The Arlington County Police Department has been expanding recruitment efforts with new digital advertising and outreach, although departures from the force continue to hinder staffing.
Earlier this year, ACPD launched a new recruitment website and dedicated recruitment social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram, department spokesperson Ashley Savage told ARLnow.
With the tagline “live your story,” advertising materials highlight a hiring bonus of up to $25,000 and an increased starting salary of $72,014 that went into effect last month.
A video series called “Stories Behind the Badge” has also been spotlighting stories from individual officers, emphasizing themes such as community engagement, support for women in law enforcement and outreach to diverse communities.
“Come join a team that’s committed to protecting, serving and uplifting the county we call home,” the recruitment website says. “Whether you’re a trailblazer, a problem solver, or someone driven by purpose, we offer opportunities for you to grow, lead, and thrive.”
Women in law enforcement are leading with heart, courage, and purpose. At Arlington County PD, your voice matters and your leadership inspires.
Join the ranks of empowered women in law enforcement and apply now!
➡️https://t.co/6uOgUbSkdG#WomenInLawEnforcement #Careers #Virginia pic.twitter.com/laOTh6TBE4— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) August 7, 2025
Serve with heart and change lives with purpose.
At ACPD, every day is a chance to lift others up, protect what matters, and build trust that lasts.
Start your law enforcement story today and apply. https://t.co/6uOgUbSkdG#Arlington #Community #VA pic.twitter.com/DepZaDTAe9
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) July 31, 2025
At the moment, ACPD has 34 recruits in various stages of its initial training curriculum, which includes pre-academy, academy and post-academy training. The department also has a lineup of over 50 recruitment events scheduled for the rest of the year as it seeks to build out its next academy class, which will begin at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy in January.
Still, of the agency’s authorized strength of 377 sworn police officers, 74 positions remain unfilled, Savage said. Since the start of 2025, 33 officers have either retired or resigned.
This includes 14 officers who accepted the county’s Voluntary Retirement Incentive, a money-saving strategy that incentivized late-career county employees to retire this year.
ACPD, like many police departments across the country, has been struggling to boost its staffing for several years. However, an increased emphasis on recruitment began to bear some fruit last year, when ACPD received 80% more applications than in 2023.
The agency hired 47 people in 2024 and lost 43 to retirements and resignations. This was the first time in five years that the agency hired more people than it lost, Chief Andy Penn said earlier this year.
“In addition to recruitment, retaining our hardworking and dedicated officers is a top priority of ACPD,” Savage said. “We remain committed to investing in their training, career development and their wellness and safety.”
