Fairfax Supervisors Prioritize Funding For Police Worn Cameras

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors took several steps Tuesday to address concerns over police violence and racial inequities that have been raised in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis while in the custody of police.

At its regular meeting, the Board voted unanimously to approve a statement of support for those in the county calling for racial justice and to find funding to implement the next phase of the Fairfax County Police Department's body-worn camera program.

"We're all grieving for the Floyd family. The families of those who have experienced similar pain and the many that have died in similar acts of violence. Black lives matter," Board Chairman Jeff McKay said, introducing the statement. "After many years of the topic being swept under the rug nationally, racial injustice is finally at the forefront of this country's dialogue."

McKay acknowledged Fairfax County had work to do when it comes to addressing racial injustice and police violence.

On Friday, a Fairfax County police officer was arrested for an alleged assault of a black civilian in Hybla Valley. Police Chief Ed Roessler called for criminal and administrative investigations into the incident, which was caught on body-worn camera video.

At the direction of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, FCPD charged PFC Tyler Timberlake on Saturday with three counts of misdemeanor assault and battery.

"Last week, one of our officers not only violated FCPD policy, but has broke the trust the community has placed in us to do our job properly," McKay said. "We are thinking of the victim and his family. And though we applaud the work and the quick action by our department, we know that this is not where the conversation ends."

McKay went on to say the Board was committed to demanding transparency and accountability for all of the county's agencies, including the police department.

"We are committed to listening to the concerns of our community and reexamining our policies," he said. "We have adopted One Fairfax to intentionally promote procedures and policies that are forward thinking and to recognize that our diversity is our strength. Despite that, we know that we have important work to do as a county, state, and country."

Lee District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, who chairs the Board's Public Safety Committee, voiced his approval of the statement. He and Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Stourk attended a meeting in Gum Springs Monday night to hear what community members had to say about the incident involving Timberlake.

"They articulated we need to end the excessive use of force by our officers," he said. "They discussed targeting and profiling of minority members in this community. They discussed the need for change in the culture of the department and the need for better hiring practices and recruitment of officers and the full deployment of body-worn cameras."

The Board voted unanimously to direct county staff to identify options for potential funding to pay for phase two of FCPD's body-worn camera program, as well as identify a timeline and implementation plan for all future phases of the program. The Board gave staff a June 30 deadline to respond by memo, which should include an option to fully fund the program in Fiscal Year 2021.

The county rolled out phase one of the program on May 1, which implemented cameras at three district stations: Reston, Mason, and Mount Vernon. However, the implementation of the cameras at the remaining six stations in phase two (2021) and three (2022) was one of the items the Board cut from the budget to offset the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition to the statement and body-worn camera program, McKay announced the formation of the Chairman's Task Force on Equity and Opportunity to promote racial equity and effect the changes necessary to create "a Fairfax County that works for everyone." The task force will consist of community stakeholders who will advise the Board on its work.

Also see ...

Fairfax County Officer Charged After Using Taser On Civilian

Fairfax Officials React To Death Of George Floyd In Minneapolis

Body-Worn Police Cameras Debut May 1 In Fairfax County