Dear Neighbor,

 

Today is Census Day. Complete your census online at https://2020census.gov/ or by phone or mail. It only takes a few minutes and is critical to ensuring our community receives federal funding for healthcare, schools, transportation, and more. While you are likely social distancing or self-isolating at home, take a few moments to complete the census.

In this email, I have included information about public safety during the coronavirus pandemic, information from the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, and domestic violence resources. 

Public Safety During the Coronavirus Pandemic

While many are adapting to working remotely and practicing social distancing, there are some, like the County's public safety teams, who must continue to work directly with the public. To keep employees safe from the coronavirus, you may notice the following changes if you seek help from the police, firefighters, 9-1-1 call takers, or sheriff's deputies.

Fairfax County Police Department 

The Police Department is doing everything it can to keep officers safe and healthy as they continue to fully staff all district stations and investigative entities. To maintain a high level of customer service, enhancements have been made to the Community Reporting System. Community members are encouraged to utilize this online reporting system, as well as the Financial Crimes System to report scams and other financial crimes.

For non-emergency situations or for those without internet access, residents can call the police non-emergency number, 703-691-2131, TTY 711. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. Police will continue to provide essential services through these practices.

For on-site services, first responders may maintain a distance of six feet for an initial assessment when responding to any calls. All officers are issued personal protective equipment that is available if the officer believes it is needed. The Safety Officer program is available 24/7 to assist patrol officers with the decontamination of any equipment or cruisers. For other routine actions, department meetings and roll calls are being conducted virtually through video conferencing technology.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department

The Fire and Rescue Department is doing everything it can to ensure staff is safe and healthy as they continue to fully staff all stations and apparatus. First responders will be wearing enhanced personal protective equipment for certain calls, which may include respiratory protection, eye protection, gloves, and in some cases, medical gowns. Responders may maintain a distance of six feet for initial assessment of patients and personal protection masks will also be placed on patients when possible and appropriate.

Administrative personnel are encouraged to work from home if possible, with meetings being conducted by audio or video conference. For those who must report in person, everyone is being encouraged to maintain the recommended six feet of distance from one another, wash hands frequently, and routinely disinfect surfaces.

Public Safety Communications (9-1-1 Center)

As the primary answering point for all 9-1-1 calls and public safety calls, including non-emergency calls, the Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC) has made changes to its daily operations in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

The department has split its staff between the primary call center at the McConnell Public Safety and Transportation Operations Center and an alternate center at Pine Ridge to allow employees to properly socially distance. Access at both locations has been restricted to only essential personnel to help minimize exposure of employees. Additionally, while staff traditionally switched positions every four hours, they are now switching every six hours to reduce the number of bodies moving in and out of each location.

Each employee cleans their workstation when they arrive, and all in-person trainings and roll call meetings have been reduced. Support staff are working remotely when possible, and meetings are being held via teleconference. Outreach efforts by DPCS are temporarily suspended and the department is modifying emergency staffing plans to meet the needs of the County.

Sheriff's Office

Personal visiting at the Adult Detention Center (ADC) and Alternative Incarceration Branch is suspended until further notice to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. All inmates will be given two, free 15-minute calls per week in lieu of these visits. The Sheriff's Office has also temporarily suspended volunteer-led inmate programs and services during this time but is currently exploring options to use electronic platforms to conduct some of these activities remotely.

Professional visiting (attorneys, probation officers, law enforcement officials, and court-authorized behavioral health professionals) will continue, but in a non-contact area.

More information about new protocols are in place for intake at the ADC, following recommendations from the County's Health Department is available online at  https://fairfaxcountyemergency.wpcomstaging.com/2020/04/01/keeping-public-safety-employees-safe-during-the-coronavirus/. 

Making Home a Safer Place for Domestic Violence Survivors during the Coronavirus Pandemic

Even in the best of times, about one in four women and one in seven men are victims of domestic violence. With the rate of unemployment rising and bills mounting, these additional pressures during the already stressful coronavirus pandemic could lead to an increase in domestic violence.

Fortunately, calls to Fairfax County's Domestic Violence Hotline have not increased, while there have been reported jumps in other places like New York City. Review the resources below and tips from the County to help make home a safer place.

Call or Text for Help 24/7

• Call Fairfax County's Domestic and Sexual Violence hotline: 703-360-7273, TTY 711, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• If it is not safe to talk, text LOVEIS to 22522 to connect with the National Domestic Violence Hotline. 
• Chat with RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).
• If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. 

Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Assistance from a Distance

Help for Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Developmental Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic

If you have trouble viewing the image above, the information is available online at  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/sites/community-services-board/files/assets/documents/pdf/assistance-from-a-distance.pdf. 

John