Arlington County Sheriff’s Office Has New Chief Deputy

Published on February 02, 2023

ARLINGTON, Va. – County Sheriff Jose Quiroz selected Tara Johnson as his Chief Deputy within the Sheriff’s Office. She will be the first female Chief Deputy in Arlington’s history.

Chief Johnson was hired in August 2000 as a Deputy Sheriff after graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park. During her 22-year career, she has held many positions, including working in the detention center for 16 years as a Deputy Sheriff, then promoted to the ranks of Sergeant and later Lieutenant, being assigned to Alternative Programs and Pretrial, promoted to Captain as the Internal Affairs Commander, and lastly promoted to the rank of Major as the Director of Administration. 

“Chief Johnson shares the vision and caring for the Sheriff’s Office that I do, and I believe she will be an asset to the Sheriff’s Office in her new role,” said Sheriff Quiroz. 

As Director of Administration, Chief Johnson has played a critical role in the Budget Section over the past four years. Due to her broad experience, commitment to the agency and those incarcerated, she is a wealth of knowledge and asset to the Sheriff’s Office. 

“I have loved working for the Sheriff’s Office for the past 22 and half years and am humbled to be selected as Chief Deputy. Everyone asks, why I don’t work closer to home and the answer is easy, I work with great people. The staff of the Sheriff’s Office are some of the best out there and I am proud to be part of this team” said Chief Johnson.