COVID-19 has changed the lives of many, from the way we interact with people, how we work, socialize, communicate and support each other. Many have been unable to work, leaving them in a situation that has brought stress and hardship. It is during this time we look to our local food pantries to assist. Those…

Understanding cultures and histories are important in building trust and relationships. COTC held its first tour of the African American Museum to understand and learn some of the history. As a member who grew up and participated in the Civil Rights Movement, I was able to share more insight into some of the exhibits. Although…

April is going to be a busy month for the Communities of Trust. Last year we held our first “Public Safety Career Day” at Saratoga Elementary School. This was a great, fun day for the students and teachers. In April we will be hosted by Hayfield and Sandborn Secondary Schools for another day of education…

The Communities of Trust Committee (COTC) was established five years ago, December 2014.   We have done a lot to enhance relationships between our public safety departments, agencies and the communities they serve.  The committee grown from five participating organizations and citizens to over 30.  Each year, we brief our county executives on the previous year…

In August 2014, the Fairfax County Police Department and the Fairfax County Public School signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the roles and responsibilities of the School Resource Officers (SRO).  School Resource Officers are active Fairfax County Police Officers assigned to middle and high schools, within the county.  SROs were assigned to schools, after the…

COTC chair, Shirley Ginwright, chaired an Ad Hoc Committee to review the Resource Officer (SRO)Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).  A SRO is a sworn Fairfax County Police officer assigned to a middle or high school, to assist school administrators in maintaining safety, within their assigned school. The MOU between the Fairfax County Police Department and the…

Franconia District Police Officers met at the Witts-End Barber Shop, in Lorton, VA, for the first “Shop Talk.”  Customers engaged in conversations about sports, politics, criminal justice reform and community policing.  This was the first of many “Shop Talk” events planned in communities around the county.  In addition to great conversations, refreshments were served.  Many…

The outpour of support for the annual toy drives and distribution was overwhelming.  Lead by Battalion Fire Chief Willie Bailey, the Firefighter and Friends Foundation, was instrumental in providing toys to many children.  The volunteers and the amount of toys far exceeded the number from 2016.  There is nothing better than seeing the smiles and…

The weather wasn’t the greatest but many came out to speak with those organizations looking for employees.  Many thanks to Rev. Carl White of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Gum Springs, VA, his staff who provided the venue for this event.  This would not have been possible without the foresight of Ms. Mattie Palmore, who wanted to…