Police Department Publishes 2022 Annual Report
Published on June 08, 2023
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Police Department announces the publication of the 2022 Annual Report. The report is an opportunity to reflect on the past year while highlighting the many achievements undertaken by Department personnel in support of our four key initiatives of Crime Prevention and Control, Transportation Safety, Community Engagement, and Employee Wellness.
“The significant accomplishments achieved throughout the year are a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Arlington County Police Department and I’m proud of all they do in service to the Arlington community,” said Chief Andy Penn. “As with many police departments across the country, police staffing continued to be a significant challenge facing our agency throughout 2022. Despite our lower staffing numbers, we remain fortunate to have incredibly professional personnel who continue to maintain public safety through active patrols and comprehensive follow-up investigations while working collaboratively within the community to build lasting relationships which are vital to public safety.”
2022 Crime Statistics Overview
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 (defined on page 18 of the Annual Report), increased 17.8% in 2022 as compared to the previous year. The total number of offenses (offenses per 100,000 persons) remains below the 2022 Virginia average. NIBRS breaks down Group A Offenses by three categories: crimes against persons, crimes against property and crimes against society. Reported crimes against persons increased 16.4% in 2022 from 2021 totals with the primary drivers being increases in simple and aggravated assaults. Reported Crimes Against Property offenses increased 23%, compared to 2021 with marked increases in motor vehicle thefts, larcenies, fraud and destruction of property offenses. Continuing a multi-year decline, reported crimes against society offenses decreased by 21.5%. The number of Group B Adult Arrests increased 5.4% as compared to last year, reflective of our commitment to thoroughly investigate criminal incidents and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. A detailed summary of annual crime statistics begins on page 18 of the Annual Report.
Annual Report Highlights
The 2022 Annual Report summarizes accomplishments in each of the Department’s key initiatives. Topics in the report include:
- Chief Penn Announces Deputy Chief Appointments
- Service Adjustments and Reallocation of Police Resources
- Recruiting the Next Generation of Police Officers
- Officer Safety and Wellness Highlights
- Donating Supplies to the Ukrainian First Responders
- Opioid Statistics and Program Overview
- Notable Criminal Investigations and Sentencings
- Fatal Crash Investigations
- Notable Legislative and Program Highlights
- Community Engagement Division Programs
- Expansion of the Community Police Academy
- Return of the Public Safety Block Party
- Internal Affairs Review
