Mt. Vernon Station’s New Police Commander Meets With the Community
By Steve Hunt
Alexandria, VA – Residents of the Mount Vernon District had the opportunity on August 30 to meet and hear from the new commander of the Mount Vernon station, Captain Marc Mitchell, and ask questions at a welcome event at the Sherwood Regional Library.
Mount Vernon Supervisor Dan Storck introduced Mitchell, a 16-year veteran of FCPD, noting that he still considered him ”new,” although Mitchell had assumed command of the station nearly 60 days prior.
Storck commented that during those nearly two months “we’ve gotten to know each other a lot.” He noted that it was not Mitchell’s first assignment at the Mount Vernon station, where he served as a sergeant about a decade ago.
Mitchell, promoted to captain in July, has served in several capacities, including as the Police Liaison commander, assistant commander for the Reston District, and most recently as School Liaison commander. He completed the Leadership Fairfax program and attended George Mason University, where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in the administration of justice.
Mitchell is a founding member of the Fairfax County Communities of Trust, which has worked tirelessly to build trust between law enforcement and the community.
In addressing those gathered in the library’s community room, Mitchell told of how he developed a passion for pursuing a career in law enforcement. “I bought into that mission,” he said.
While attending college, he went on a ride-along with a Fairfax County police officer, which was a major factor in Mitchell’s decision to join FCPD and build his career here. He told of meeting the officer who took him on the ride-along after becoming an FCPD officer who commented to him, “You did it. You actually did it.”
During his tenure in FCPD, Mitchell has worked out of six of the eight police district stations in various capacities. He commented, “I jump around,” noting that all of those moves were “by choice,” in case anyone was wondering.
Coming from his previous assignment as school liaison officer working with the county’s 51 school resource officers, Mitchell said that what happened in the Uvalde, Texas, mass shooting, where officers delayed before entering the school, was unacceptable and “in Fairfax County, would absolutely not happen in that way,” and officers would respond to such a threat immediately.
Regarding his new mission as Mount Vernon commander, Mitchell said his priority is engaging with the community. “I want a real, sustainable relationship,” says Mitchell. “This is your police department; you should understand how we operate.” He promised that while this may be his first community meeting with Mount Vernon residents, it certainly won’t be his last, as citizens will have many more such opportunities. “You’re going to see me again.”
In announcing the promotion of Mitchell and the other officers in July, FCPD Chief Kevin Davis said, “Strong leaders who care about community and public safety can be few and far between, but these men and women of FCPD rise to the occasion every day.
“These promoted leaders are confidently taking on new roles, each with its unique challenges,” Davis stated. “Their innovative and cutting-edge policing strategies and ideas will continue to drive our police department to new heights.
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