House of Worship Safety & Preparedness Day Brings Faith Leaders & FCPD Together

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Fairfax County, VA – The Fairfax County Police Department hosted its first House of Worship Safety & Preparedness Day, welcoming more than 110 faith leaders and community representatives for focused training, collaboration, and open dialogue centered on safety planning and risk reduction.

This event built on the department’s long-standing, proactive approach to supporting safety and preparedness within our faith-based community. Through ongoing relationships at the station level, our Crime Prevention and Community Outreach officers work directly with houses of worship across Fairfax County, providing tailored guidance, resources, and support to meet each congregation’s needs.

Specialized Training and Department Resources

The event featured presentations from several specialized units, including the Threat Assessment and Management Team (TAM), Victim Services Division, Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), and the Crime Prevention and Community Outreach Unit. Each unit shared insight into available resources, emerging concerns, and practical strategies to help faith-based organizations prepare for and respond to a range of safety-related situations.

Safety Programs and Security Assessments

During the session, the Crime Prevention and Community Outreach Unit highlighted the variety of safety-focused presentations available to houses of worship. These include programs such as Worship Watch, which promotes awareness and reporting, and Civilian Response to Active Shooting Events (CRASE), which provides guidance on recognizing threats and responding during critical incidents.

The unit also discussed security assessments available to faith-based organizations, emphasizing proactive planning, risk reduction, and collaboration with law enforcement as key components in strengthening overall safety and preparedness.

Strengthening Safety Through Collaboration

Throughout the day, discussions reinforced the importance of preparation, communication, and partnership. By bringing together subject-matter experts and community leaders, the event highlighted a shared commitment to creating safer environments for worship and community gathering.

The Fairfax County Police Department remains committed to supporting houses of worship through continued outreach, training, and collaboration. Faith-based organizations interested in safety presentations, security assessments, or additional resources are encouraged to contact their local Crime Prevention and Community Outreach officer or to email fcpdOutreach@fairfaxcounty.gov for more information.

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