You Can Run but You Can’t Hide: Fugitive Tracking & Apprehension Team

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Fairfax County, VA- At the forefront of locating wanted suspects is FCPD’s Fugitive Tracking & Apprehension Team, specializing in arresting wanted suspects to face their crimes.

Who We Are

This unit comprises two supervisors and six detectives who specialize in handling cases involving violent crimes or individuals with a violent criminal history. Their primary mission is to track and apprehend these dangerous criminals, ensuring the safety of the community.

What We Do

When warrants for violent crime such as homicides, robberies, sexual assaults, malicious wounding, abductions, and firearm-related offenses are issued, the Fugitive Tracking & Apprehension Team springs into action. Their expertise extends beyond local boundaries, as the detectives are also Task Force Officers with the United States Marshals Service. This affiliation grants them nationwide jurisdiction to pursue and apprehend suspects in cases adopted by the Marshals.

In addition to their local responsibilities, the team is an integral part of the U.S. Marshal Capitol Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF). This collaboration involves assisting other agencies in the Washington D.C. metro area with fugitive apprehensions and handling collateral leads for fugitives believed to be in the region. In 2023, the team handled 227 cases, and by mid-2024, they had already been assigned 131 cases.

Training and Techniques

These detectives are experts in various tracking methods, including technical data monitoring, physical surveillance, and field interviews. Their plain clothes approach allows them to blend into the community, making it easier to identify and apprehend fugitives without detection.

The team undergoes rigorous training twice a month, focusing on vehicle and open-field takedowns, physical surveillance, building entries, and legal and legislative updates.

The Fugitive Tracking & Apprehension Team’s diverse background includes military experience, tactical expertise, explosive ordnance disposal, and investigative skills. This unique combination enables them to operate at the highest standards, achieving superior closure rates, and significantly contributing to the safety of Fairfax County residents.

Interested in joining our team? Visit our website to learn more about joining FCPD.

For more ways to stay connected, please read our blog and follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.