Issue 101

Prince William County

In this issue I am highlighting four more County offices I recently visited as part of my Department Tours and Talks series. Being the second largest county in the Commonwealth, serving almost half a million residents is a significant undertaking. It has been inspiring to see first-hand the important contributions Prince William County agencies provide.

I will continue to share my visits with offices in coming issues. These visits are first and foremost a way for me to fully appreciate both the contributions to our community and challenges these departments face. They are also a way to tell you how the County operates and what it provides for its residents. Maybe along the way you'll find something new that could be of interest, or even helpful, to you or someone you know.

The Pretrial Supervision program is designed to aid the courts in the initial processing of defendants, reducing jail overcrowding, and upholding public safety by providing background information about defendants at court hearings, as well as maintaining supervision of defendants awaiting trial. Local Offender Probation Services provides short-term supervision and services primarily for post-adjudication misdemeanor offenders who are court-ordered into the program and given a deferred or suspended sentence pending successful participation. The Domestic Violence Program provides a wide variety of services and resources.

The Civil Division carries out the Office's statutory responsibility for the service of process and execution of writs from courts, government agencies and private attorneys in Virginia and throughout the United States. The Court Security staff is responsible for maintaining order and proper decorum in all courts, inmate transportation, courtroom security, and assisting the public. Its Senior Safe Program is free and assists in protecting seniors while they remain in their homes. A help button which is worn as a necklace, pendant, or a wristband connects them to the Sheriff's Office. Additionally, the Office is also involved with evictions and fingerprinting.

Although the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office assists the Circuit Court, it is also involved with deeds, land records, wills, and estates, as well as concealed handgun permits. The Clerk's office also provides marriage licenses and performs ceremonies as well as oversees jury duty. The Clerk of Circuit Court is a constitutional officer elected every eight years. Currently the 31st Judicial Circuit has six full-time judges.

The Commonwealth Attorney's office prosecutes criminal matters brought by the police, vigorously enforces the law, pursues the truth, communicates openly with community members, provides support to victims and witnesses of crimes, and works cooperatively with agency partners in law enforcement. Its Victim Witness Assistance Program was established in 1989 with the primary goal of assisting crime victims and their families throughout the criminal justice process, and to ensure that they receive fair and compassionate treatment.

For the second week in a row, community transmission and positivity rates have fallen. The Prince William Health District (PWHD) COVID-19 Dashboard below, posted on January 24, showed 915 new cases per 100K persons in the last seven days and a 24.9% positivity rate (on January 17 it was 1,469 new cases and 32.4% positivity rate (issue 100).

The legal action, representing over 350,000 students across the state, defends the right of school boards to enact policy at the local level, including policies that protect the health and wellbeing of all students and staff. A hearing has been set for 1:00 pm on February 2, in Arlington Circuit Court on the School Boards’ motion for temporary injunction asking the court to prevent the Governor from enforcing Executive Order No. 2.

The PWC Public Libraries was recognized by the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) as the 2021 Top Innovator in Wellness, Safety and Sustainability for its efforts to engage the community in programs and conversations that address the climate crisis. The Council awards one top innovator and one honorable mention in ten categories. PWC Public Libraries was the only Virginia library system to receive an award.

Innovative programs at the libraries include the Haymarket/Gainesville and Potomoc branches Climate Resilience Hub designation, which provides public education and support during extreme weather events. Pollinator gardens and composters have been built at five branches. To learn more about why our libraries won the award, check out the video below.