Fairfax County Police Chief Announces Plan To Retire

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin C. Roessler Jr. announced his intent to retire in February 2021.

Roessler has served Fairfax County for over three decades. First hired as a police recruit in 1989, Roessler navigated the sworn ranks and different assignments before becoming interim chief of police in early 2013 until his appointment and the permanent chief of police in July 2013.

"I want to thank Chief Roessler for his years of service to Fairfax County and his dedication to protecting our county," said Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay in a statement. "His efforts, along with officers and our community, have made us the safest jurisdiction of our size in the nation. The Chief has worked with the Board on reforms that have solidified the police department as a leader in transparency and community trust. I know I join many in wishing the Chief continued good health and success in his next chapter."

As the police chief in Virginia's most populous jurisdiction, Roessler helped the department continue to emphasize community partnerships while developing reforms. After his appointment, Roessler formed the Chief’s Diversity Council and partnered with community leaders to help form the Communities of Trust Committee to increase public trust and transparency.

The police chief led the department through an outside review of use-of-force policies and community review by the independent Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission. That process led to the body-worn camera program, establishment of a Civilian Review Panel and Independent Police Auditor’s office, increased diversity recruitment, and increased transparency. In addition, there have also been modifications to use-of-force policies involving de-escalation, duty to intervene, prohibition of choke holds, crisis intervention training and diversion programs. Roessler has been supportive of the body-worn camera program for officers approved by the Board of Supervisors.

The police chief has also supported transparency in the November 2017 shooting of Bijan Ghaisar by U.S. Park Police officers. While little information had been provided by the Park Police and FBI during the investigation, Roessler released Fairfax County police cruiser footage of the incident to the public.

When a Fairfax County officer used a Taser on a Black resident who was in crisis but didn't appear combative, Roessler called for criminal and administrative investigations. The involved officer and others on the scene were relieved of law enforcement duties and placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. The Fairfax Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 77 called for Roessler's resignation for how he handled the incident.

In some cases, Roessler has defended officers for discharging their weapons. In January, Roessler said an officer was justified in shooting an armed suspect in the leg in the Falls Church area, according to WTOP. The suspect's two children and girlfriend were home at the time, and the suspect was not killed.

In July, the police chief himself and other members of a Chantilly church congregation subdued a suspect after two people were stabbed inside the church.

The police chief and staff have reorganized several investigative bureaus to create the Cyber and Forensics Bureau to meet emerging crime trends and help increase the delivery of justice by solving crimes with new technologies. Staff are also working to open the department's ninth district station in the near future. The South County station and animal shelter will be a mixed-use facility to support law enforcement and animal services in partnership with the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and Animal Protection Police Officers.

Roessler has also worked to advance mental health support and resources, and the department introduced an officer-driven, post-traumatic growth K-9 therapy program. He and his wife raised K-9 Indy, who is now in service with the police department's Peer Team.

Roessler also led the police department to national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and maintaining state accredited status. He has maintained national and international professional memberships throughout his career.

There were no immediate details about the search to find a new police chief when Roessler retires. Roessler said in a statement that the police department "will remain committed to its mission, its partnership with the community, respect for the sanctity of all life and to keeping pace with rapid urbanization."

"I look forward to beginning the search for his successor and continuing to build on our successes in Fairfax County," said McKay in his statement.

Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw called Roessler "one of the greats in the history of the Fairfax County Police Department."

"For more than 31 years, he has selflessly dedicated himself to protecting and serving our community," said Walkinshaw in a statement. "His efforts were key in helping make FCPD a national leader in transparency and accountability while maintaining our status as one of the safest large jurisdictions in the country."

When the Board of Supervisors considers the next police chief, Walkinshaw said he'd look for a leader "willing to acknowledge the inequities in the law enforcement and criminal justice systems and take bold action — action that will sometimes face political resistance from defenders of the status quo — to address them."