Lee Plans for Mason District's Future

This is part two of our interview with Capt. Gun Lee, the new commander of the Mason District Station of the Fairfax County Police Department. Read part one .

Working in Mason District

In his early days, Lee said working in the community and his interaction with the residents was his favorite thing about the job. Now, he enjoys working with his fellow officers. “It’s so fascinating and humbling at times,” Lee said. “We have such a well-educated, well-trained mix of interesting employees in this agency. Sometimes it’s heartbreaking when it’s a family death or an officer gets injured, but there’s also triumph in story when an officer receives an award or you see someone who is struggling and gets promoted.”

As commander, Lee is determined to fight crime and do do what he can to use the tools at hand to help improve the community. Maintaining the low Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) numbers and continuing to reduce domestic violence are also among his list of short-term goals. Lee also wants to ensure the minority communities know what resources and services are available to them through FCPD.

“Since Captain Lee worked at Mason both as a patrol officer and commander, he understands the richly diverse community in the district, what the public expects from the police, and the challenges facing the district,” said Arnn, who now serves as commander of Patrol Bureau, Division II, which includes oversight of the McLean and Mason District Stations and the Youth Services Division.

Crime in Mason District

Though there’s been recent talk at CAC meetings about , Lee said activity in Mason District has been on the decline since 2008. Lee said the station wants to take an aggressive stand when it comes to gangs and work with School Resource Officers to educate and prevent kids from joining gangs.

“I just want to ensure that these young adults have clear mentors and someone they can look up to. That’s why I think it’s so important to reach out to middle and high school kids to let them know what a awful waste of a great opportunity for them to join gangs,” Lee said. Larcenies are the most prevalent in our area, but Lee said the crime prevention office at Mason District works to educate citizens on how not to be a victim.

Although he thinks the setting in Mason District has changed, he said it’s still crowded and the only thing that hasn’t changed is the traffic, which is the same as it ever was. 

Lee said the Mason District is one of the best in the county because of its diversity and culture.

“I’m learning every day the culture, the meaning, and different backgrounds of our citizens,” said Lee.

“I love it. I wouldn’t do anything else,” said Lee.