ANNUAL STARTING SALARY AUTOMATICALLY INCREASES TO $90,012 ON JULY 1, 2026
NEW OFFICER HIRING BONUS: $15,000
LATERAL OFFICER HIRING BONUS UP TO: $25,000
The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is seeking qualified Police Officers to join our team of over 460 employees who serve a diverse and engaged community. ACPD welcomes motivated and service minded individuals who are committed to lifelong learning and who will uphold the values and core principles of the department. Our recruits perform responsible and challenging duties associated with community-based policing and include response to both emergency and non-emergency calls for service, preliminary criminal investigations, and special event planning.
The Arlington County Police Department offers the equivalent of a 37.5 hours work week, with 4 and 5 consecutive days off on patrol. The starting salary for new officers is $72,000 and sworn personnel have a 25-year retirement (67.5 - 81% at retirement), with no age limit. Lateral officers are credited for years of experience (up to 10 years, or $95,491.50). Academy training is paid at full salary!
Joining our team as a law enforcement officer has unique benefits and provides challenging opportunities:
- Work in an engaged and diverse urban community and tourist destination just five miles from the heart of the nation's capital, in one of the most densely populated counties in the state of Virginia
- Join one of our specialized divisions or units such as the K9 unit, motorcycle unit, tactical operations units such as SWAT and crisis negotiation, community and business outreach units, honor guard, and bicycle patrol
- Serve in a wide variety of areas such as patrol, special and tactical operations, community engagement, investigations, training, and recruitment to help move the department forward in its three key initiatives
- Participate in additional training opportunities to advance your career and achieve goals as professional law enforcement officer
- Collaborate with other regional, state, and federal law enforcement agencies who are dedicated to ensuring the safety of our community and region
- Work a 15-day fixed shift as a patrol officer, with two weekends off per month. No swing shifts!
- Earn additional pay for certifications and other specialty areas
All Arlington County Police Officers are eligible for County government employee benefits that includes health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan specifically for uniformed public safety officers. To learn more, visit www.joinarlingtoncountypd.com.
Selection Criteria
Minimum Requirements: To participate in the Police Officer recruitment process, all candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Education: Applicants must have completed at least 60 semester hours, or 90 quarter hours, of course work at an accredited college or university, with some exceptions as detailed below.
- Age: Applicants must be at least 20 years and 6 months of age at time of application.
- Other Requirements: Other additional and special minimum requirements may apply.
Education Requirement Substitutions: Prior law enforcement or military experience may substitute for the education requirement under the following conditions:
- Law enforcement experience: One year of experience as a full time sworn law enforcement officer with a recognized local, state, or federal law enforcement agency. To be eligible for this substitution, candidates must have graduated from an accredited law enforcement academy, and this experience must be gained post-academy.
- Military experience: Two years of full time, continuous, active-duty experience with the United States Military. To be eligible for this substitution, candidates must have received, or are eligible to receive, an honorable discharge.
Special Requirements
Selection Process: There is a multi-stage selection process to determine applicant eligibility to become an Arlington County Police Officer. A candidate must pass each stage of the selection process to be considered eligible for hire. These stages include:
- Screening for minimum qualifications
- Written examination
- Character/background investigation including photographing and fingerprinting
- Panel interview
- Polygraph examination
- Stress test / Chest X-ray
- Psychological evaluation
- Drug testing
- Medical examination
Additional Information
Written Examination: After you have submitted your application and it is determined that you are eligible to participate in the selection process, you will receive specific instructions by e-mail about how your next steps. All active, local, state and federal law enforcement officers, excluding Military Police Officers, are exempt from taking the police entrance exam.
Education Requirement Substitution: To be eligible for promotion to the rank of Sergeant or above, all officers must complete 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of college work at an accredited college or university, regardless of prior law enforcement or military experience. If an applicant is hired using the education requirement substitutions, they will only be eligible for the ranks of Police Officer and Corporal until they have achieved 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of accredited college course work.
Lateral Hires: Arlington County Police Department welcomes current and recent law enforcement officers to apply as a lateral hire. Additional information about applying as a lateral hire from another law enforcement agency can be viewed at www.joinarlingtoncountypd.com.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $72,000.00 - $112,339.50 per year
Benefits:
- 457(b)
- Credit union membership
- Dental insurance
- Dependent health insurance coverage
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Military leave
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Ability to Relocate:
- Arlington, VA 22201: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
