National Police Week is almost here, bringing thousands of active and retired law enforcement officers, as well as families of fallen officers, to the D.C. area.
The week is marked by a number of events, in D.C. and Arlington, as well as numerous motorcades, escorting families to hotels and memorial events.
In Arlington, a local event will kick off the week of remembrance: the annual Peace Officers Memorial Day outside of the county’s Justice Center in Courthouse. It’s scheduled for 8 a.m. this coming Friday.
“The Arlington County Police Department and the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office will gather to honor and pay tribute to the memory of the seven law enforcement officers of Arlington County who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community,” the county said in a press release. “This solemn ceremony is held each year ahead of National Police Week which recognizes those law enforcement officers throughout the United States who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others and provides support to their survivors.”
“N. Courthouse Road will be closed between 14th Street N. and 15th Street N. from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. to accommodate the event,” the press release notes.
The next day, Arlington will host an official National Police Week event: a 5K race in the Pentagon City area.
More on planned road closures for the Saturday morning race, below, from an Arlington County police press release.
The Arlington County Police Department will conduct road closures in order to accommodate the 2024 National Police Week 5K on Saturday, May 11, 2024. The race begins at approximately 9:00 a.m. and the following roadways will be closed in order to accommodate the event:
From approximately 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Army Navy Drive, from 12th Street S. to S. Eads Street
- Southbound Route 110 ramp to Army Navy Drive
From approximately 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
- Army Navy Drive, from S. Eads Street to S. Joyce Street
- S. Joyce Street, from Army Navy Drive to Columbia Pike
- Southgate Road, from S. Nash Street to Columbia Pike
From approximately 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- S. Eads Street, from Army Navy Drive to 12th Street S.
- 11th Street S., from S. Eads Street to Army Navy Drive
- Columbia Pike, from S. Joyce Street to the Washington Boulevard Ramp
- Southbound Washington Boulevard, from Memorial Circle to Columbia Pike
- Southbound Route 110, from I-66 East and Wilson Boulevard to Army Navy Drive / I-395 North ramp
- Northbound I-395 ramp to Army Navy Drive (Exit 8C)
- Ramp to Army Navy Drive from exit 8A / Arlington Ridge Road/ Washington Boulevard
Arlington residents, particularly those near National Airport and in the Crystal City area — where many National Police Week participants are staying — should expect increased noise and police activity.
“The public can expect to see an increase in law enforcement activity in Arlington and the region as police agencies from around the country escort survivors to National Police Week events,” ACPD said. “An increased presence of police vehicles with activated emergency equipment around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and nearby hotels is anticipated.”
Police Week activities are set to run through Thursday, May 16.
Ahead of #PoliceWeek, members of ACPD’s Honor Guard proudly attended the 30th annual Blue Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral to pray for those in law enforcement & fire safety, remember the fallen and support those who serve. pic.twitter.com/OkHjniyoww
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) May 7, 2024