The ACPD was created on February 1, 1940 as the Arlington County Division of Police with Harry Woodyard as the first Chief of Police. It assumed its current name on October 1, 1963 after a departmental reorganization.
History
1940s
On February 1, 1940, the first Arlington County policing department was formed, under the name of the "Arlington County Division of Police". A few years later, the first ACPD auxiliary force was created.
1960s
In 1960, Arlington County Police arrested people for violating Virginia's segregation laws. In 1963, the agency assumed its present name.
2000s
In September 2001, the Arlington County P.D. responded to the Pentagon after terrorists attacked it during the September 11 attacks, as the building is located in the county.
2010s
Since the establishment of the Arlington County Police Department, 7 officers have died in the line of duty, the most recent in 2016 as a result of an illness caused by the September 11 attacks of 2001.
2020s
On June 1, 2020, Arlington County Police reportedly "played a supporting role in clearing protesters from a park outside the White House so the president could walk to a church for a photo opportunity." According to an Associated Press story that was syndicated across the United States, "Arlington officers joined a team of federal law enforcers using chemical agents and flash bangs to forcibly remove a large group of peaceful protesters from Lafayette Park." Elected officials from Virginia serving on the Arlington County Board, and in the U.S. Congress, were critical of the tactics employed against protestors.
Organization
Chief of Police
The Chief of Police as of August 2017 is M. Jay Farr. He was appointed by the County Manager in 2015.
ACPD equips their officers with Smith & Wesson M&P15 semiautomatic rifles chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO. These rifles are often equipped with red dot sights, weapon mounted lights, 30 round magazines, and slings. The department issued sidearm is a Glock22 or the smaller Glock 23 depending on the hand size and personal preference of the officer. These guns are loaded with.40 S&W Hollow-point bullet. However, as the FBI switches to the 9×19mm Parabellum, ACPD is planning to do the same and may soon begin equipping its officers with the Glock 17 or Glock 19, both chambered in 9mm. Previously, officers had the option of carrying 12 gaugeRemington Model 870 shotguns, but these are being phased out by the AR-15 rifles. Officers can also carry backup weapons in addition to their issued sidearm, provided that their backup weapon is chambered for.380 ACP or greater. For less than lethal options, officers are equipped with Baton and TASER X2 Defender tasers.
