Arlington County saw a rise in total crime from 2022 to 2023, including a nearly 20% increase in drug-related crimes, according to the police department’s new annual report.
The county tallied 474 instances of the production, distribution or use of illegal narcotics in 2023, up from the 2022 total of 396. Those were the “primary driver” in an increased rate of “crimes against society,” according to the report.
Crimes against society saw the biggest year-over-year increase — 14.5% — among the county’s more serious “Group A Offenses.” Crimes against persons grew by 8.3%, while crimes against property rose by 4.8%.
Compared to the previous year’s data, the increase in crime rates slowed in both “persons” and “property” categories.
“The overall crime rate in Arlington County, reported as Group A Offenses… increased 6.0% in 2023 as compared to the previous year,” the Arlington County Police Department said in a press release. “The total number of offenses (offenses per 100,000 persons) remains below the 2023 Virginia average.”
Of the crimes against persons, intimidation offenses saw the greatest jump year-over-year. The 122 tallied represent an increase of more than 50% from 2022’s total of 81.
Incidents in which a person makes verbal or other types of threats without using a weapon are considered intimidation, according to the report. This also includes swatting incidents, which involve the report of a false emergency to trigger a large police response.
Abduction and kidnapping was also up, by 23%. Simple assaults increased 11%, while aggravated assaults — those of a stronger nature — decreased by more than 10%.
Sex offenses remained little changed in 2023. A total of 137 forcible offenses, up five from the year prior, were identified, while non-forcible offenses decreased from three to two.
Crimes against property increased 4.8% from 2022 to 2023, slowing from the 23% rise from 2021 to 2022.
Robberies were the biggest catalyst toward the yearly growth. A total of 255 robberies were reported last year, a 53% increase over the 167 reported robberies in 2022.
Motor vehicle thefts (-2.2%), counterfeiting/forgery incidents (-20.7%) and stolen property offenses (-25.7%) all declined year-over-year.
Arlington County police identified and confiscated 134 total illegally possessed firearms, included 15 considered “ghost” guns.
Police reported a 4.1% increase in weapons law offenses from 2022 to 2023, slowing from the 30% increase seen from 2021 to 2022.
Among “Group B Arrests,” disorderly conduct incidents rose more than any other. A total of 535 offenses were tallied in 2023, a 19% increase from 2022.
Other offenses under the “Group B” category include trespassing, loitering, and driving under the influence — the latter of which was down 26%.
Use of force incidents, meanwhile, reached a multi-year high.
A total of 114 use of force reports were processed by the Arlington County Police Department’s Office of Professional Responsibility, the highest total since reporting requirements were updated in 2019.
Control holds — joint manipulation techniques that target joints and sensitive nerves, according to the police — were used most frequently in 2023, totaling 71 instances. Tasers were used eight times, while firearms were not used.
Arlington County Police Chief Andy Penn lauded the police force, saying in a statement that they maintained professionalism in the face of ongoing staffing challenges.
The sworn police force at the beginning of May was 310 officers — 73% men and 27% women — according to the report. That’s down from 313 in last year’s annual report and 325 the year before that.
“I remain incredibly proud of the work performed by the sworn and professional staff of the Arlington County Police Department to prevent and solve crime, maintain transportation safety and build lasting relationships within the Arlington community,” Penn said. “As in years past, police staffing remains a significant challenge facing our agency and we continue to implement tools and programs designed to attract new applicants interested in a career in law enforcement and retain our incredibly dedicated and professional staff.”
