Community Corner
How A Close‑Knit Police Force Builds Trust Through Everyday Service
"Officers often know locals by their first names, and vice versa," says Sgt. Jonathan Judge. "[And] our dispatch lobby is open 24/7."
First responders are a vital part of our communities, keeping us safe and playing an integral role in daily life. Patch and T-Mobile have partnered on a Ride-Along series to showcase the important work these departments and individuals do every day.
We had the opportunity to speak with Sgt. Jonathan Judge of the Fairfax Police Department to learn more about the department, life as a law enforcement officer and the impact of their work.
Can you tell us about the Fairfax Police Department?
Sgt. Judge: The Fairfax Police Department is proudly celebrating its 100th anniversary this year! Our department is very small. We currently have 10 full-time police officers, which includes the Chief of Police. We also currently have five full-time dispatchers that answer 911 and non-emergency calls not only for the citizens of Fairfax, but also for the citizens of the Town of Ross and the students/faculty at the College of Marin.
What does a typical day look like for a law enforcement officer in Fairfax?
Sgt. Judge: For police officers, every day is different, which makes the job so exciting and unlike other jobs. Day shift officers conduct daily traffic enforcement and foot patrols downtown and at other heavily frequented locations in the town and respond to a variety of calls for service throughout the day. A lot of our calls for service are community service-oriented, but we also respond to a lot of mental health-related calls, property crime calls, disturbance calls and other quality of life issue calls. Night shift officers can get very busy as a result of the busy nightlife and bar scene unique to Fairfax, as well as enforcing drunk driving.
What inspired you to get involved in law enforcement?
Sgt. Judge: My grandfather was a homicide detective sergeant in the NYPD Detectives Bureau. He was my hero and the greatest person I’ve ever known, so I aspired to be like him and became a police officer too. I also grew up surrounded by police officers in my community [who] were well respected and also great people. So, I thought the career would be honorable and fulfilling, which it has been.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Fairfax community?
Sgt. Judge: Because the town is small, there is a personal level of service that the officers are able to achieve with the citizens. Officers often know locals by their first names, and vice versa. Unlike all other Marin County police agencies, our dispatch lobby is open 24/7. So, you can come in and talk with someone in person at any time of the day, which is both rare in law enforcement and special.
What advice would you offer to someone considering becoming a first responder?
Sgt. Judge: I recommend someone interested in becoming a first responder live/maintain a healthy lifestyle, both physically and emotionally. The stress of being a first responder can often take its toll on the body and mind if you don’t take care of yourself and prioritize wellness. I would also recommend higher education. An AA Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree, or higher, can help someone further their career quickly and often increases pay as well.
More About the Fairfax Police Department
The Fairfax Police Department offers several services for members of the Fairfax community, including:
- Fingerprinting services, by appointment on select dates/times. Both LiveScan and Ink Fingerprinting are available at the department.
- The Security Camera Registration Program, a voluntary record of residential and/or business security cameras to assist in police investigations. Those interested may complete a registration form and send to the Fairfax Police Department via mail, email, fax or in-person.
- Public safety campaigns in collaboration with other county police agencies. These include “Avoid the 13,” a campaign against drunk driving, and the “Safe Routes to School” program.
For more information, visit the Town of Fairfax website.
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