Police Officer
About the job
- Completed at least 60 semester hours, or 90 quarter hours, of coursework at an accredited college or university; some exceptions as detailed below.
- Applicants must be at least 20 years and 6 months of age at time of application.
- Other additional and special minimum requirements may apply.
- Substitution to the educational requirement: Prior law enforcement experience - One year post law enforcement academy experience as a full time sworn law enforcement officer with a recognized local, state or federal law enforcement agency.
- Substitution to the educational requirement: Prior military experience -- Two years of full time, continuous active duty experience with the United States Military and have, or are eligible to receive, an 'honorable discharge'.
- Substitution to the educational requirement: Prior or current military experience – Four years of continuous service in the National Guard or Reserves or participation in a designated military campaign or service in a combat zone, as evidenced by receipt of a campaign or expeditionary medal, and have, or are eligible to receive, an 'honorable discharge.'
- Substitution to the educational requirement: Participation in Arlington County’s Police Cadet program – Completed at least one year in the Cadet program and obtained at least thirty credit hours (or equivalent) at an accredited college or university.
- Special Requirements include: Selection Process with stages: Screening for minimum qualifications; Written examination; Character/background investigation including polygraph examination, photographing and fingerprinting; Panel interview; Stress test / Chest X-ray; Psychological evaluation; Drug testing; and Medical examination.
- Education Substitution note: To be eligible for promotion to Sergeant or above, officer must complete 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of college work at an accredited college or university, regardless of prior experience.
- Respond to both emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
- Conduct preliminary criminal investigations.
- Participate in special event planning.
- Patrol, special and tactical operations, community engagement, investigations, training, and recruitment activities as part of the role.
- Collaborate with other regional, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
- Work a 15-day fixed shift as a patrol officer, with two weekends off per month.
- Patrol officers work the equivalent of a 37.5 hour work week with 4 and 5 days off at a time.
About the company
Arlington County is a local government in Northern Virginia that provides public services to residents. It runs programs and infrastructure for public safety, parks and recreation, transportation, and other municipal needs, funded primarily through local taxes such as meals, food, and beverage taxes. The county delivers services through its government operations to maintain safety, mobility, parks, and community amenities for a diverse urban population. Its unique position across the Potomac from Washington, D.C., and its mix of government and private-sector employment shape its economy and policy. Goal: to efficiently deliver municipal services, maintain infrastructure, ensure public safety, and support residents’ quality of life through stable funding and responsible governance.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Arlington, Virginia
Founded
N/A
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Q2 2026 National Landing office vacancy fell to 22.8%, below county's 23.5%.
- County approved a $500,000 digital equity grant round on May 18, 2026.
- The Board ordered Flock removal on September 15, 2026, reinforcing public-trust governance.
What critics are saying
- Office assessments fell 19% in 2026; commercial tax base dropped 1.5%.
- Bering Global Solutions cut 108 Arlington jobs on June 30, weakening contractor demand.
- Amazon paused PenPlace construction in 2023, leaving HQ2 Phase Two stalled through 2028.
What makes Arlington County VA unique
- July 2026 CIP earmarked $4.9 billion for Arlington infrastructure, signaling fiscal scale.
- National Landing attracted over 100 office leases after Amazon's HQ2 arrival in 2023.
- Arlington's Digital Equity Initiative funds AI literacy, workforce training, and resident tech support.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Flexible Work Hours
Professional Development Budget
Company News
IAFC shares fire service reflections on 25th anniversary of 9/11 attacks. September 11, 2026 * Tom Austin-Morgan The International Association of Fire Chiefs has published reflections from fire service leaders to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, highlighting sacrifice, leadership, preparedness and the lessons that continue to shape emergency response in the United States. These reflections honor the firefighters, first responders, civilians and families affected by 9/11, while also documenting how the attacks changed incident management, mutual aid and interagency coordination across the fire service. IAFC president honors responders and families. Chief Trisha Wolford, IAFC President 2025-2026 and a member of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, said September 11 remains "etched into our national memory as a day of unimaginable loss and extraordinary sacrifice." Wolford said the attacks changed how people think, serve and stand together. For the fire service, she said, the anniversary is a reminder of both vulnerability and strength. She added that firefighters and paramedics continue to step forward for their communities, even when they do not know what a call may demand of them. Wolford said: "Today, we honor the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the courage of those who ran toward danger on that fateful day. And we reaffirm that, as long as there is a call to answer, the fire service will be there, ready, willing, and unshaken in our commitment to protect others." IAFC headquarters supported coordination after the attacks. Chief John Buckman, IAFC President from 2001 to 2002, recalled learning of the unfolding emergency while speaking with Chief Richard Marinucci of Farmington Hills, Michigan. Buckman said he initially questioned how a high-rise fire could grow so large in an occupied building before watching the second aircraft strike the World Trade Center. Buckman said IAFC headquarters became a center for information, coordination and support. The IAFC Hazmat Committee was meeting in the building that day, and fire service leaders helped connect with federal and New York response operations. According to Buckman, Chief John Eversole of Chicago served as a liaison to FEMA, while Chief Nick Russo of Massachusetts led what would now be recognized as an Incident Management Team to support New York City operations. IAFC also issued guidance urging firefighters not to self-dispatch to attack sites, while keeping its headquarters open around the clock for several days after the attacks. Lessons centered on coordination, communication and mental health. Buckman said lessons from the response included the importance of cooperation and coordination during large-scale incident management, interagency communication, continuity of government planning, expanded mutual aid systems, information sharing between public and private entities, mental health services, and local EMS resources. FDNY leader reflects on ordinary heroes. Joseph Pfeifer, retired FDNY Assistant Chief and former Acting Fire Commissioner, said the response on 9/11 showed how ordinary people can make a difference. Pfeifer, author of Ordinary Heroes: A Memoir of 9/11, said responders were "forged by fire and dust" as they helped save thousands of people. Pentagon response showed value of regional preparation. Jim Schwartz, retired Arlington County Fire Chief and the incident commander at the Pentagon on 9/11, said preparation before the attacks was central to the region's ability to respond. Schwartz said Arlington Fire Chief Ed Plaugher had focused the department and the wider metropolitan region on terrorism preparedness during the 1990s, helping develop what became the Metropolitan Medical Response System. He said the Pentagon response benefited from long-standing relationships across jurisdictions and disciplines, including mutual aid arrangements, automatic aid among Northern Virginia fire departments and cooperation with federal partners. Schwartz said complex emergencies show that no single organization has all the capabilities, answers or experience required to resolve a major incident. He said modern emergency services leaders must build and sustain professional relationships across boundaries. Prince William County recalls regional mutual aid response. Mary Beth Michos, retired Fire Chief of Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue in Virginia, said she was attending an IAFC Hazardous Materials Committee meeting near IAFC headquarters when the attacks began. Michos said she returned to Prince William County to support emergency operations after learning of threats to the Washington metropolitan area. By the time she arrived, staff had activated the Emergency Operations Center following the attack on the Pentagon. Prince William County mobilized additional fire and EMS staffing to protect local coverage while also supporting responses outside the county. Units helped cover Fairfax County, Alexandria and Arlington County, and later deployed to the Pentagon to relieve other jurisdictions. Michos said Prince William County personnel provided support at the Pentagon for 11 days. She also noted that the county lost 23 residents, the most of any local jurisdiction, including Dumfries Rescue Squad volunteer Jeff Simpson, who died after moving toward the collapsed towers in New York to help others. Preparedness before 9/11 shaped response after the attacks. Michos said years of joint planning, training, mutual aid agreements and shared response protocols across the Washington metropolitan area allowed agencies to function as one organization despite crossing state and district boundaries. She said the regional system has since advanced to a higher level of cooperation, coordination, operational readiness and response, becoming a model for fire departments across the country. The IAFC said the reflections are part of the fire service's collective history, preserving firsthand accounts of sacrifice, service and the enduring responsibility to "never forget."
Doctor's Run Park renovation project moves forward with final design and next steps. Arlington County has announced progress on the Doctor's Run Park renovation project, following the completion of community engagement efforts. On July 22, officials reported that feedback from residents was instrumental in developing the final draft park design. "Thank you to everyone who participated in our community engagements for the Doctor's Run Park Project! Your feedback was essential to develop the final draft park design," Arlington County said. The county has made the final engagement summary available for public review. Staff are currently working to finalize the design before starting the permitting process. The county aims to present the final design and construction bid to the County Board in spring 2027. If approved, planning for construction is expected to begin in fall 2027. The timeline is described as an estimate and may be subject to change. The Doctor's Run Park renovation project has involved multiple phases of public input, with the county emphasizing the importance of community feedback in shaping the park's future. More information about the project and opportunities to stay informed are available on the Arlington County website. The project is part of Arlington County's ongoing efforts to improve public spaces and respond to community needs. Updates and further details will be provided as the project advances toward the permitting and construction phases.
Arlington County ranked No. 2 in 2026 Digital Counties Survey for technology leadership. Arlington County has been named the No. 2 digital county in the nation for 2026 in the 150,000-249,999 population category, according to the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties. The recognition continues Arlington's longstanding record of technology achievement, marking the 15th time the county has placed in the top three, including seven years at the top spot. "Arlington County is honored to be recognized in the 2026 Digital Counties Survey for our work in advancing how technology supports services and operations. It reflects the work we do every day to implement our mission, namely embracing technologies to achieve better business outcomes while incorporating innovation, security, and sustainability," said Holly Hartell, Director and Chief Information Officer for the Department of Technology Services. The annual Digital Counties Survey evaluates counties on strategic planning, cybersecurity, digital services, organizational technology leadership, data management, and innovation. The award highlights practices that help counties strengthen performance and address fiscal and operational challenges. This year's recipients demonstrate a shift toward stronger technology governance, improved constituent experience, data-informed decision-making, workforce readiness, and responsible adoption of emerging tools, according to Government Technology. Arlington's Digital Strategy outlines a framework to provide individuals with access to information as needed and in preferred formats. The county's technology investments are focused on meeting constituent needs, fostering a digital mindset, and using technology to improve daily life. More information about the department's strategic goals and portfolio is available on the county's website. The Digital Counties Survey Award is an annual measure of performance and innovation in county technology programs and plans nationwide. Arlington's continued recognition reflects its commitment to advancing technology in public service and operations.
Arlington County announces Digital Discovery Fair and highlights digital equity initiatives. Arlington County is inviting community organizations, educators, technology companies, and government agencies to participate in the first Digital Discovery Fair, scheduled for October 10 at Arlington Central Library. The event aims to help residents of all ages and skill levels explore emerging technology, build digital skills, connect with local resources, and receive personalized technology support. Proposals for participation in the Digital Discovery Fair will be reviewed by the planning team on August 6 and on a rolling basis until September 25, or while space permits. Organizers say the event is designed for those providing digital skills instruction, showcasing innovative technology, connecting residents to affordable internet, or helping people solve everyday technology challenges. "Whether you're providing digital skills instruction, showcasing innovative technology, connecting residents to affordable internet, or helping people solve everyday technology challenges, we invite you to join us in creating an engaging afternoon of connection and learning," the announcement said. This spring, Arlington County issued its second call for proposals for digital equity-specific projects, making $500,000 available to support community-based efforts that help residents make meaningful use of digital access and tools. Proposed projects include personalized tech support, digital skills training and workforce development, artificial intelligence literacy, youth programming, and technology education for older adults. Seventeen applications requesting more than $1 million in funding were received, and a seven-person interdepartmental team will review them. Funding decisions are expected in late fall 2026. On June 26, more than 60 attendees from county staff, industry, and nonprofits met at the National Landing Experience Center for a discussion on artificial intelligence and community development. Speakers and attendees explored how AI can advance digital inclusion and workforce development with equity in mind. David Herlihy of the Arlington County Department of Technology Services and Adriana Bonilla of Arlington Economic Development shared perspectives on the county's approach to AI and efforts to integrate it and attract business. Representatives from Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, and Levy participated in a panel moderated by Tara Palacios of Arlington Economic Development. The event was the most attended Coalition meeting to date and underscored the Coalition as a collaborative forum for government, industry, and community organizations to share expertise and foster partnerships. The Arlington Public Library's Teleconnect Program, which expanded to Courthouse Library in fall 2025, has exceeded expectations. The Teleconnect Space, a free, private room equipped for virtual meetings, averages 54 bookings per month - double what was anticipated. Approximately 75% of bookings are for job interviews or health and wellness appointments. User feedback has been positive, with one user stating, "I can't emphasize enough how crucial this service is. Access to a computer and phone isn't optional when you're trying to improve your situation - it's necessary." More information about Arlington County's Digital Equity Initiative, including resources and updates, is available on the Digital Equity Initiative Homepage, according to Arlington County.
Arlington launches new Parking Ticket Payment and Processing system. Published on June 10, 2026 ARLINGTON, Va. - Arlington County is partnering with Passport Labs, Inc. to launch a new parking ticket payment and processing system, beginning today, June 10, 2026. The upgraded system includes a new online portal, making it easier for community members and visitors to view, pay and resolve their parking tickets in one place. New parking ticket payment system features. New Web Design: The parking ticket payment portal has a new look. You can scan the QR code on your ticket to launch the RMC Parking Ticket Payment and Processing Portal or view all available payment options on the ACPD website. Beginning Wednesday, June 10, 2026, all parking tickets issued by Arlington County, including those received prior to the launch of the new system, will be available in the new RMC Parking Ticket Payment and Processing Portal to view, pay or appeal through court. Updated Online Experience: Arlington Arts has introduced a more user-friendly online portal, making it easier and faster to view, pay and appeal parking tickets. Its upgraded platform makes online services for parking tickets more accessible on any device, whether you're using a phone, tablet, or computer. Parking tickets can also be paid for over the phone, or by mailing a check. Information on payment methods is available on the ticket payment webpage. Residential Permit Parking program upgrades coming. Electronic Permits: Beginning in July 2026, the County's Residential Permit Parking program, including visitor passes, will shift to an all-electronic pass system from Passport Labs, Inc. This year's renewal for the RPP program will be staggered by zone groups rather than one date for all customers. For more information on how electronic permits work, benefits of the upgrade, and the schedule for implementation, please visit the program page. Additional resources. The Arlington County Police Department is committed to the fair and equitable enforcement of parking regulations and the facilitation of adequate parking availability for community members and businesses on public property in Arlington County. For additional parking enforcement and parking ticket payment information, visit its website, read answers to frequently asked questions and review information on parking ticket payment and dispute options. Program Contacts If you have any questions regarding parking ticket payments, please contact Customer Service at 571-200-9782. For general transportation safety questions, contact the Arlington County Police Department's Special Operations Section at 703-228-4141. For program information regarding Residential Permit Parking, contact the Department of Environmental Services at 703-228-3344 or [email protected] Arts. Media Contacts. Arlington County Police Department: Kiyah Daniell, 703-228-4370 Department of Environmental Services: Peter Golkin, 703-228-3346