The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Chapter 37 of Title 2.2 of the Virginia Code) provides access by citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia to public records and to meetings of public bodies, as defined in the act. The act also provides access to representatives of the print media with circulation in the Commonwealth and representatives of radio and television stations broadcasting in or into the Commonwealth.
The Fairfax County Police Department provides access to many records through this website. If you are considering submitting a VFOIA request, check to see if what you are seeking is already available. If you are looking for crash reports, crash photographs, police incident reports, or criminal record checks, you may want to access Records Checks & Criminal History. If you are looking for crime statistics, you may want to look at Crime Statistics.
How Do I Sumit A FOIA Request?
VFOIA requests for the Police Department can be made by:
Online VFOIA request form. (Preferred)
E-mail to FCPDFOIA@fairfaxcounty.gov.
In person or mail to: Fairfax County Police Department, FOIA Compliance Division, 12099 Government Center Parkway
Fairfax, VA 22035.
Calling the FOIA Compliance Division at 703-246-4561
Faxing the FOIA Compliance Division at 703-246-4253
What is required to make a VFOIA request?
Requirements for VFOIA request:
As required by Code of Virginia 2.2-3704, you must provide your name and your legal address. The law also requires the requestor to identify the requested records with reasonable specificity. The police department is not required to create a new record in response to any VFOIA request.
Is there a cost for filing a VFOIA request?
Fees for a VFOIA request:
The police department is allowed to make reasonable charges for any VFOIA request that does not exceed the actual cost of such request. If it is determined in advance that the cost of any request will exceed $200, the police department can require a deposit. The police department will require payment of any outstanding prior charges for the requestor before any future request is honored.
Helpful Links related to VFOIA:
Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council
Fairfax County Web Page on VFOIA
Virginia Freedom of Information Act