JUST IN: Arlington Police Chief to Retire

Arlington County Police Chief Doug Scott is retiring, County Manager Barbara Donnellan told county staff members today.

Scott has been police chief in Arlington for 12 years. He began his law enforcement career in 1975 as a Fairfax County police cadet. He served as Fairfax County’s police chief from 1995-1998.

Arlington is planning to begin a “national recruitment” for its next police chief. Scott will officially retire on March 20.

Donnellan’s memo to county staff:

Colleagues – It seems that all good things must come to an end. Doug Scott is retiring from Arlington County after serving as our outstanding Police Chief for 12 years.

Doug is retiring after a 40-year career in law enforcement. He has done an excellent job of serving our community and our organization – not only as our police chief, but also as a stalwart member of my Executive Leadership Team. Doug is always thoughtful, measured, and focused on the bigger strategic picture. He is results-oriented and focused on solutions and I very much value his contributions to the big questions we wrestle with. He is a tremendous supporter of his officers and staff.

Doug will be with us until March 20. Over the next couple of months, I will name an Acting Police Chief and begin a national recruitment.

We will miss Doug and his wise counsel. I am grateful to Doug for his service to our community and our organization. I know you will all join me in wishing Doug all the best as he and his family enter this new chapter in their lives.

Best,
Barbara

Scott’s biography from the county website:

Chief Douglas Scott has served as Arlington’s Chief of Police since 2003. Chief Scott began his law enforcement career as a police cadet with the Fairfax County Police Department in 1975 and became the department’s Chief of Police in 1995. In 1998, he retired from Fairfax County and was named Chief of Police in the City of Fairfax Police Department. He left local law enforcement briefly in 2000 when he accepted an Assistant Inspector General position for the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Chief Scott holds an associate’s degree in police science, a bachelor’s degree in applied behavioral science and a master’s degree in public administration from George Mason University. He is also a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy and National Executive Institute as well as the Executive Leaders Program at the Center for Homeland Defense & Security. From 2009-2010, Chief Scott served as the president of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP). Currently, Chief Scott serves as an Executive Board Member for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), after having served for many years on its Highway Safety, Environmental Crimes, Terrorism and Resolutions Committees.