One of the safest neighborhoods in Arlington is getting additional security patrols for the next few months.
The Rosslyn BID is deploying new personnel to conduct patrols, support law enforcement and otherwise assist local residents and visitors.
The new “safety rangers,” active from noon to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, are meant to “provide comprehensive security and customer service throughout the district,” the Business Improvement District said in a press release yesterday (Thursday).
The rangers are meant to “maintain a welcoming and secure environment, proactively assess public spaces, and implement enhancements that support community safety.” Other duties include assisting people with “safe walks, directions, and hospitality,” and providing outreach and guidance on Arlington County services.
The pilot program will run from this month through the end of June, with the possibility of a longer-term agreement.
BID President Mary-Claire Burick told ARLnow that Rosslyn already has one of the lowest crime rates in Arlington County — which is, as a whole, one of the safest municipalities in the nation.
“This program adds an important layer of visibility and responsiveness, helping to deter potential issues and de-escalate safety concerns before they escalate,” she said. “It complements our existing initiatives by providing peace of mind and supporting a safe, welcoming environment for everyone who lives, works, and visits Rosslyn.”
The additional personnel are intended to complement the BID’s “ambassador” program, which last year carried out 2,073 “homeless outreach interactions” and removed 1,614 graffiti marks, according to the organization’s website.
The BID’s purple-shirted workers also provided “hospitality assistance/directions” 9,486 times and collected about 130 tons of trash and recycling. Both the ambassadors and the safety rangers are employed through the company Block by Block.
“By integrating the Safety Rangers into the operations team, the Rosslyn BID is taking a proactive and holistic approach to public safety,” the release says. “This ensures that every interaction contributes to a consistent, high-quality community experience while supporting residents, local businesses, property owners, community events, and public spaces — and keeping Rosslyn one of the safest neighborhoods in Arlington County.”
The Arlington County Police Department recorded a total of 482 offenses in North Rosslyn in 2024, down from 554 in 2023, according to the agency’s crime data hub.
The BID says the new program builds on existing efforts that support the neighborhood’s relatively low crime rate.
“We have been very intentional and proactive about our approach to public safety and our overall clean and safe operations,” said Victor Carcamo, the BID’s vice president of operations and public safety. “Our partnership with Block by Block allows us to go beyond basic cleaning and security services. By cross training our Ambassadors and Safety Rangers we are creating a consistent layer of hospitality and service to the Rosslyn community.”
More from the press release is below:
The Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID) is strengthening its commitment to a clean, safe, and welcoming neighborhood with the launch of the Rosslyn Safety Rangers, a dedicated security presence in the district. Through its long-standing partnership with Block by Block, the Rosslyn BID is introducing these Safety Rangers as a specialized complement to its existing Ambassador program.
The Rosslyn BID and Block by Block first partnered in 2007 to launch the Ambassador program, offering Rosslyn hospitality and maintenance services that improve the downtown experience. The Safety Rangers represent a strategic expansion, offering a cross-trained team who provide comprehensive security and customer service throughout the district. This unique approach goes beyond traditional security services, combining trained intervention with a welcoming, supportive presence.
By integrating the Safety Rangers into the operations team, the Rosslyn BID is taking a proactive and holistic approach to public safety. This ensures that every interaction contributes to a consistent, high quality community experience while supporting residents, local businesses, property owners, community events, and public spaces—and keeping Rosslyn one of the safest neighborhoods in Arlington County.
“The Rosslyn BID is committed to clean, safe and welcoming at every corner,” said Mary-Claire Burick, president of the Rosslyn BID. “A well-cared-for neighborhood is a thriving neighborhood—and we believe that’s key to a high quality of life. By taking a holistic approach to our operations and public safety program and adding a layer of security through our partnership with Block by Block, we aim to provide a seamless experience in the neighborhood that ensures peace of mind and keeps Rosslyn a welcoming destination for all.”
The Rosslyn Safety Rangers will play a key role in community engagement, providing assistance and support Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 to 8:30 p.m. This pilot program will run from April through the end of June, with the opportunity to refine and expand for a longer-term agreement. Their services include:
- Regularly patrolling the Rosslyn BID to maintain a welcoming and secure environment, proactively assessing public spaces, and implementing enhancements that support community safety.
- Assisting employees, residents, and visitors with safe walks, directions, and hospitality while building positive relationships that foster community and trust in Rosslyn.
- Providing outreach and guidance on Arlington County services while collaborating with local law enforcement and emergency services to support community well-being.
“We have been very intentional and proactive about our approach to public safety and our overall clean and safe operations,” said Victor Carcamo, vice president of operations and public safety of the Rosslyn BID. “Our partnership with Block by Block allows us to go beyond basic cleaning and security services. By cross training our Ambassadors and Safety Rangers we are creating a consistent layer of hospitality and service to the Rosslyn community.”
Block by Block, which has worked with downtowns across the country since 1995, is enthusiastic about this expansion for Rosslyn.
“Block by Block is thrilled to add security services to the Rosslyn BID,” Anthony Boone, Regional Vice President of Block by Block’s North Atlantic Region, said. “This is an exciting expansion that will enhance both safety and hospitality throughout the area. We can’t wait to get started and make a lasting impact on the community.”
More than strictly a clean and safe service provider, Block by Block has developed an optimized operating model built on best practices, research, development and modern technology that has attracted partners in more than 170 locations nationwide, including improvement districts, parks, college campuses, transit systems and other public spaces.
Photo via Rosslyn BID/Facebook
