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 Click on the underlined headings below to go directly to that section of the newsletter. Click on the 'Back to Table of Contents' link at the end of each section to return here.
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 Assaults
Assaults are a common source of calls for police service in Franconia District and throughout Fairfax County. Assaults include Simple Assault – the threat of force – and Assault and Battery – the actual use of force. They can range from relatively minor venting of anger to incidents with serious injury or property damage. In addition, Virginia Law considers the severity of assaults differently depending on the position of the victim (law enforcement, teacher, care giver, sports official, etc.); if racial, religious, ethnic, or other bias was involved; and if the victim is a family member.
Since it is possible for anyone to find themself involved in some way in an assault, here are some notes on how such incidents are handled by police.
- On arrival, the officer’s first efforts will be to stabilize the situation and prevent further harm. Often, the police presence alone is enough to restore calm. In other cases, force may be required to restrain participants.
- Next, the officer will attempt to determine what happened through observation, interviews and evidence collection. This may be quite difficult due to emotions, conflicting accounts, people having left the scene, etc.
- To make an arrest or issue a summons for assault and battery, an officer must either have witnessed the incident or have evidence that establishes “probable cause” to believe the offense was committed. In general, an officer must witness a simple assault to be able to make an arrest.
- If the responding officer does not make an arrest or issue a summons, the victim may pursue a warrant by going before a magistrate. The responding officer can explain the warrant process or the victim may later go to a police station to make a report and get warrant information.
Tips for those involved in assaults:
- Do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 for an incident in progress, especially if there is injury or a threat of injury.
- With due regard for personal safety, verbally attempt to calm the situation and have parties separate.
- Provide accurate statements. Try to observe and report as much detail as possible. If possible, obtain names or identifying information for witnesses, participants, and vehicles.
Remember that an assault can be reported to police after the fact using the non-emergency number (703-691-2131) or by going to a police station.
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 “Inside Franconia Station” is a monthly feature that highlights the units and skills that enable the station to perform its role in keeping Fairfax County safe. Previous issues have covered: Patrol, Neighborhood Patrol Unit, Shopping Center Unit, Selective Enforcement Team (SET). Parking Enforcement, Criminal Investigations Division, School Resource Officers. Auxiliary Police Officers, Volunteers in Police Service and Crime Prevention.
This month we cover:
Police Citizen Aides
When you enter the Franconia Governmental Center, the person behind the glass window greeting you is a Police Citizen Aide or PCA. PCAs are not police officers but civilian employees who handle "front desk" duties for the station.
The PCA assists people coming into or calling the station. They provide assistance in getting police services at the station or - if necessary - by providing direction to the appropriate resource. Community members looking for a police officer may be surprised to find there is none immediately available. Instead, officers are out on patrol or other duties. If an officer is needed, the PCA will call for one to come to the station.
In addition to managing the front desk, the PCA has a wide variety of other important roles. PCAs have electronic contact with patrol officers, the 9-1-1 call center, and with other agencies. They have access to records and law enforcement databases. An officer on patrol or away from the station can call the PCA about warrants, case records, and other information searches. Other PCA duties include monitoring station security systems, maintaining warrant files, distributing mail and handling a number of other tracking and record keeping processes. Importantly, the PCA provides continuity as officers rotate from one assignment to another and is often a source of "institutional memory" for the station.
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 PFC Ryan Yorkdale is the Franconia District Station Officer of the Month for his outstanding work ethic, proactive policing efforts, and dedication to his squad and community.
A prime example of his commitment occurred on July 3, 2025. While responding to a larceny call at a business on Richmond Highway in the Lorton area, PFC Yorkdale observed a subject matching the description provided by the caller. Recognizing the individual as a repeat offender in the district, PFC Yorkdale approached, prompting the suspect to flee on foot. Without hesitation, PFC Yorkdale initiated a foot pursuit during which he observed the suspect discard a backpack. Yorkdale quickly retrieved the backpack and pressed forward, ultimately catching and apprehending the suspect.
A subsequent search of the backpack revealed the stolen merchandise, marijuana packaged for distribution, and a Kimber 9mm handgun with its serial number obliterated. This case demonstrates the value of Yorkdale’s knowledge of district repeat offenders, his proactive patrol tactics, and his determination to remove dangerous individuals from the community.
He is known as an aggressive officer who not only covers his assigned area thoroughly but also supports his squadmates and consistently seeks out opportunities to address criminal activity in district hot spots.
PFC Yorkdale’s actions exemplify the qualities of a highly skilled and motivated patrol officer who uses his abilities daily to protect the public, deter crime, and hold offenders accountable. His performance reflects great credit upon himself, his squad, and the Franconia District Station.
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