'Cops on the Block' Program Coming to Burke

Burke residents will have an opportunity to meet and mingle with Fairfax County police officers from the West Springfield District Station at two upcoming community events this summer through the station’s “Cops on the Block” program.

The purpose of the program is to give residents a chance to talk to officers “in a friendly, non-threatening or ‘emergency-related’ environment,” said Lucy Caldwell, spokesperson for the Fairfax County Police Department.

“It is a good idea for residents to meet and speak with officers at these events so they’ll learn more about their role in helping keep their communities’ safe. Police rely on the eyes and ears of the public for their help in noticing things that may seem out-of-place or suspicious; and the public can help police nip potential crime problems or trends in the bud; before they become larger, or more dangerous, public safety issues,” said Caldwell.

The events will be on Saturday, August 17 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Burke Lake Park and Saturday, September 7 from 10 a.m.  to 5 p.m. at the Burke Center Festival.

Previously, the station held two events in Annandale, one on May 18 at Ravensworth Baptist Church and the other on June 15 at the Audrey Moore RECenter.

Officers will be stationed at a resource booth to answer questions from residents or hear neighborhood concerns and pass along brochures and flyers with safety information. Police vehicles and equipment will also be on display for residents to check out. 

For more information, contact the West Springfield District Station at 703-644-7377 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/stations/westspringfield/.

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