In this second part of a three-part Policing TV series, Deputy Chief Brendan Hooke of Fairfax County Police Department explains how the department investigates major crime today and how technology is changing the speed and direction of serious investigations. From homicide, robbery and child exploitation to digital forensics, phone data and crime scene work, Brendan gives a detailed look inside the Major Crimes Bureau and the way its teams work together.

A major theme is the shift from simply solving crime to preventing the next offence. Brendan explains how Fairfax applies an “all hands on deck” approach to homicides and shootings, how domestic violence cases are treated as a key predictor of future serious harm, and why recruiting, retention, health and wellbeing all matter to operational performance. He also reflects on what Fairfax has learned from policing in the UK and what other jurisdictions might learn from Fairfax in return.

The conversation continues on 20th October, with Part Three exploring ‘why officers still need strong core skills even as AI begins to assist with report writing, case analysis and investigative work’. Be sure to tune in.

Key takeaways

• Fairfax County’s Major Crimes Bureau brings together violent crime, victim services, cyber, forensics and station-based detectives.
• Technology has dramatically increased the speed at which serious investigations can now be progressed.
• Phone data recently helped Fairfax identify and arrest a homicide suspect within 48 hours.
• Brendan says Fairfax has maintained a 100% homicide closure rate over the last two years.
• The department uses a team approach, with the wider organisation supporting homicide and shooting investigations.
• Fairfax increasingly focuses on preventing the next violent offence rather than only solving the one already committed.
• Domestic violence and strangulation are treated as major warning signs for future homicide risk.
• Recruitment, retention, fitness, wellbeing and wraparound staff support are all seen as essential to maintaining performance.

Chapters
00:31 – Inside Fairfax County’s Major Crimes Bureau
03:23 – What has changed most in serious crime investigation?
04:19 – How phone data helped solve a murder
06:13 – Learning from UK policing technology
07:42 – Why international learning must work both ways
09:02 – Fairfax’s 100% homicide closure rate
10:00 – Solving crime and preventing the next one
11:28 – Recruitment, retention and officer wellbeing
13:21 – What other police forces can learn from Fairfax

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