The Fairfax County Police Department announced on Apr. 15 its continued focus on the Pre-Academy Recruit Program (PARS), a year-round initiative designed to prepare new hires for the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy and address ongoing staffing needs.
The program is intended to help the department recruit and retain qualified officers, ensuring that new recruits are well-prepared for their roles in law enforcement. FCPD currently maintains a vacancy rate of just 3 percent, which is low compared to other agencies in the region. The department reports record applicant numbers in recent years, reaching levels not seen since 2017.
PARS allows newly hired recruits to begin working as full employees immediately, receiving salary and benefits while they participate in structured training before entering the academy. The program covers professional development areas such as department orientation, wellness and resilience seminars, communication skills training, operational exposure through ride-alongs and community engagement events, physical conditioning programs, and experiential learning opportunities across different units within FCPD.
Participants come from various backgrounds including recent college graduates, individuals transitioning from other careers or military service members moving into civilian life. The program evolves with each session by incorporating participant feedback and data-driven improvements.
Hiring for FCCJA Session 93 is underway with candidates able to join PARS immediately without waiting between hiring cycles. The department says this approach helps build a strong foundation for long-term success in public safety careers.
