Fairfax County Police Department News

Fairfax County, VA – The Fairfax County Police Department’s (FCPD) Operation Press Check (OPC) initiative continues to achieve success in its mission to combat illegal firearm possession and ensure the safety of Fairfax County. Established in partnership with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, OPC focuses on strengthening investigations and prosecutions of convicted felons found with firearms. This initiative remains an integral part of our strategy to reduce gun violence and improve public safety.

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 strengthen these cases and bring FIP cases to successful prosecutions.
2. Internal Partnerships: Operation Press Check enhances FIP cases by utilizing multiple partnerships:

1. Our Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU) provides investigatory aid and counsel in FIP cases.
2. Our Crime Analysis Unit (CAU) guides decisions with data-informed strategies and tracks the impact Operation Press Check is having with real-world and real-time data.
3. The Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy equips officers and detectives with the knowledge necessary to help make the strongest FIP cases.

3. External Partnerships: Additionally, FCPD partners 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.
4. Training and Collaboration: Our officers 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.

OPC by the Numbers:

Operation Press Check achieved significant milestones in 2024, showcasing the ongoing effectiveness of the program. Below is a breakdown of the program’s results compared to 2023:

Year	Total of Cases	Firearms Seized	Prior Felony – Violent	Prior Felony – Non-Violent	Drug Related
2023	26	24	12	14	12
2024	64	55	25	37	33
Total	90	79	37	51	45

Ongoing Impact:

Our work with Operation Press Check remains committed to:

• Reducing gun violence in Fairfax County.
• Identifying the sources of firearms for convicted felons.
• Deterring felons from illegally possessing firearms.
• Strengthening prosecutorial outcomes.

The success of Operation Press Check reflects the dedication of our officers, community members, and local partners. As we move forward, we invite the public to stay informed and engaged. If you have information about illegal firearm possession, submit a tip anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or via the “P3 Tips” app. Anonymous tipsters may be eligible for cash rewards.

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