Crime & Safety

McLean Police Officer of the Year Honored

Citizen Advisory Committee picks outstanding officer

McLean District Police Commander Capt. Steve Thompson says,  "For years, Police Officer First Class Richard Bistline has exemplified the term “outstanding police officer.” 

"He has routinely made an above average number of quality criminal and traffic arrests, driving while intoxicated arrests, conducted several extensive criminal investigations, and handled countless calls for service in a diligent and professional manner.  In addition to this,  PFC Bistline has proven to be a leader amongst his peers," Capt. Thompson said.

That kind of praise helped the McLean Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC)  to the police department select Officer Bistline as its the Police Officer of The Year.  He will be honored Wednesday evening  by the CAC at its  dinner honoring the Police Officer Of the Year.

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Officer Bistline  been an officer for 11 years. It's unclear how long he's been assigned to the McLean station.

Why the neighbors should care:  Officer Bistline is one of 132 sworn officers assigned to the McLean District who protect us. They commute here from other parts of Fairfax but also from as far away as West Virginia to keep us safe.

Find out what's happening in McLeanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In one domestic-violence case, his ability to establish a rapport with the victim and his attention to detail led to the discovery and preservation of evidence which would later help identify the suspect and solve the case,  the CAC said in a statement written by  vice-chair Bill Speicher.

PFC Bistline participated in several McLean District Station and FCPD-sponsored traffic safety initiatives.  During the Safe June, Smooth Operator and Safe December campaigns he was a top producer among his squad and for the station.  On one particular holiday night he made two DWI arrests, which is a very exceptional accomplishment, according to Speicher.

On numerous occasions, PFC Bistline arrived at the scene of important events prior to any supervisors.  He immediately assumed responsibility for coordinating responders and deploying other officers.  His quick actions and leadership resulted in the prompt delivery and assignment of resources needed to successfully resolve these situations.

"Officer Bistline is an outstanding officer assigned to the McLean District Station," said Bill Trapp CAC chair. "PFC Bistline has demonstrated on numerous occasions his leadership and dedication to duty."

Capt. Thompson: "In addition to his hard work as a patrol officer, he is a leader among his peers.  He took on the role of training coordinator for the squad and on countless occasions has mentored newer officers to help them better understand police procedures and protocol. He is a diligent, highly-dedicated professional with an exceptionally-strong work ethic.  PFC Bistline is a credit to the FCPD and to the community he serves."

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Background information on the Citizen Advisory Committee. They welcome new members. They meet every third Thursday at the police station at 1437 Balls Hill Road.

In 1979 the FCPD established a program to enhance its ability to communicate with, and better serve, the community writ large.  This plan became the Citizen Advisory Committee program ~ a cadre of groups comprised of citizens representing a cross-section of residents, neighborhoods and businesses throughout Fairfax County.

 Each of the eight Police District Stations has formed a CAC to work closely with the Station Commander on issues affecting police services in that community.  Today, over three decades later, these committees are still very active and engaged in police activities.

 The cooperation and open communication resulting from the CACs is a model success story in helping tailor law enforcement work to the people whom the Department serves.  Each CAC meets monthly and the meetings are always open to the public.  These meetings:

  •  Provide a forum for obtaining citizen opinion about the delivery of police services;
  • Identify specific and potential problem areas concerning police service delivery;
  • Provide an opportunity to discuss police policy, procedures and resources to increase the public’s knowledge of law enforcement activities; and
  • Provide a structure for more formal understanding and cooperation between citizens and the police.

The CAC offers a substantive way for citizens from all walks of life to raise matters of concern, and to make a public safety contribution to their community and the police department.  Participants are free to raise any topics (for example ~ business security, DUI arrests, gang crime, neighborhood safety, officer courtesy, organized crime, response time, road rage, traffic congestion, victim services, white collar crime and so forth) in which law enforcement plays a role.

 

 


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