FAIRFAX, Va. — Fairfax County may not have the drastic number of crimes compared to other jurisdictions in the DMV, but top officials say they could do a better job enhancing the system to keep felons from possessing guns.
The Fairfax County Police Department and the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office announced Operation Press Check, a new collaboration between both agencies to address gun crimes by assigning veteran detectives and prosecutors with expertise on firearm-related cases to work together early on.
Officials say by tackling the issue of felons in possession (FIP) of a gun, they hope to share data on matters that might be gaps in the law when it comes to ghost guns, serial numbers scratched off, and extended magazines.
“Not just because they’re doing better at what’s already done, but because they have the skills and capabilities to go and do other things that can lead to bigger cases and bigger issues down the line,” Descano said. “There are actually a number of very specific things that need to be proven to get a conviction in that case and those are the type of things that need to be investigated.”
Data showed FCPD seized 1,192 firearms in 2023.
Out of the 17 homicides in the county last year, 13 of them involved guns. Detectives said most cases involving a firearm are being used in violent crimes.
Chief Kevin Davis said by approaching investigations and follow-ups in a “more laser focused way in the front end,” the county strengthens the cases.
“By having better prepared cases and stronger prosecutions inside of a courtroom and greater consequences, we reduce the likelihood that these offenders who have proven themselves worthy of being prohibited from carrying a firearm will use guns to settle disputes,” Davis told WUSA9.
Meanwhile, the group Virginians for Safer Communities questioned the effectiveness of bringing more convictions under the operation since the Commonwealth already has tough penalties for felons in possession of a firearm, accusing Descano once again of failing to prosecute criminals.
The commonwealth’s attorney’s office said in 2023, there were 67 cases of felons in possession of a gun. The breakdown of the numbers shows 18 had convictions or became federal charges, 11 were dismissed and 38 are pending.
In 2022, out of the 80 FIP cases, there were 35 cases with convictions or federally upgraded, 32 were dismissed and 13 are pending.
A spokesperson for Descano said there is a variety of examples on why cases are dismissed including evidentiary or witness issues that prevent cases from moving forward, the defendant died, or the original charge was brought incorrectly, and the defendant doesn’t actually have a prior felony in Virginia.
“This not so much a reaction to previous cases,” Descano added during the press conference. “What this is a collaboration between me and the chief and our agencies of how we could do better.”
The prosecution will create a whole new unit with assigned prosecutors while FCPD plans to assign eight detectives and two supervisors to the operation.