Police Department Publishes 2021 Annual Report
Published on June 13, 2022
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Police Department announces the publication of the 2021 Annual Report. The report showcases the accomplishments of the Department and its personnel throughout the year in support of our key initiatives of crime prevention and control, transportation safety and community engagement.
“It was, and continues to be, my greatest professional honor to be selected to serve as the Chief of Police and lead the dedicated men and women of the Arlington County Police Department,” said Chief Andy Penn. “2021 brought unique challenges as we continued to navigate the uncertainty of a global pandemic. Throughout the year, the sworn and civilian staff of ACPD remained resilient and rose to each new challenge while continuing to provide the highest quality police services. I am incredibly proud of the work they do each and every day in service to our community. I also recognize we are at our very best when working in collaboration with the community and appreciate all who engaged with us throughout the year to make us the very best we can be.”
The Annual Report is the official release of crime and crash statistics by the Department for the preceding year and provides an overview of multi-year trends in both categories. Year-end crime statistics are submitted to Virginia State Police in March, based upon the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) format. Investigative updates, as well as the re-classification of cases, can occur throughout the year, making the data dynamic as amendments are made. The most updated data, which may not be consistent with what is included in this report, is available on the Virginia State Police website.
The overall crime rate in Arlington County, reported as Group A Offenses, increased 4.8% in 2021 as compared to the previous year. The total number of offenses, as well as the violent crime rate (offenses per 100,000 persons) remains below the 2021 Virginia average, and below the most-recent FBI Uniform Crime Report.
NIBRS breaks down Group A Offenses by three categories: crimes against persons, crimes against property and crimes against society. Reported crimes against persons increased 24% in 2021 from 2020 totals with the primary drivers being increases in simple and aggravated assaults. Reported Crimes Against Property offenses increased 7.4%, compared to 2020 with the primary drivers being fraud and larceny offenses. Reported crimes against society decreased by 24% from 2020 totals. Group B Arrests increased slightly as compared to the previous year but remained within the standard range of five-year trends.
Annual Report Highlights
- Advancing the Officer Wellness Program to support employee physical and mental health
- Engaging the community in the future of policing in Arlington
- Recognizing officers for their response at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021
- Remembering those who were lost and a look at the department’s preparedness efforts on the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks
- Addressing the continuing opioid crisis through collaborative efforts focused on support, resources and education
- Ensuring safety for all road users through transportation safety initiatives and programs
- Establishing the Community Engagement Division to further ACPD’s commitment to working collaboratively with our diverse and inclusive community to ensure the safety of all who live, work and visit Arlington
- Reviewing Internal Affairs reports
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