Fairfax County Police Department News

Fairfax County, VA – When critical situations arise and lives are at risk, the Fairfax County Police Search and Rescue (SAR) team is called into action. Comprised of over 40 specially trained, supplemental officers (i.e., they hold other primary duties within the Department), the SAR team’s mission is to help find missing persons and support major crime investigations, and they work in many different ways to do just that.

What SAR Does:

The FCPD SAR team tackles suburban and urbanized regions of Fairfax County, facing the specialized challenge of locating missing people in such a large area. In 2023, the SAR team conducted 32 searches, 26 of which were for critical missing persons and 6 for evidence related to felony investigations.

The SAR team works hard to investigate every angle of missing people or evidence from criminal cases, including looking for items that were discarded in hard-to-reach places. The team also regularly handles consultations regarding missing person investigations and works closely with patrol officers and detectives to bring missing people back home safely. 

SAR Tools and Technology:

Equipped for success, the SAR team utilizes a range of tools. From machetes and fire rakes for ground-level searches, to GPS units and handheld FLIR for advanced tracking, they are outfitted with the best. Modernizing their approach, the SAR team utilizes UAS systems (drones), taking search and rescue to new heights—literally. This modern approach enhances their efficiency in locating missing persons.

Utilizing cutting-edge technology, they incorporate data from the Lost Person Database and leverage the “Find” Search Management Software—a powerful program aligning resources with Lost Person Behavior and search theory to find people who are reported missing. These officers know that in the world of search and rescue, the right tools make all the difference.

The Fairfax County Police Search and Rescue Team’s expertise and technology-driven approach sets a high standard in critical situations where time is of the essence.

Unified Support:

When lives are on the line, it’s never a solo mission. When additional assistance is needed, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) steps in, providing statewide support to the unit. Bloodhounds, available around the clock, bring their keen sense of smell to the table, while Fairfax One, the eyes in the sky, offers advanced visual systems from higher altitudes. In 2023, during a prolonged search for a critical missing person, SAR not only received assistance from VDEM, but also the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and our own Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.

Are you interested in making a difference and becoming an officer on our Search and Rescue team? Start your FCPD career here.

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