Fairfax County Police Department

CONTACT INFORMATION: 24/7 Emergency Response; Office and Program Hours Vary
703-691-2131 TTY 711 (Non-Emergency)
12099 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035
Kevin Davis
Chief of Police

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Motor Squad

Motor Squad

Motor Squad Wings

The Fairfax County Police Motor Squad consists of 32 full-time officers divided into two squads. Additionally, the Squad has supplemental officers who are assigned to ride twice a month and maintain the same qualification standards as the full-time officers. There are many duties that these officers are tasked with daily, to include funeral escorts, traffic enforcement, and numerous community outreach programs.  These officers are the resident experts in traffic flow and incident control for a continued service of commerce and traffic safety.  

The mission statement of these officers is to ensure the safety of all motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. This is done through aggressive enforcement of the traffic laws of the Commonwealth.

Motor officers entertaining supporters/participants of the Officer Down Memorial Ride 2018, Haymarket, VA

Motor officers entertaining supporters/participants of the Officer Down Memorial Ride 2018, Haymarket, VA

Motor officer practicing braking in a curve, on a private, closed track.  2020 Fairfax, VA. 

This course prepares riders for navigation through stopped traffic with a rapid directional change.  2020, Fairfax, VA. 

Riding a motorcycle in the metropolitan area is dangerous, so the skill and training of Motor Officers is paramount.  The Motor Squad trains monthly with emphasis on traffic law updates, emergency braking, and precision cone course riding.  Each Motor Officer must pass a yearly qualification to maintain their positions.  Another form of training is police motorcycle safety competitions.  These seminars, or rodeos, are hosted throughout the United States and regularly involve officers from multiple jurisdictions.  The Motor Squad attempts to attend at least two rodeos a year as they are unique opportunity for both networking with other riders and challenging their skills in a competitive atmosphere.  Furthermore, these sessions help officers train skills they would exercise in emergency braking, or accident-avoidance maneuvers.  These officers train and ride in all kinds of weather and will only park their motorcycles if there is snow, or ice on the ground.

This informational and recruitment video was made by members of the motor squad as a way to highlight some of the duties and responsibilities they manage daily. 2022, Fairfax, VA.

Other special assignments include:  Ride of the Patriots which originates in Fairfax City, then proceeds into Washington DC.  The Motor Squad will escort these riders and ensure their safe travel, by redirecting traffic and temporarily closing major roadways.


The squad also participates in Honor Flight, a charity which transports veterans of past wars to area airports, then brings them to memorials in Arlington and Washington DC so they may pay their respects.

Motors lined up with precision placement, often witnessed on-scene of an assignment.


A retired motor officer is honored at his funeral. 2019, Fairfax, VA.
Motor officers conducting the funeral escorts for Det. Armel and MPO Garbarino. 2006, Fairfax, VA.
Motor procession for Det. Seals Jersey City PD, New Jersey EOW 12/15/19.

Unfortunately, there are instances where the squad is called upon to assist in, or attend, the escorts of a fallen officer.  The squad has travelled near and far to pay their respects.  The fact that these officers attend goes noticed by all and is appreciated by the family members and those affected departments.

Santa's Ride is in its 35th year in the County.  The officers assigned to this seasonal mission are charged with collecting toys for children who are housed in area hospitals, like Fairfax INOVA and Children's Hospital in Georgetown, Washington DC.  The officers accept donations of unopened toys from the district stations, schools, and private partnerships.  Santa and his helpers then ride throughout the County visiting with participating schools and spreading holiday cheer.  So, if you see Santa on a motorcycle, give him a wave and honk..... 

Santa riding his 'sleigh' for Santa's Ride 2020, Fairfax, VA.


 Motor officers and Sheriff deputies organizing and loading toys for delivery 2020, Fairfax, VA.

Officer use multiple speed measurement devices for enforcement efforts, 2020, Fairfax, VA.

Officers use multiple speed measurement devices for enforcement efforts, 2020, Fairfax, VA.

A traffic stop which revealed evidence of PWID 2020 Fairfax, VA.

A traffic stop which revealed evidence of PWID 2020 Fairfax, VA.

Commonly Motor Officers are requested by citizens, or district commanders, to conduct focused traffic enforcemet on roadways that have been designated as 'high volume' or 'high violation'.  The goal is to deter drivers from dangerous behavior, so that everyone may travel the roadways safely.  These enforcement efforts begin only after proper research is conducted; assignments will come from a District Commander, then a Motor Officer will verify that the area is safe for citizens, pedestrians, and officers to enforce these laws.  Often these efforts lead to more than simple traffic violations and evidence of larger crimes occurring within the County may be found.

Removing road debris during inclement weather is also attended to by motor officers.  As depicted here, heavy precipitation, or decreased temperatures, may cause tree limbs to snap and fall onto the roadway.  If there is a delayed response from VDOT in these incidents, Motor Officers are deployed with the necessary equipment, to support roadway reopening and safe passage.


Motor Officers assist with road closures for vehicular and pedestrian safety.  Heavy rains and downed trees, or power lines, are routine throughout the County.  Officers are familiar with danger areas and know how to respond to these events with a detour plan.  Follow the signs provided and the direction of the officer(s) and you will be on your way again.


Motor Office collaborates with other services

Motor officers controlling traffic flow at major roadway disruptions.  Unknown date. Fairfax, VA. 

Unfortunately, there may be times when traffic control is needed for long term road closures.  The goal is to minimize the impact on citizens and commerce.  When possible a collaborative plan between the Fire Department, or utility services, is rapidly implemented.  Motor Officers are trained to handle these types of incidents and understand the importance of reopening roads as soon as possible.  the Traffic Incident Management Vehicle (TRV) is one of the most valuable tools in supporting these goals.  Often this is the primary vehicle you see deployed to the scene of these events.  It is equipped with generators that can supply power to traffic signal boxes, several hundred cones, tree removal tools, and other traffic control devices.

One of the most dangerous tasks for the Motor Squad is conducting funeral escorts.  Funeral directors are responsible with making these requests.  The final decision depends on certain conditions which include weather, personnel, escort size, location, and time.  When you see these processions coming through, please pay attention to the officers' directions; the closure will not last long and normal traffic flow will resume.


Retired Fire Chief Funeral August 2020, Fairfax, VA. 

Motor Officers assist with outreach programs

Motor Officers assist with numerous outreach programs offered by the department to include the Road Dawg program, which provides summertime activities for school-aged children as an alternative to staying at home. In addition, they partner with the Community Police Academy, Future Women Leaders in Law Enforcement, and Fairfax County Public Schools to teach classes on traffic stops, safe driving habits, and more.

Motors during the 2020 St. Patrick Day parade

Motors during the 2020 St. Patrick Day parade.  Alexandria City, VA. 2020. 

 Motors in the St. Patrick's Day Parade Alexandria City, VA 2020.

There are numerous parades in the area that the Motor Squad participate in as a form of community outreach.  These parades are a showcase of officers' maneuverability and skills.  Some of these parades include:  The Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Old Town, Alexandria; the Apple Blossom Parade in Winchester; Halloween Parade in Vienna; and, in the past, the Cherry Blossom Parade, Washington DC.


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