In this first part of a three-part Policing TV series, Deputy Chief Brendan Hooke of Fairfax County Police Department reflects on the experiences that shaped his policing career and explains why Fairfax County has become such a strong example of recruitment, retention and professional development in US policing. From family influences and his first steps into law enforcement to major crime investigations and public order policing, Brendan looks back on more than two decades of service.
The conversation also explores what makes Fairfax County different. Brendan discusses the benefits of working in a large, well-funded and highly professional police department, the value of specialist career pathways, and the importance of learning from both experienced detectives and international policing partners. He also reflects on the challenge of leading school liaison policing during a difficult period and how that experience strengthened his leadership skills.
The conversation continues on 6th October, with Part Two exploring ‘how Fairfax applies an “all hands on deck” approach to homicides and shootings’. Be sure to tune in.
Key takeaways
- Fairfax County Police Department is currently 100% staffed after previously being more than 200 sworn officers short.
- Brendan Hooke says strong recruitment, onboarding and retention have helped the department buck a wider US policing trend.
- Family role models in law enforcement played a major part in inspiring Brendan to join policing.
- Fairfax County’s size, funding and range of specialist units give officers strong opportunities to develop throughout their careers.
- Brendan’s favourite early assignment was as a detective in what is now the Major Crimes Bureau.
- He learned conventional investigative skills from experienced detectives while sharing his own knowledge of emerging digital forensics.
- International learning from the UK, Germany and Spain helped shape Fairfax County’s public order policing approach.
- A challenging school liaison leadership role ultimately helped Brendan develop stronger communication and leadership skills.
Chapters
00:34 – Meet Deputy Chief Brendan Hooke
01:14 – How Fairfax reached 100% staffing
02:36 – Why Brendan chose a career in policing
04:38 – The recruitment experience that stood out
05:39 – What makes Fairfax County different?
10:21 – Learning from major crime detectives
11:10 – Combining digital forensics with detective work
12:03 – How public order policing evolved
13:20 – The assignment that challenged him most
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