Connecting Cultures, Strengthening Trust: Meet FCPD’s New Asian Liaison Officer
Fairfax County, VA – During this Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Fairfax County Police Department is strengthening its commitment to community connection with the appointment of Master Police Officer Emmilie Sanchez-Suarez as the department’s Asian Community Liaison.
Born in the Philippines and raised in Fairfax County since the age of four, Sanchez-Suarez brings a lifelong connection to the community she now serves. A graduate of South Lakes High School, she joined the U.S. Army following 9/11, serving eight years, including a deployment to Iraq from 2003–2004.
She later served with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) Police Department before joining FCPD in 2014. Her experience spans patrol, community outreach, and the Public Affairs Bureau. She currently serves as a Criminal Justice Academy Instructor, helping train the next generation of officers.
“This role is about building meaningful, lasting trust between the Fairfax County Police Department and the diverse Asian communities we serve,” said Sanchez-Suarez.
Fairfax County is home to a large and diverse AAPI population, making cultural understanding and communication essential to effective policing. The liaison role strengthens both community engagement and internal awareness across the department.
“I want to create open lines of communication where community members feel heard, respected, and safe coming forward, whether it’s to seek help, share concerns, or simply connect,” she said.
Sanchez-Suarez emphasized that the work goes beyond outreach.
“It’s about understanding cultural perspectives, breaking down barriers, and ensuring our policing reflects the needs of every community.”
As a mother of three daughters, she brings both professional experience and personal perspective to the role. Her goal is to strengthen partnerships, increase awareness of resources, and foster trust across the many communities FCPD serves.
“I hope to foster a sense of unity where people know their voices matter and their safety is a shared priority,” she said.
As AAPI Heritage Month recognizes the cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the Fairfax County Police Department remains committed to building relationships that reflect and support the communities it serves.
This role represents more than outreach, it reinforces the importance of representation, cultural understanding, and trust, both within the organization and across the community.
Interested in joining our team? Visit our website to learn more about joining FCPD.
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