are you interested in making a difference and becoming a detective with our Missing Persons Squad? Start your FCPD career here.

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