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New Station Location
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NOTE: Franconia District Police Station is part of the Franconia Governmental Center but has a separate address, 7170 Silver Lake Blvd. It is located on the south side of the Governmental Center at the intersection of Silver Lake Blvd. and Beulah St.. |
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 Drone Program Will Enhance Emergency Response in Franconia
The Franconia Police District has played an important role in the emerging Drone as First Responder, or DFR, program. DFR uses drones to provide rapid reaction to police and other public safety incidents and promises to significantly enhance the speed and quality of response in the County and particularly in Franconia District
Franconia was one of two districts that were part of the recently completed Phase 1 DFR testing in the County. The tests yielded several examples illustrating the value of the drones in responding to both Police and Fire and Rescue incidents. In the tests, drones arrived at incidents in an average of 83 seconds. In over 70 percent of incidents the drone was first to arrive on-site, providing an aerial view to help guide subsequent response.
The drones can be effective in a variety of incident types, including missing persons, fire and medical emergencies, traffic crashes, and arrest support - any incident in which an early aerial presence is of value. Drones can launch within 20 seconds of a call. They travel between 200 and 400 feet high at 35 mph and have a 25-minute mission duration. Upon arrival, the drone provides a day or night (IR) aerial view of the scene. The drones are controlled from the FCPD Real-Time Crime Center and their activities are coordinated with other systems in the center.
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With the success of the Phase 1 test, the DFR program will be expanded to include 18 sites across the county by the end of 2026. Each drone site will cover a two-mile radius with site positioning based on the historical number of Calls for Service (CFS) in the area. This map superimposes the planned drone sites against a “heat map” of CFS and shows that most of Franconia will have DFR coverage.
The Fairfax County DFR program operates in the highly controlled airspace of the National Capital Region and must conform to strict federal regulations. In addition, the use of drones and drone video is strictly controlled under the rules in Fairfax County’s Program Manual for drones. Drones are constantly under the control of a human operator and have a number of safety features, including a parachute to reduce the risk of crashes.
More information is available on the County’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems web site.
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 Protecting Juvenile Victims in Indecent Exposure Case
Police Officer First Class (PFC) Halley Mitchell is Franconia District Officer of the Month in recognition of her exceptional investigative initiative, dedication to protecting vulnerable victims, and excellence in patrol operations.
PFC Mitchell played a pivotal role in advancing a complex and sensitive investigation involving an individual who had been reported in two incidents for engaging in indecent exposure within his vehicle. In both instances, the behavior was believed deliberate and directed toward juveniles walking home from school. The incidents occurred in a neighborhood adjacent to an elementary school, creating a heightened concern for community safety and the well-being of children.
A critical lead in the investigation came when a victim was able to photograph the suspect’s license plate. PFC Mitchell used this information to conduct a thorough and methodical investigation. Initial warrants were obtained but were limited by the evidence then available. PFC Mitchell recognized the seriousness of the allegations and took proactive steps to move the case forward. She coordinated with Child Abuse personnel and the Warrant Squad to ensure that the warrants were served.
Following the suspect’s arrest, PFC Mitchell lawfully seized his phone and obtained consent for an interview by detectives. In the interview, the suspect admitted to targeting and stalking a juvenile victim and attempting to be seen by her. Building on this development, PFC Mitchell pursued search warrants for the suspect’s phone and associated social media accounts, efforts that are expected to identify additional offenses and potential victims.
PFC Mitchell’s proactive, victim-centered approach directly contributed to the apprehension of an individual who posed a significant threat to juveniles in the community. Her diligence and commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable reflect the highest standards of law enforcement service.
Equally commendable is her ability to manage this rigorous and ongoing investigation while continuing to perform her patrol duties at an exceptional level. Her work ethic, attention to detail, and dedication to public safety make her a standout officer within the Franconia District.
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