Crime Reduction, New Facilities Outlined in FCPD Strategic Plans

As a retired police officer, John Kapinos knows the ins and outs of the Fairfax County Police Department. Kapinos, who serves as the department’s strategic planner, discussed his plans for the department’s future at last night’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting at the Mount Vernon District Station.

In his presentation, Kapinos talked about the vision for the Fairfax County Police Department and discussed plans currently in place to keep staffing, capital equipment, and facilities where they need to be in order to keep Fairfax County a safe place to live and work.

“I teach and confer with colleagues from all over the world, trying to determine what the department should look like 20 or 30 years from now,” said Kapinos, as he proceeded to give the audience a ‘road map’ of where the organization is now and where they need to be.

During his presentation, Kapinos talked about the department's four cornerstones – mission performance; business processes; learning & growth; and resource management. He then went on to talk about current and ongoing objectives of the department – reduce crime and fear of crime; enhance traffic safety; improve outreach and prevention programs; respond to and man critical events; and provide animal services.

Some of the department’s most recent achievements include: the lowest rate of violent crime nationally; reductions in larcenies; enhanced traffic and DUI enforcement; national recognition for traffic safety programs; reduction in youth alcohol use and criminal activity in schools; reduction in gang related incidents; improved capability to respond to terror attacks; and enhanced and improved deer management program.

Kapinos also acknowledged the need for new facilities and said that the department is working on a plan to build a new headquarters for the department so that they can move out of the 40-year-old Massey Building.

Prior to Kapinos’ presentation, Lieutenant Michael Wall and Captain David Moyer give their monthly update about the status of the Mount Vernon Police District. They acknowledged Lt. Crystal Laitinen as Officer of the Month. Until recently, Laitinen supervised the midnight shift, where she and her officers have made incredible strides in DUI enforcement.

“Every time somebody goes to jail it prevents somebody from being killed,” said Moyer. “There are so many repeat offenders – it is up to us to find those people and lock them up.”

Laitinen said, “These guys [officers] are bringing in guys blowing 2.5/3.0. They are repeat offenders, have drugs, no license and warrants for their arrest. When I would read the reports, I couldn’t believe the crashes – car into telephone poles, thank God it’s just the telephone pole.”

The next CAC meeting will be held on Tuesday March 8, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Governmental Center, 2511 Parkers Lane. All are welcome to attend. Captain David Moyer will present the annual “State of the Highway” and talk about his plans for 2011. He will also talk about the upcoming budget situation and other issues affecting our police district.