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Police Department

Dedicated to the Community

The Arlington County Police Department wants those we serve to have pride knowing that its police department is providing professional law enforcement services that reflect the values of our community. As the men and women of this agency work to ensure public safety, they are guided by the department's key initiatives of Crime Prevention and Control, Transportation Safety, Community Engagement and Employee Wellness. Officers proactively patrol our neighborhoods to identify and prevent crime, use a two-pronged approach of education and enforcement to ensure the safety of all travelers on our roadways and work collaboratively with our community to build strong partnerships which are vital to public safety. We are committed to effectively communicating to ensure the public’s trust while being transparent and accountable with the Arlington community.

Learn more about our commitment to the community

Crime Prevention and Control

Crime Prevention and Control
Officers and detectives work to improve the overall quality of life in Arlington through crime prevention and reduction measures. In addition to active patrols throughout the County and comprehensive follow-up investigations, the Department participates in numerous crime prevention programs and develops unique initiatives to educate and inform the community.
Crime Prevention and Safety Programs

Community Engagement

IMG_3863.resize.JPG Our Community Engagement Philosophy
The Department is committed to working collaboratively with our diverse and inclusive community to ensure the safety of all who live, work, and visit Arlington County. Officers work to build and maintain partnerships with the youth, business, and residential communities to improve communication and address public safety concerns.

Community Engagement

Transportation Safety

Transportation Safety
Ensuring the safety of all travelers while maintaining the safe and orderly flow of traffic is a top priority of the Department. We use a two-pronged approach to improving transportation safety – education and enforcement – and work collaboratively with other County agencies and community members to address areas of concern.

Transportation Safety Programs and Information

Employee Wellness

Employee Wellness & Safety
In 2021, Chief Penn reaffirmed the department's commitment to employee physical and mental health by establishing Employee Wellness and Safety as a fourth key initiative. The department continues to strengthen its commitment to ensuring staff have access to the wellness resources they need to succeed in their jobs.

Employee Wellness & Safety

Chief Penn

Photo of Chief Penn in Uniform Meet Chief Penn
Chief Andy Penn was appointed as the 8th leader of the Arlington County Police Department on June 4, 2021. He began his career as an Arlington patrol officer in 1992 and has over 30 years of experience providing professional law enforcement services to our community. As Chief, he has overseen a number of programs and initiatives in support of 21st century policing strategies, reaffirmed our commitment to employee physical and mental health and held engagement sessions to ensure we are providing law enforcement services that reflect the values of our community. Chief Penn strongly believes the department is at our best when we are working collaboratively with those we serve. He takes great pride in the relationships we’ve built throughout Arlington and our officers continue to work to build community trust with each and every interaction.

Chief Penn's Full Biography

Police News & Crime Reports

Join Our Team

Officers serve with duty, honor and commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.

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Arlington Addiction Recovery Initiative

The Arlington Addiction Recovery Initiative's (AARI) primary goals are to prevent substance use disorder, increase access & awareness of resources in our community, and decrease access to opioids. Learn more here.

Immigration Resources

The role of Arlington County law enforcement is to keep our community safe, not to enforce federal immigration laws. The Arlington County Police will continue to work with residents, civic associations and others to maintain strong relationships vital to public safety. Learn more about the County’s enforcement policies.

Service Changes and Reallocation of Resources

ACPD has experienced a significant reduction in our workforce due to attrition, retirements and officers seeking other opportunities. While our department’s commitment to providing professional law enforcement services has not changed, this significant reduction in officers severely impacts our ability to deliver the amount of services we have traditionally provided to the Arlington community.