Our Community in Fairfax County, Virginia

Community policing began less than a year ago in the Westlawn area.  In the past, police officers would often work in different areas of Mason District as needed.  Now, we have six patrol officers assigned to the same area each day and night.  This way, they are more familiar with the area they patrol, and there are better communications between the day, evening, and late-night shifts.

Residents of the Westlawn Civic Association live in part of Police Service Area 400.  In addition to the patrol officers, police investigators and crime analysts are also assigned to our service area.  Anyone can contact them with non-emergency issues by sending an e-mail to psa400@co.fairfax.va.us or calling Mason District Station at 703-256-8035.

Tractor trailers are not allowed on Route 50, and the police will ticket them if they see it.  If Westlawn residents observe a tractor trailer on Route 50, you should write down the name of the company on the truck, the date and time of day that you saw it, and if possible, the tag number.  Call the Fairfax County Police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131 or e-mail psa400@co.fairfax.va.us.

Loitering laws exist in Fairfax County.  The police are working with the Hispanic community to address the problem of day laborers hanging around sites like 7-11 stores in the morning.  Westlawn residents are not alone in being intimidated by these people when passing by them to enter and leave the stores, and parking can be difficult during these times.

It is against the law to park on the wrong side of the road.  It is a danger to both the drivers of the parked vehicles and oncoming traffic that is not expecting a vehicle to pull out from the right side of the road heading in the wrong direction.  Residents can contact the police and report this problem.  Police officers will stop sometimes if they see a parking violation, but often they are on their way to other calls and cannot stop.  (Westlawn residents should take heed and start parking on the right side of the road if you are not doing so already!)

Crime statistics in Westlawn are typical for Fairfax County in general.  When it comes to preventing car thefts, any deterrent is good.  It is a bad idea to leave valuables in cars or leave cars unattended with the keys in the ignition, even for a moment.  Get into the habit of locking your car and rolling the windows up, even when the car is parked in front of your house or on your driveway.