Search Fairfax County Police Records
Fairfax County police records are managed by the largest local law enforcement agency in Virginia. The Fairfax County Police Department and Sheriff's Office both hold records that the public can request under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. With over one million residents, Fairfax County generates a high volume of incident reports, arrest records, and criminal case filings each year. The county also has a centralized FOIA process that routes requests to the right department. This guide covers the main ways to search for and obtain police records in Fairfax County.
County Seat: Fairfax (City)
FOIA Response Time: 5 business days (up to 12 with extension)
State Background Check: $15 via VSP Form SP-167
Circuit Court: 19th Judicial Circuit
Fairfax County Police Records Contacts
| Office | Fairfax County Police Department - Records |
|---|---|
| Website | fairfaxcounty.gov/police/records |
| Sheriff's Office | Fairfax County Sheriff's Office |
| FOIA Contact | Fairfax County FOIA Officer |
Requesting Police Records in Fairfax County
Fairfax County has a centralized FOIA process. The County FOIA Officer coordinates responses across all county agencies, including the police department and sheriff's office. You can submit a request through the county FOIA page or send a written request directly to the department that holds the records you want.
The county must respond within five working days of getting your request. If they need more time, they can extend the deadline by seven additional working days, bringing the total to 12 working days. For criminal investigative files, Va. Code § 2.2-3706 allows up to 65 working days. The police department has specialized units for records management, so requests tend to be routed to the right staff quickly.
Put your request in writing. Include as much detail as you can. Names, dates, case numbers, and the type of record all help narrow the search. Vague requests cost more in staff time and take longer to fill.
What Fairfax County Police Records Are Public
Criminal incident information for felony offenses is always public under Virginia law. That means you can get a general description of the crime, the date and location, the investigating officer's name, and a summary of injuries or property damage. Adult arrest photos are public records too. Records of completed unattended death investigations must also be released on request.
Active criminal investigative files are different. The police department can withhold these at its discretion while a case is open. Complaints, memoranda, evidence, and correspondence tied to an investigation may stay sealed. The identity of confidential informants is always protected, no matter the case status. Records that could jeopardize an ongoing investigation or endanger witnesses fall under the same protection.
Fairfax County is the largest jurisdiction in Virginia. The police department handles a large caseload and has extensive records going back decades. The Court Public Access Network (CPAN) for the 19th Judicial Circuit holds records dating back to 1742, making Fairfax one of the most historically rich court record systems in the state.
Fairfax County Circuit Court Case Search
The Fairfax County Circuit Court is the 19th Judicial Circuit and the largest trial court in Virginia. It handles felony criminal cases, civil matters over $25,000, and family law. Court records are separate from police records but they often overlap. Charging documents, plea agreements, and sentencing orders all tie back to the original police report.
You can search Fairfax County court cases online through the Circuit Court Case Information System. Search by name, case number, or hearing date. The system shows case details, hearings, dispositions, pleadings, and orders. For traffic and misdemeanor cases, use the General District Court system.
Copy fees are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 extra.
Virginia State Police Background Checks
The Virginia State Police runs the Central Criminal Records Exchange. A name search costs $15 using Form SP-167 and must be notarized. Processing takes 12 to 15 business days. The results cover all Virginia arrests, charges, dismissals, and convictions, including those from Fairfax County.
A combined criminal history and sex offender registry search costs $20. The Sex Offender Registry can be searched online for free if you are looking for violent sex offenders. Complete registry searches require Form SP-266 and a $15 fee. Fingerprint-based national checks for employment use Form SP-325 at $27, or $20 for volunteers.
Note: VSP does not offer expedited processing. Mail requests to P.O. Box 85076, Richmond, VA 23285.
Fairfax County Police Records and Privacy Law
Access to criminal history from the state repository is governed by Va. Code § 19.2-389. The statute lists more than 50 categories of authorized recipients. Criminal justice agencies get full access. School boards, nursing homes, and other employers with statutory authority can also request checks. The general public can request their own records at any time.
Arrest records have a one-year rule. If a year passes after an arrest with no disposition and no active prosecution, that arrest information cannot be shared with non-criminal justice agencies. This protects individuals from old, unresolved charges lingering in the system.
Expungement is available under § 19.2-392.2. If charges were dismissed or you were acquitted, you can petition the Fairfax County Circuit Court to seal those police and court records. The standard is "manifest injustice," and the Commonwealth's Attorney has a right to object.
Other Fairfax County Record Sources
The Fairfax County Sheriff's Office manages the Adult Detention Center and provides court security. The sheriff also handles civil process and warrant service. If you are looking for jail booking records or civil warrant information, the sheriff's office is the right contact.
Crash reports involving Fairfax County go through the Virginia DMV. Reports cost $8 per copy and can be requested by mail with Form CRD 93 or in person at a DMV office. Include the crash date, location, and driver names.
The Virginia Department of Corrections Offender Locator tracks inmates statewide. You can also sign up for VINE alerts to get notified when an inmate's custody status changes. The Department of Criminal Justice Services provides victim services and law enforcement oversight from their Richmond office at (804) 786-3414.
The Freedom of Information Advisory Council can help if you believe your records request was wrongly denied. They give free advisory opinions and can be reached at 1-866-448-4100.
The Fairfax County Sheriff's Office website provides information about records and FOIA requests.
Contact the sheriff's office for jail booking records, civil process records, and warrant information.