The starting salary for officers at the Arlington County Police Department is jumping to about $90,000, the highest in the D.C. area.
The pay bump, which goes into effect on July 1, 2026, represents a roughly $18,000 increase from the current starting salary of $72,013.50 for new officers, ACPD spokesperson Ashley Savage told ARLnow.
A longtime reporter and editor for ARLnow and its sister sites, known for his colorful headlines and thoughtful human interest stories, is leaving for greener pastures.
Or maybe that’s just a green screen.
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.
Over a dozen officers are leaving the Arlington County Police Department under a new program incentivizing county employees to retire.
The Voluntary Retirement Incentive program, included in the newly adopted Fiscal Year 2026 budget, encourages retirement for late-career county employees. So far, 32 employees have opted into the program, which is billed as a money-saving strategy.
No resolution is in sight for an unfolding conflict between Arlington County’s leadership and its firefighter union.
Last month, IAFF Local 2800 held its second vote of no confidence against Fire Chief David Povlitz, reiterating doubts in his job performance and calling for his removal.
Arlington County’s firefighter union has taken a vote of no confidence against Fire Chief David Povlitz.
The vote passed by wide margins today (Wednesday), with about 81% of voting members calling for the chief to resign, IAFF Local 2800 announced. About 71% of the union participated.
A fire engine in the Ballston area was out of service last night due to understaffing at the Arlington County Fire Department.
Engine 102 was ACFD’s busiest fire engine last year, responding to over 3,400 calls. As the department continues to grapple with high vacancy rates, however, the equipment was temporarily “browned out” — impacting firefighters’ ability to respond to medical calls as well as fires.
The Arlington County Fire Department has a new plan for the next five years centered on recruitment, retention and employee wellbeing.
ACFD’s first-ever strategic plan, released earlier this month, is part of an effort to refocus the department around core values. Based on community and employee concerns about staffing, health and workplace culture, the agency developed the document to solve problems and improve existing systems.
Two key pieces of legislation backed by one of Arlington’s state senators got the ax in Richmond last week.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) on Thursday vetoed bills that would have legalized the sale of retail marijuana in Virginia and raised the state’s minimum wage. State Sen. Adam Ebbin (D), who represents part of Arlington and Fairfax County as well as Alexandria, co-sponsored both bills.
Serious crimes remain on the rise in Arlington as the Arlington County Police Department continues to seek more officers.
Simple assaults increased in 2023 for the fourth year in a row, while narcotics offenses surged 19% compared to the previous year, Chief Andy Penn told the Arlington County Board at a budget work session on Thursday. Every major category of offenses — crimes against persons, property and society — went up last year, he said.
The pickleball craze could be headed to the local jail next.
Acting Sheriff Jose Quiroz, who is one of three vying for the support of local Democrats in the primary this coming Tuesday, said that one amenity he would like to add to the jail is a pickleball court.
Arlington County is having more trash trouble.
Late last week, an email was sent to residents acknowledging that it’s been a “something of a challenge” in recent weeks for curbside pick-up of trash, recycling, and green organics. The note goes on to say that the job market, driver shortages, supply chain issues, and the “early record heat” are the main culprits.
