Arlington Police Department: Services, News & Contact
The Arlington Police Department works hard to keep the city safe. They focus on protecting life, peace, and property. With a budget for 33 officers, they aim to offer top-notch law enforcement services.
Department is State Accredited, showing their commitment to excellence. They have 5 civilian staff members and use 911 call services. This approach boosts efficiency and builds trust with the community, based on integrity and professionalism.
History and Evolution of Arlington Police Department
The Arlington Police Department has a rich history spanning over a century. It started small and has grown into a state-accredited agency. The department has always focused on serving and protecting the community.
Its journey is filled with significant events. These include its establishment, growth, and modernization. This evolution shows the department’s commitment to community policing.
Over the years, the department has grown from a small force to a professional agency. It now focuses on community engagement. Notable milestones include the first police substation in 1973 and a new radio system in 1971.
Origins and Establishment
The department was formed to meet the community’s growing needs. Its first location was a small white building on Pecan Street. In the early days, the police force grew to five officers on Derby Day to handle crowds at Arlington Downs.
Growth Through the Decades
The department’s growth was steady, with big developments in the 1970s. It moved to a new facility at 401 W. Main Street in 1954. Later, it moved to 717 W. Main in 1964. By 1972, it had 31 modern patrol cars.
Modern Force Development
Today, the Arlington Police Department is a modern force with a strong focus on community policing. It has four substations, including the main station opened in 1989. The department’s annual budget is over $80 million, supporting over 780 positions.
The department’s commitment to community policing is clear. It runs various outreach programs and initiatives. This shows its dedication to serving and protecting the community.
| Year | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1923 | Department location | East side of South Center Street |
| 1954 | Department moved to new facility | 401 W. Main Street |
| 1964 | Department moved to new station | 717 W. Main |
| 1989 | Department moved to Ott Cribbs Public Safety Center | 620 W. Division Street |
Police Headquarters and District Stations
The Arlington Police Department runs from a modern police headquarters. It’s the main place for all law enforcement work. The building has the latest technology and tools to help the department do its job well.
There are also several district stations across the city. These places help the police get to emergencies fast and talk to the community. The headquarters and stations have a team ready to keep everyone safe. They handle 911 calls, dispatch, and court services.
Some important things about the police headquarters and stations are:
- State-of-the-art technology and equipment
- Strategic locations throughout the city
- Team of dedicated officers and civilian staff
- Range of services, including 911 call answering and municipal court services
Police headquarters and stations are key to keeping the community safe. They help the police respond fast to emergencies. This is vital for the department’s work.
Department Structure and Operations
The Arlington Police Department is well-organized to support its mission. Its command staff oversees law enforcement operations. This includes patrol divisions, specialized units, and administrative tasks. This structure helps the department serve the community effectively and efficiently.
The command staff has a Community Engagement Division and a Criminal Investigations Division. Both are led by Deputy Chiefs. These divisions have units like the Community Outreach Unit and the Digital Forensics Unit. The team of dedicated officers ensures law enforcement operations are carried out well.
Key Divisions and Units
- Operations Division, including Patrol Sections and a Tactical Operations Section
- Systems Management Division, focusing on Human Resources Management and employee wellness development
- Homeland Security Section, tasked with activities such as crime analysis and organized crime operations
Arlington Police Department’s structure focuses on public safety. It emphasizes community engagement, specialized units, and effective law enforcement. The command staff is key in overseeing these efforts, ensuring top service to the community.
Community Outreach Programs
The Arlington Police Department works hard to connect with the community. It does this through outreach programs. These programs help solve public safety issues and make life better for everyone.
They believe in teamwork to achieve these goals. This means working closely with the community.
Some of the community outreach programs include:
- Neighborhood watch programs to prevent crime and improve community safety
- Business district safety initiatives to support local businesses and reduce crime
- School resource officer programs to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for students
These programs show the department’s strong commitment to outreach and safety. By working with the community, they can understand and meet the needs of citizens better.
For instance, the department has made 111 arrests for trespassing, parking, camping, and more. This is to make the community safer and better. In Smokey Point, Arlington, homelessness and substance addiction have improved thanks to Officer Ken Thomas and Social Worker Calei Vaughn. Their work shows the department’s dedication to outreach and safety.
| Program | Description | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Neighborhood Watch | Community-led crime prevention program | Improve community safety |
| Business District Safety | Partnership with local businesses to reduce crime | Support local businesses and reduce crime |
| School Resource Officer | Provide a safe and supportive learning environment | Support student safety and well-being |
Crime Prevention Initiatives
Arlington Police Department works hard to stop crime and make our community safer. They have a neighborhood watch program. This program teams up police with community members to fight and solve crimes.
They also focus on keeping the business district safe. They teach business owners how to prevent crimes and improve safety. This includes patrolling and talking to the community to keep everyone safe.
Community Partnerships
The department is part of many crime prevention programs. These programs help educate and inform the community. Some examples are:
- National Night Out (NNO), an annual event to build police-community partnerships
- Dog Walker Watch (DWW), a program that encourages community members to help prevent crime
- Community Watch Groups, which encourage citizens to help spot and prevent crime early
Teaming up with the community, the Arlington Police Department wants to lower crime rates. They do this through active patrols and thorough investigations. Their goal is to make Arlington a better place through crime prevention, neighborhood watch, and business district safety.
Emergency Response Protocols
The Arlington Police Department has set up emergency response plans to keep the public safe. These plans help them respond quickly to emergencies like natural disasters, accidents, and crimes. Their main goal is to protect lives, using various strategies and techniques.
Some important strategies include:
- Creating a safe area around the incident
- Clearing areas using floor to floor, block by block, and sector methods
- Informing people through the Everbridge Alerting System, Emergency Subscriber Listing, and loudspeakers
Department also has extra help for evacuating people with special needs. They use EMS Medic Units, the Red Cross, and buses with wheelchair lifts. The Arlington Police Department’s team is ready to keep the community safe and secure.
| Emergency Response Protocol | Description |
|---|---|
| Emergency Evacuation | Protection of life during emergency situations |
| Perimeter Establishment | Establishing a secure perimeter around the incident scene |
| Search and Evacuation | Clearing areas using techniques such as floor to floor, by block, and by sectors |
Training and Professional Standards
The Arlington Police Department focuses on top-notch police training and follows strict professional standards. This ensures officers can serve the community well. The department’s dedication to law enforcement certification shows in its tough training and ongoing learning chances.
Key parts of the department’s training and standards include:
- Recruit training program, giving new officers in-depth training in law enforcement practices and procedures
- Ongoing professional development, helping officers improve their skills and knowledge in crisis management and de-escalation techniques
- Certification requirements, making sure officers meet the highest standards of professionalism and competence
Arlington Police Department has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) for over 30 years. This shows its commitment to following the best practices and community-oriented policing. The department’s training focuses on using objective reasonableness, clearly saying commands, and stopping excessive force.
| Training Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) | Officers learn de-escalation techniques and crisis management, aiming for 100% agency participation in CIT |
| Use of Force Policies | Policies are checked and updated often to meet Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC) rules |
Focusing on police training and professional standards, the Arlington Police Department shows its dedication to serving the community well. It upholds the highest standards of law enforcement certification.
Public Safety Technology
The Arlington Police Department uses the latest technology to serve the community well. They have a program called “Connect Arlington” that links surveillance systems with the police. This lets the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) quickly find nearby addresses during emergencies.
Some key features of the Connect Arlington program include:
- Voluntary participation for individuals and businesses
- Option for businesses to purchase a Fusus core device for integration
- Control over which specific cameras share live feeds with RTCC
- Increased community engagement and chances of apprehending suspects
Department also uses FirstNet for body-worn and in-car cameras. FirstNet has a special spectrum called Band 14. It ensures communication stays strong during emergencies. This technology helps the Arlington Police Department respond faster and safer, showing their dedication to public safety.
Arlington Police Department Badge and Uniform
The Arlington Police Department’s badge and uniform show the department’s professionalism and dedication to safety. The badge is a symbol of the officer’s authority and pride. It’s a key part of the uniform, designed for both function and professionalism.
Uniform includes hats, shirts, and pants, with the badge as a central piece. All sworn officers wear the uniform for patrol, traffic, and emergencies. The standard uniform includes a badge, nametag, ballistic vest, and duty gear. Law enforcement symbols, like the badge, help identify officers and show professionalism.
Uniform Components
The uniform has several key parts:
- Badge and nametag
- Ballistic vest
- Duty gear
- Navy blue uniform shirts with ACPD shoulder patches
- Dark navy-blue trousers
- Solid black shoes or boots
Badge Significance
The police badge is a symbol of authority and responsibility. It’s worn with pride by all officers. The badge is a key part of the uniform, used to identify officers and show professionalism.
Law enforcement symbols, like the badge, help build trust and respect between the department and the community.
| Uniform Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Badge | Symbol of the officer’s authority and responsibility |
| Uniform Shirt | Navy blue with ACPD shoulder patches |
| Trousers | Dark navy-blue |
| Shoes | Solid black |
Citizens Police Academy
The Arlington Police Department’s citizens police academy is a special chance for community members to learn about law enforcement. This 10-week program gives a deep dive into law enforcement, covering topics like crime prevention and emergency response. It also focuses on community policing.
This academy aims to strengthen bonds between police and the community. It helps community members understand the police department’s role and duties. The program touches on various subjects, including recruitment and mental health interventions.
Some key features of the citizens police academy include: * A 10-week program with weekly classes on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. * An immersive off-site Experience Day at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy in Ashburn, Virginia * Simulation call-for-service scenarios conducted by officers from various units within the department * A criminal history check will be conducted on each applicant, with prior arrests/convictions reviewed on a case-by-case basis
Joining the citizens police academy, community members can learn more about law enforcement and community policing. They can also build a stronger connection with the Arlington Police Department. This program shows the department’s dedication to community policing and education.
| Program Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Program Length | 10 weeks |
| Class Schedule | Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. |
| Experience Day | Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy |
Department Awards and Recognition
The Arlington Police Department values its officers and community members. It gives out police awards and law enforcement recognition. This shows the department’s appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
The department also honors community service. This program is key to building strong community ties. It promotes a culture of service and excellence.
Department has won many awards. These include the Initial Accreditation from the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission. They also got top honors in the 2019 Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge Awards.
They received the 2019 Governor’s Transportation Safety Award for Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety. Plus, the WRAPPY Law Enforcement Award for reducing DUIs.
| Award | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Accreditation | 2019 | Recognizes compliance with over 500 proofs of standards |
| Virginia Law Enforcement Challenge Awards | 2019 | Top honors in the Municipal 5: 301-600 Officers Category |
| Governor’s Transportation Safety Award | 2019 | Recognizes collaborative safety efforts among multiple agencies |
These awards show the department’s commitment to excellence. They also show their dedication to serving the community. The Arlington Police Department will keep striving for excellence. They will continue to honor the achievements of their officers and community members.
Wrap-Up Summary
The Arlington Police Department has served the city for over 120 years. It has grown and changed to meet the community’s needs. Starting small, it now plays a key role in keeping the city safe.
The department focuses on new safety methods and technology. It also works closely with the community. This has made it a respected force in law enforcement.
Looking to the future, the department plans to keep improving. It aims to make the city even safer. By focusing on staffing, equipment, and community ties, it wants to stay a leader in law enforcement.
Frequent Questions
What is the mission of the Arlington Police Department?
The Arlington Police Department aims to keep life safe, maintain peace, and protect property.
What are the core values of the Arlington Police Department?
The department values integrity, professionalism, innovation, respect, and teamwork.
How is the Arlington Police Department structured?
It has a command staff, specialized units, and patrol divisions.
What kind of community outreach programs does the Arlington Police Department offer?
It has programs like neighborhood watches, business safety, and school officers.
How does the Arlington Police Department use technology to support its operations?
It uses tech like 911 services, dispatch systems, and more for emergency and law enforcement needs.
What is the significance of the Arlington Police Department’s badge and uniform?
They symbolize the department’s professionalism and dedication to safety.
What is the Citizens Police Academy?
It’s a chance for people to learn about law enforcement and safety.
How does the Arlington Police Department recognize the achievements of its officers and community members?
It has awards for brave officers and community contributions to safety and well-being.
