FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA— Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis emphasized the integrated nature of security in the National Capital Region during an interview Wednesday, noting that local detectives remain embedded with federal partners following recent security incidents in Washington, D.C. and the arrival of the British monarchs.
Davis described the security landscape as one of "constant evaluation and reevaluation." He told told Fox5 reporter Steve Chenevey that the U.S. Secret Service is currently conducting after-action critiques following Saturday's shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner.
"We have Fairfax County detectives who are assigned full-time to federal law enforcement," Davis said. "They're involved in not only the king and the queen arriving in D.C., but the aftermath of this investigation as well."
Addressing the public’s perception of security measures, Davis compared event security to airport protocols. He suggested that while the public often welcomes the easing of TSA restrictions, the "layered level of security" used by the Secret Service remains a global standard.
"Maybe we should all be OK with a little bit more security at those events as well," Davis said, regarding public spaces featuring high-profile officials.
Davis also addressed the recent murder-suicide involving former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and his wife, Serena. Davis identified Serena and the couple's two high school-aged children as the victims of the tragedy.
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"A lot of people are looking back retrospectively and identifying red flag after red flag with him," Davis said. He urged the community to act when observing individuals in distress. "If you see someone in crisis, believe it. Don't try to excuse it or mitigate it or dismiss it."
The department’s "Drone as First Responder" program was credited with the recent capture of a suspect dubbed the "naked burglar," who was allegedly linked to five home break-ins over the past month.
Davis reported that the program’s average response time is less than 90 seconds. In this specific case, a detective engaged in a foot chase with the suspect—who wore only a T-shirt on his head and tennis shoes—but lost sight of him.
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"The drone was already up in the air, and the drone doesn’t lose too many foot chases," Davis said. The aerial surveillance identified the residence the suspect entered, allowing officers to secure search and arrest warrants.
Davis characterized the Fairfax County Police Department as being at the "pointy end of the spear" regarding drone technology within the National Capital Region.
Listen to Fox5's Full InterviewWith Chief Kevin Davis.
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