ACPD Hosts 6th Annual Pride with the Police Event

Published on June 11, 2026

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ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD), including members of the Community Engagement Division (CED) and the LGBTQ+ Liaison Team, are proud to host the 6th annual Pride with the Police event at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. In honor of Pride Month, join Arlington County police officers, firefighters, sheriff’s deputies and emergency management personnel at this informal opportunity to celebrate the vibrant LGBTQ+ community that makes Arlington shine! Friends and neighbors are all welcome to enjoy light refreshments, participate in LGBTQ+ bingo, discuss public safety concerns and connect in a welcoming and inclusive space—no speeches or agendas!

Members of the Arlington LGBTQ+ community and beyond are invited to attend Pride with the Police to celebrate the progression of trust and understanding between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community while reaffirming our commitment to working in partnership with the community to enhance safety, mutual respect and equality. Through the development of strong partnerships, Arlington County police officers work each day to reduce incidence of crime and improve the overall quality of life in Arlington by making it a place where all people can live safely and without fear.

The 6th annual Pride with the Police event will take place on:
-Thursday, June 25, 2026
-5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
-Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant, located at 555 23rd Street S.

Participating Agencies
-The Arlington County Police Department
-The Arlington County Fire Department
-The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office
-Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management
-Arlington Addiction Recovery Initiative
-Doorways
-PathForward

Celebrating 20 Years of ACPD’s LGBTQ+ Liaison Team
This year marks 20 years of ACPD’s LGBTQ+ Liaison Team serving as a bridge between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Since its creation in 2006, the team has worked to foster trust, promote inclusivity and strengthen relationships through advocacy, outreach, education and support. For two decades, ACPD LGBTQ+ Liaison Team officers and allies have remained committed to ensuring all community members feel seen, heard and supported. Through partnerships with local organizations, participation in community events and continued efforts to provide resources and support, the team has helped create meaningful connections across Arlington County. Additionally, the team plays an integral role in ensuring inclusivity and representation continues within the department. As the team celebrates this milestone anniversary, we reflect on the progress made and the ongoing commitment to building a safer community for everyone. Contact our LGBTQ+ Liaison Team at ACPDLGBTQ@arlingtonva.us.

Arlington Recognized for LGBTQ+ Protections
Arlington received national recognition again from the Human Rights Campaign for its high standards of inclusiveness and protections of LGBTQ+ community members in 2025. Arlington scored 100 points out of 100 on the 14th annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI) for its laws barring discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on sexual orientation, for providing LGBTQ+ protections and transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits for County employees and for its leadership on equality and commitment to ensuring LGBTQ+ constituents are included in service programs. Arlington earned top scores for its law enforcement efforts, including the reporting of hate crimes and engaging with LGBTQ+ communities in a thoughtful and respectful way. ACPD also earned high remarks for including a LGBTQ+ Liaison Team as part of our ongoing commitment to community policing, a philosophy and practice that seeks to involve everyone in the safety and welfare of our community.

About the Community Engagement Division
Officers assigned to ACPD’s Community Engagement Division (CED) are focused on building and maintaining partnerships through proactive engagement with the youth, business and residential communities within Arlington to improve communication and address public safety concerns. Outreach events and opportunities are led by the division throughout the year to ensure key stakeholders within the community are heard and that they have a collaborative relationship with the men and women who serve them.

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