Who We Are
The Fairfax County Communities of Trust Committee (COTC) was established in December 2014. It resulted from concerns with unrest in Ferguson, Missouri after the killing of an unarmed Black youth. A meeting with the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Sharon Bulova, Police Chief Edwin Roessler, Fire Chief Bowers (retired), Sheriff Stacy Kincaid and Fairfax County NAACP President, Shirley Ginwright. The discussion centered around issues and concerns that initiated the unrest, which lead to riots and destruction of property. Ginwright posed the questions, ``what procedures are in place or needed to prevent a Ferguson in Fairfax County?`` The meeting resulted in the establishment of the COTC. Chairman Bulova appointed Ginwright as the committee chair. COTC membership consists of over 35 civic and faith groups, individuals and public safety agencies, to include the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the American Red Cross. Membership is open to anyone aligning with the mission of the organization.
Mission
- The Fairfax County Communities of Trust Committee (COTC) is a diverse citizen group focused on strengthening and building positive relationships between public safety agencies and the communities they serve.
Charter
- Identify ways for improving community policing
- Enhance youth and community engagement with our First Responders
- Improve all aspects of communications between residents and service providers
- Ensure viable and sustainable partnerships continue to make Fairfax County a safe place to live, work, play, and grow old.
Goals
- Identify community issues and recommendations to help resolve them.
- Strengthen community trust and public safety agencies relationships.
- Increase awareness of and access to existing programs.
- Create opportunities for new programs.
- Partner with other organizations and agencies in bringing programs into Fairfax County.