The Fairfax County Police Department bucked a national trend by welcoming one of the largest recruit classes in its history.
A total of 59 new recruits last week began their journey toward becoming a county police officer by beginning training at the county’s Criminal Justice Academy.
The academy lasts 25 weeks and includes basic instruction in the procedures, techniques and principles of law enforcement, incident-report writing, criminal law, traffic enforcement and first aid.
According to the department, 22 percent of the recruits are women; more than two-third have earned a higher-education degree; and more than 35 percent are fluent in multiple languages. Just under a quarter have served in the military, and nearly 40 percent currently are residents of Fairfax County.
